Cyber security in cloud computing, a term that is getting common in every industry with time. But why? Well, now, a more significant number of businesses are shifting toward cloud computing as it offers a lot of benefits. This unique technology comes with profitable opportunities and features. For example, better control, robust security, easy deployment, and more. All of these are great.
But what about cyber security in the cloud? Do you have any plans to deal with different types of cloud securities? In this article, we will discuss all these in detail. First, let’s know what cloud security is? Besides, we will also discuss some features of cloud security.
Also Read: Cloud Computing Market worth USD 623.3 Billion by 2023
What do you mean by cloud security?
Speaking about cloud security, it involves some controls, technologies, policies, and methods which help in protecting the cloud-based systems as well as the infrastructure. Such security measures are designed to keep the data protected and to set some specific rules for the users — the way through which cloud security is offered, depending on the cloud service provider. Cyberattacks are now evolving rapidly, and this, in turn, increased the demand for better cloud security. Cloud security comes with a lot of major features which help in preventing cyberattacks.
Here are some major features of cloud security –
1. IDS with event logging
Every business needs to track and record the intrusion attempts. In fact, for some organizations, this is mandatory and a part of the compliance standard. To meet this compliance standard, you can go for the IDS- Intrusion Detection System solution. Some cloud service providers are now offering IDS and updating their firewalls. This helps in detecting threats as well as malicious IP addresses.
2. Top of the line perimeter firewall
Not all firewalls are effective and efficient. The traditional firewalls just inspect the destination and source. That’s it. But, when it comes to advanced firewalls, they don’t just investigate the source, they also analyze the integrity of the source and take necessary action. Some cloud providers offer top of the line firewalls which work great in preventing cyber security in cloud.
3. Internal firewalls
With a robust perimeter firewall, you can prevent external cyberattacks. But what about the internal attacks? An employee’s account which has been compromised can help the hackers in bypassing your perimeter firewall. However, a robust internal firewall can help you with this.
4. Data at rest encryption
One of the most critical cloud security features is data encryption. By encrypting the data, you can make them more secure. With robust encryption, you lower the chances of data theft. With cloud security, you can make it possible.
5. From traditional to cloud security
Talking about the traditional security approach, here, a company first buys a third-party security solution and deploys it with the help of in-house experts. But this is an expensive process. Now, cloud security solutions are replacing traditional solutions and making security for the cloud more robust.
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6. Eliminate OpEx costs as well as CapEx cost
There is no need to invest much to buy hardware and software for Security as a Service. With cyber security, you can make the configuration, tuning, and patching automate. So, your OpEx cost will dramatically go down.
7. Better returns on the investment
The traditional security approach requires a massive investment in the long run. Security as a Service, a part of cyber security, lets you deploy different security solutions much faster. Besides, it also helps you in adapting to industry requirements much quickly.
These are some of the significant importance of security in cloud computing. Now let’s understand about different types of cloud security threats.
Different types of cyber security threats that you need to know about
1. Cryptojacking
One of the most common types of threats is cryptojacking. It is related to the process of cryptocurrency mining. This is quite tricky and complex to identify. The primary problem that you can face is when the hackers hack the cloud system, it will slow down, and the server will continue to function. So, you can’t even spot the attack. Be careful if your server is running slower than normal and take the help of experts.
2. Denial of services
One of the most major cloud security threats is DoS- Denial of Services cyberattack. Hearing this for the first time? Such cyberattacks can shut down your cloud services. Besides, it will make all resources unavailable for the users as well as the company. The hackers send a massive amount of traffic to the server, making them unable to handle the traffic rate. After that, the server will not respond to the request. If your company’s system operates on the cloud server, such a problem can create a lot of issues in managing your business.
3. Data breaches
A common and most occurred thereat to cloud services is data theft or data loss. A data breach occurs when hackers unauthorizedly gain access to the cloud network and take all the data. Remember that, data theft can do your business to deal with a huge fine under GDPR- General Data Protection Regulation. That’s why it important to consider cyber security in cloud computing.
4. Insider threats
Apart from outside, sometimes a threat can arise from the inside. A recent survey suggested that an insider attack can cover around 43 percent of all data thefts. To prevent this, you need to provide all the required training to keep their account protected. Besides, make sure that there is an effective off-boarding process. When someone leaves, make sure that they don’t have any type of access to the important data.
5. Account hijacking
If a hacker hacks a staff’s account, then he can get full access to the information stored in the servers. You can’t even detect that. For this hacker, generally use email phishing and password cracking. To prevent such a thing, you can provide your employees with the required training to minimize account hacking. Another best way to prevent this is by employing permission management.
To deal with AWS security issues, It is very important to build the right AWS Consulting Practice. Read our previous article on how to build a successful AWS consulting practice for your business.
Top 5 things that you should know about cyber security in cloud
Here are some important things that you should know about cyber security to understand the matter.
1. A company is responsible for data security
All cloud service providers should understand their cyber security in cloud part. But, if a customer loses his/her data, it is the company that will be accountable and pays the necessary fines. If you are using cloud computing, you need to take every possible step to keep it secure. Studies show that improperly secured infrastructure and misconfiguration are two major reasons behind most of the data breach cases. Both of the factors come under the company’s responsibility. So, make cloud security protection as your priority.
2. Cloud firms are now taking every possible step to enhance cloud security
Most of the cloud service providers are now investing more to make their platform more secure and reliable. Security has become the highest priority for Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud Platform, and Microsoft Azure. Besides, the service providers are now helping their customers with cloud security protection. For example, Google comes up with its ‘Cloud Security Command Center’ to help its customers.
3. IoT has dramatically affected cloud security
Even though necessary steps are taking to secure network infrastructure, data centers, and more, IoT is now affecting cloud security. The reason is that some IoT devices are more vulnerable to cyber-attack as they don’t come with the required level of security. A small IoT device can lead to a massive data breach. So, when it comes to cyber security in cloud, a company should make sure that all the IoT devices are secured.
4. The job posting has raised dramatically
Cyber security is one of the most emerging jobs. Since 2016 cyber security job posting has increased by around 192 percent. Some of the job titles related to this field are cyber security engineers, software engineers, IT security analysts, cyber security analysists, IT security managers ad more. In the coming years, the demand for such experts will increase more.
5. Cloud security becomes the biggest issue with GDPR
GDPR – General Data Protection Regulation came to existence in May 2018. Even though it applies in the EU- European Union and EEA- European Economic Area, it covers most of the companies throughout the globe. Under this, every company needs to make sure that the data practices they are doing comply. Both the customers and cloud service providers should follow cyber security in cloud and protection practices.
Looking for an AWS Consulting partner for your business? Check out the top 10 points you should consider while choosing an AWS Consulting Partner.
Conclusion
There is no doubt that cloud computing will never go down, and it is here to remain at the top for years. But with time, cyber security will also continue to be a preeminent aspect. In the IT sector, cloud security is treated as the next evolution. So, keep yourself updated about cloud security, and don’t forget to educate your staff as well. Besides, it is quite essential to choose the right type of cloud security solution to keep your business protected.
