Cloud Computing has brought about a massive revolution in the field of information technology. It has given businesses a chance to manage and process their data remotely and more efficiently. There is no doubt that cloud computing has brought about an abundance of opportunities for the development sector.
However, at the same time, the new technology has posed several risks to the security of data that is being transferred. Let’s have a look at six possible risks that may occur in cloud computing and how you can fix them.
#1 - Data Breaches
One of the biggest areas of concern with cloud computing is data security. Data breaches are extremely common when it comes to using systems with cloud security. The issue occurs since there is a massive amount of data that is stored on the cloud. Due to which, the data become more vulnerable to attacks.One must take all the right measures to prevent the occurrence of a data breach.
When data is transferred from one point to another. It usually passes through several points that can pose a risk to the security of data. To prevent the leakage of data, the data stream is encoded at one end, transferred to the other end and decoded.
#2 - System Vulnerability
A cloud system is bound to contain system vulnerabilities. Simply because there are several third parties involved. An organization or company that is already working against you, could use this information to cause irreversible damage. Hackers can easily violate customer privacy and hack into confidential data.
There are several cloud data solutions available that can help companies deal with system vulnerabilities. Some solutions are also related to the hardware of cloud devices. Using a reliable outdoor cat6 cable can help make a difference. Moreover, system upgrades along with patching can be additional safety features that you may incorporate in your system to fix a system vulnerability.
#3 – Employee Negligence
Since cloud computing is a relatively new technology. Your employees might take some time before they may adapt to it. While they are at it, there a chance that they might make a couple of mistakes. It is not surprising that mistakes made by employees are the biggest security risk that cloud-based companies have to face.
This is probably the most worrisome security concern since employees have direct access to data. Carelessness on their behalf can cause a loss worth millions.
Since everyone owns a smartphone nowadays. It is not unlikely that employees may login from their smartphones, posing probably the biggest security risk for the company they are working with.
It is considered easy to hack into a system through a smartphone/tablet or desktop. Computers that are administered through a network and owned by the company are usually protected with strong passwords.
#4 – Data Loss
No matter how well-designed your cloud computing strategy is. At some point there will be loopholes and those will cause data to be lost. The tiniest malfunction in the hardware or software of your system may cause you to lose data.
Certain security threats operate by locking away sensitive information and they only release it once the company pays a certain amount of money. In case the company has already backed up their data, they wouldn’t need to entertain such issues.
#5 – Phishing Attacks
Phishing attacks are becoming increasingly common. If you aren’t familiar, phishing attacks usually use email as a weapon. The attacker uses information on the email to deceive the receiver and make him think that it’s worthy information.
Once the receiver downloads the information, he has fallen into the trap! You’re probably wondering, what makes phishing attacks common in the cloud computing systems?
The answer is pretty simple – cloud computing is extremely open. It is comparatively simple to break into systems that are cloud-bases. A fairly good practice is to educate your employees over the ways a phishing attack is carried out. This will eventually help them avoid one in the future.
#6 – Insecure API’s & Interfaces
APIs or Application Programming Interfaces usually help companies enhance their cloud experience. They can do multiple customizations and create a system that suits their needs.
Unfortunately, using API’s is a threat to your cloud computing system. An API is capable of providing data access and communication which leads to several issues and makes the system extremely vulnerable.
How to Fix them?
1. Encrypt your Data
It is better to take preventive measures to protect one’s system from data breaches. Your company must have standards that are clearly defined and following the cloud security devices that you have chosen.
The first step towards preventing a data breach is to encrypt your data. Encrypted data requires a key which only the authorities possess. There are several ways to encrypt data. You can choose the type of encryption and the algorithm that works best for the kind of data that you are handling.
2. Get Help!
Since the issue pertaining to cloud security is not uncommon. Several services help you take preventive as well as corrective measures in case an issue takes place. It is worth mentioning that choose a service provider that is reliable and helps you detect any vulnerabilities in the system before your hacker does.
3. Backup your Data
A preventive measure to deal with cloud computing security issues is to make data backups. Having a data backup will save you from hassle in the future. Your company must have a solid backup plan, something that you exercise every day. To achieve the highest level of security, it is advisable to maintain online as well as offline backups.
4. Educate your Employees
A good practice is to evaluate all activities that are taking place on your network. All security personnel must have an adequate amount of knowledge to deal with security breaches in time. Moreover, they should be able to monitor and evaluate any fluctuations in the data and respond immediately. Actions taken on time can help prevent damage worth millions.
Top comments (0)