What is Cloud Computing Security?

Posted on October 5, 2021 Cloud

Cloud computing security is the processes and necessary technologies that protect cloud computing architectures against external and internal cyber threats. 

The delivery of information technology via the internet is called cloud computing. This has become a necessity for businesses and governments alike in their need to innovate and collaborate.Cloud computing security is designed to keep valuable data and applications protected within the cloud computing environment from any ongoing and potential threats. 

Cloud based security services cover securing data, user applications and user access. In public cloud computing, varying levels of responsibility are shared by the provider and the customer. 

Cloud computing security is a set of policies, controls, procedures and technologies that work cohesively to protect the data and infrastructure within cloud computing. 

Cloud Security Challenges

With more organizations migrating to cloud computing, the demand for cloud computing security is increasing.

There are, however, challenges that come with maintaining a secure cloud environment such as:

Visibility into Cloud Data

Traditional methods of monitoring network traffic are no longer viable for visibility because the IT team will need to see into the cloud service to have full visibility over the data.

Control over Cloud Data

There is less access to data within third party cloud provider’s infrastructure than when it’s stored on their premises.

Access to Cloud Data and Applications

Access controls that are built on the traditional data center network guidelines are no longer viable because users can access data via the internet. Privileged access could bypass security controls. 

Compliance 

Cloud environments may have to adhere to regulations such as HIPAA, PCI and Sarbanes-Oxley. 

Cloud-Native Breaches

Cloud-native breaches occur when vulnerabilities within the cloud are exploited. The threat then increases their access via weakly protected interfaces to locate data and then import that data to their own location.

Misconfiguration

A cloud customer’s responsibility for security includes cloud-native breaches. Misconfiguration of IaaS is what first lets the threat land and then infiltrate. 

Disaster Recovery

A disaster recovery plan includes tools needed to enable recovery of data and resume business as usual.

Insider Threats

An organization can be made vulnerable by an employee by exposing cloud services to threats. 

Cloud computing security is critical because it solves security challenges of visibility and enhances control over cloud data for organizations. 

Cloud based security services offer solutions such as:

Visibility

Cloud computing security is maintained through an API connection to the service which gives organizations the ability to see what data is stored, who is using the data, user roles, where the data is being shared, where cloud data is located and where it is being accessed from.

Control 

Controls including; data classification, data loss prevention (DLP), collaboration and encryption.

Access

Typical cloud computing security access covers; user access control, device access control, threat identification, malware protection and secure access. 

Compliance

Compliance incorporates risk and compliance assessments to protect data and meet regulatory requirements.

The Benefits of Cloud Security

The benefits of cloud security services for an organization are critical. To maintain compliance, protect data and have access whenever and wherever, cloud computing security is necessary.

Firstly, cloud computing security offers centralization of security which means that your organization has the visibility it needs around the cloud.

Cloud security also saves costs because you aren’t employing unnecessary resources to ensure protection of data in an offsite infrastructure. You rely on cloud computing security to maintain the integrity of your data.

Reliability is an important benefit of cloud security services. You will have data security that will prevent third parties from accessing or tampering with your data and you will have round the clock support for any queries or concerns. 

Finally, cloud computing security ensures data privacy and compliance. Compliance is essential in some industries and experienced cloud providers will offer security solutions that protect your data, build a compliant infrastructure and offer backup options should be available in multiple formats.

97% of organizations worldwide use cloud services which is why cloud computing security strategy is critical for organizations. Having complete visibility and control over your data should be possible at all times for both business continuity and peace of mind. 

If you are in search of cloud security but unsure where to start, contact our experts today at 1-844-25-CLOUD and we can create a custom solution to solve your security needs.

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