Cloud has travelled a long way since it was only known to a handful number of geeks. Cloud services are more matured now and offering an array of commercial services to enterprises. Companies are increasingly opting for cloud solutions to resolve issues related to data storage and backup, scalability, flexibility, portability, mobility, and more. Top cloud computing companies are offering a host of affordable, cloud solutions to their clients. However, the growing popularity of cloud has also made it a favorite target for cyber crimes.
In order to understand the security threats of cloud one needs to know what cloud computing actually is.
Cloud computing is the process of storing, managing and processing data in remote servers hosted on the internet; rather than using local servers or datacenters for the purpose. It is typically sharing of resources in a common space which also means that the security layers implemented on it are also shared between the tenants.
It is storing and sharing of data on cloud using shared interface which make the data vulnerable to cyber attacks. It makes it is easier for hackers to break into cloud to extract and manipulate your data. Moreover, when the data is stored outside local datacenter your IT admin will have very little control over it.
The security concerns over cloud have prevented many firms in the past to rely on cloud for critical data. However, situation is gradually changing. Private and hybrid cloud models have allowed worried IT heads to put added layers of security and firewalls to protect sensitive information from outside attacks. Major public cloud computing providers are also working towards managing the damaged reputation of public cloud on data security. Simultaneously, security as a service (SaaS) is also becoming a popular solution with cloud adopters.
What is security as a service?
By the definition offered by TechTarget, SaaS is: “Security-as-a-service (SaaS) is an outsourcing model for security management. Typically, Security as a Service involves applications such as anti-virus software delivered over the Internet but the term can also refer to security management provided in-house by an external organization.”
SaaS offers a number of benefits, some of which are:
- Regular updates of versions independent of user compliance.
- Offering improved security expertise than an organization can typically offer.
- Speedy on-demand provisioning.
- Reduces costs on managing and monitoring data security and therefore, lowers the burden of administrative tasks. Frees time for the organization to concentrate on its core competence.
- Offers control to the in-house administrator in managing data security to an extent and allows monitoring of the security environment and activities within.
Author Bio:
Charles Smith is associated with the IT industry for over a decade now. He is a senior consultant with top cloud computing companies. Charles has vast experience in implementing cloud computing projects and offering consultation to companies in mapping their ways in cloud environment. He has worked long in designing cloud based software development.
