Cloud Computing

All kinds of organizations are using cloud computing to cut costs and increase mobility, flexibility, and collaboration. Although cloud computing is gaining popularity, most security experts claim to be somewhat concerned about the security aspect of cloud computing.

Security of Cloud Computing

What is the security of cloud computing? What can businesses do to protect cloud computing? To answer these questions, you must start by knowing the most common vulnerabilities in cloud computing and cloud security policies, processes, and tools that can minimize them.

What is Cloud Computing and is it Secure? 

We have discussed this article in detail below to answer all your queries. Let’s know at first about Cloud computing. 

Cloud computing allows the provision of computing services upon demand via the internet. These services include storage and databases, customer intelligence information analytics and human resource platforms, and enterprise resource planning for companies. The advantage of using cloud computing is increased security. Most times, cloud computing has a higher level of protection than data centers located on-premises. 

Cloud-Based Services

Suppose a business operates and runs its own data center on-premises. In that case, it is responsible for acquiring the knowledge and resources needed to ensure that its data is secure end-to-end. Cloud-based service providers provide a greater security level than many businesses offer or can afford, especially for growing businesses or those with low budgets.

4 Cloud Computing Vulnerabilities and Security Attributes

Although organizations may benefit from enhanced security when they move to the cloud, it does not mean they are immune to security threats. It is important to note that cloud security has to be an obligation shared for cloud services providers and clients. Below are a few of the most significant risks cloud environments pose and what businesses can do to mitigate these risks:

• Misconfiguration.
• Access control is not as good.
• End-user error and misdeed.
• Insecure APIs.

Misconfiguration Creates Most Cloud Vulnerabilities

 U.S. National Security Agency reported cloud service providers typically provide tools to manage cloud configuration; the inconsistency of cloud resources is still the most significant cloud security risk that could be exploited to gain access to cloud-based data and services. The misconfiguration of cloud resources can affect organizations in various ways and make them more vulnerable to attacks that cause a denial of service and account compromise.

• How can you secure it? Companies should ensure correct configuration, starting with infrastructure design and automation. They should also think about technical safeguards that can prevent configuration errors or alert administrators to incorrect structures, such as encryption access control lists, application gateways, and intrusion detection systems—firewalls for web-based applications, as well as virtual private networks.

Poor Access Control Gives Attackers Privileges

Access control issues can be a problem when cloud services use inadequate authentication methods or have security holes that bypass authentication methods. This could permit attackers to increase privileges and even compromise cloud resources.

• How to protect it: The companies can limit access control by using robust authenticating and authorization methods. These protocols include multi-factor authentication, deactivating protocols that use weak authentication, restricting access to and between cloud resources, using cloud-based access control on cloud-based resources, using automated tools for analyzing access logs to identify security issues, and enforcing multi-factor authentication reset passwords.

Employees Pose Risks

Businesses that struggle to monitor cloud computing solutions are vulnerable to attacks from the outside and insider security threats. Users can gain access to an organization’s internal information without difficulty, which means they can steal sensitive data or be used by attackers to cause damage.

How to safeguard it: Train your employees to identify security threats, such as malware and phishing, and inform them about the consequences of criminal activities. Additionally, companies must ensure only a small number of individuals who have access to the secured central servers and security systems and ensure that those who have access are trained on how to manage their admin rights in the cloud.

Insecure APIs are Becoming a Major Attack Vector

Many APIs require access to sensitive business information; Some APIs are also open to the public to facilitate acceptance. Nevertheless, APIs implemented without proper authorization and authentication present risks for companies. APIs that are not secure are becoming a vital attack point for criminals.

• How can you secure it? Businesses should create and implement APIs with solid authentication, data encryption, Activity monitoring and logging, and access control. APIs that are developed internally should undergo rigorous security reviews and penetration tests. Other APIs that do not meet the security guidelines established by the company are not recommended for use.

Why are Cloud Security Policies Important?

The cloud security guidelines are legal policy that was developed to ensure secure and safe cloud operations. Without it, a business could risk a security breach, data and financial loss, and other expensive consequences, including penalties for non-compliance with regulatory requirements.

A cloud security policy must contain:

• Introduction that explains the benefits of the need for a cloud security policy.
• The objective and the scope of the policy.
• Operational details.
• The leadership includes who is responsible for approving and implementing it.
• Monitoring plan for assuring the compliance of policies, which provides penetration tests and assessments.
• Penalties for not complying with the rules.

The Bottom Line

Cloud computing offers significant advantages and savings for businesses. While security is still a considerable issue, knowing the most frequent security threats and setting up the appropriate policies, processes, and tools can assist companies in safeguarding their data and themselves. Get and Connect with us to secure your cloud vulnerabilities.