How safe is the cloud? Who has access to the cloud? How can you be protected round the clock from hacking attempts? And more importantly what steps are being taken by the service providers to protect your data?
This article has been put together to help find answers to some Frequently Asked Questions related to Cloud Security and Cloud Computing.
Cloud Security
Cloud Security, What is it?
Cloud security (AKA Cloud Computing Security), consists of a set of policies, controls, procedures, and technologies that work in tandem to protect cloud-based systems, data, and IT infrastructure.
One of the reasons why it earns its name as a “Cloud Security” system is because the location of the service provider and their hardware is irrelevant to the end-user.
How does Cloud Security work?
Several technologies are working together to provide the “cloud Security” service, this link starts from the servers, and where they are located usually with access granted only to top officials. With servers secure, as a form of protection, the files stored on them are encrypted to deny Hackers direct access to the data.
For Cloud Security to “work” you need a framework with controls for all its elements ensuring the delivery of a cloud service. This is referred to as Information Security Management System (ISMS).
How secure are Cloud Security systems?
This oftentimes depends on the quality of the service provided, this explains why people feel safe using their bank cards to make online payments at trusted Merchants.
Also, Cloud providers also constantly carry out security checks to ensure data is protected. These measures may include;
- Auto patching to search out vulnerabilities
- Inbuilt Firewall
- And Third-Party Security Testing
These are some of the reasons some cloud systems seem to be more secure than others
What are the risks of Cloud Security?
The number one risk is making sure the secure location of the physical servers is highly protected from outside intrusion.
Having escaped physical intruders, building software that cannot be penetrated by cybercriminals is essential. This importance becomes heightened usually when a third party is involved.
The risks can broadly be split into two, mainly security issues faced by cloud providers, and security issues faced by their customers.
The provider ensures the physical servers and data are safe, the user is responsible for creating a strong key.
Providers also have to deal with insider leaks and ensure that they pick staff members who meet the requirement.
Why is Cloud Security so important?
With the steady rise in malicious attacks, cyber security has become very important. Cloud security is also important because companies depend on the trust this service provides to their customers.
As a customer, the safety of your information is of high priority.
What is the difference between Cloud Security and Cyber Security?
For most people, the two are the same, but cyber security covers a scope including cloud security and cloud security covers the security of data in the cloud
Types of Cloud Computing Services
Pretty much any service that doesn’t require you to be physically close to the gadget being used can be said to be delivered by the cloud.
- Software-as-a-Service (SaaS): Software as a service, or SaaS, provides on-demand access to ready-to-use, cloud-hosted application software.
- Platform-as-a-Service: PaaS, or platform as a service, is a cloud-hosted platform that provides on-demand access to a complete, ready-to-use platform for developing, running, maintaining, and managing applications.
- Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS): IaaS, or infrastructure as a service, provides on-demand access to cloud-hosted physical and virtual servers, storage, and networking – the backend IT infrastructure for running cloud-based applications and workloads.
