Cloud service is taking over the business sector by storm. Multi-million companies are running their operations using cloud platforms. The digital transformation of all businesses has resulted in rapid growth and efficient results. More importantly, it is home to many confidential data and tools that help business operations.
According to a report, cyberattacks on corporate data in 2021 saw a 50% jump compared to the previous year, and the number is projected to be even higher in 2022. The cloud is at risk of several internal and external security threats. It includes virus attacks, stealing data, leaks, hacking, and breaches. As more businesses are digitally transforming, the danger of cybercrime lingers on their doorsteps. All organizations must take strict cloud security measures.
What is Cloud Security?
Cloud security refers to the measures taken to protect the data in the cloud. It deals with all the security threats against the data and infrastructure of the cloud. As more people move their businesses to the cloud, this threat only expands. The global cloud computing market is increasing and is expected to reach a net worth of $1143.2 billion by 2028.
Adapting strong cloud security measures is essential to protect the confidential and sensitive data stored in the company’s cloud. The IT circles are buzzing with concerns and becoming more agitated as the significant operations of a company are shifting to the cloud. As cyberattacks are becoming more advanced, the security risk is also increasing. Businesses should adopt a reliable and efficient cybersecurity platform for uninterrupted and safe operations.
Benefits of Cloud Security
Every cloud security platform works around the following characteristics that are beneficial to the customers:
Data Protection and Encryption
The primary task of cloud security is to counter any threats the data might face. It takes various measures to protect confidential data by encrypting it. Data encryption is a useful security measure because it cyphers the data. Only the concerned parties can unlock this ciphered data with the deciphering key. It protects it against falling into the wrong hands. If the data is leaked or stolen, it will be useless to the person without the deciphering key.
Identity and Access Management Service
The IAM service uses access management control to protect sensitive data in the cloud. All users must undergo an account authentication process before registering in the domain. It uses two-factor authentication, password, and PIN verification processes. It surveys the user’s activities giving it limited access. It restricts the users from accessing sensitive data or tools to prevent any data leaks and breaches. It makes the job of IT professionals easier to surveil and protect the data.
IAM Solutions
The IAM service provides multiple solutions for cloud security management. It:
- Verifies the user’s identity before giving them access to the online network.
- Verifies the user’s account using SSO, two-factor authentication and biometric verification tools.
- It prevents the users from having compromised credentials that can be easily hacked into.
- Monitors all activities across the server and grants access to data to verified users only.
- It gives quick and secure access to the user for uninterrupted work, which can increase productivity.
Data Backups and Monitoring
Cloud security provides an efficient data backup plan to the consumer. In case of any data breach or loss, the consumers can fully recover their data from the backup files. These backup files are usually stored on external hardware or an online backup cloud. However, cloud security’s continuous monitoring can identify a data breach before any significant loss. The backup files are maintained in case of an unidentified cyberattack.
Legal Compliance
Every reliable cloud security platform is compliant with data privacy laws and requirements. Companies that are handling sensitive client data need to follow these requirements strictly. If they fail to do so, they can face legal repercussions. It is one of the significant reasons why these companies adopt cloud security.
Limitations
Despite the benefits, there are certain limitations to cloud security that could be troubling for the consumer.
Exposure of Data to Threats
Cloud computing stores all the data and the operating system on an online portal that is remotely accessible. Placing this data online can expose it to the wrong service providers. An imminent security threat can cause significant data breaches if these service providers are hacked. With a proper IAM service in place, this access can be limited to verified professionals only.
Negligence and Human Error
There is always a strong chance of a data breach at the hands of an inattentive employee. Sometimes data leaks are not intentional but due to human error. These internal threats can disturb the working of cloud security. Companies must train their employees about cloud security and negligence at work. If the employees follow the instructions correctly, the risk of a data breach can decrease.
Publicly Available APIs
Application Programming Interface is software that integrates two applications and allows them to communicate. People commonly use it to incorporate multiple platforms that can put the data they have provided at risk. For example, if you integrate Facebook and Instagram, any person with access to one platform can also access the other.
These APIs make cloud security vulnerable to threats. Since they are publicly available, cybercriminals can access sensitive information by jumping into integrated platforms. Employees should be advised against integrating personal and professional APIs.
Final Thoughts
Cloud security and management have become vital in businesses in recent years. It is at the centre of the digital transformation of companies. However, it also opens doors to cyberattacks, hacking, data phishing, and breaches.
Cloud security has multiple features that protect the company’s interests against cybercrimes. While there are many benefits, there are also several limitations. However, due diligence can counter the threat of these limitations.
