Cloud computing is especially popular, and with good reason. It helps companies perform their often complex business duties without having complex hardware and software that is physically located in the offices. It also reduces the need for many items often found in an office environment. However, cloud computing does come with certain risks, so those using the service need to be aware of these risks.
Threats to Cloud Security
Cloud security is certainly the wave of the future, but like many products that are fairly new, it comes with certain risks. These risks include:
- Data breaches – We have all heard about them, and the fact is, they are sometimes easier to perform when companies use cloud computing.
- Data loss – Unlike breaches, which are intentional, losses can occur when a disk drive dies and there is no backup or someone who owns encrypted data loses the key.
- Hijacking of accounts or services – Intruders with control over a user account can manipulate data to create and send false responses to customers;
- APIs that are insecure – Application programming interfaces (APIs) determine who a user really is and allows this third party to connect to the company’s various services, which is risky if not performed properly.
- Denial of service – When an assault occurs on customers requesting a service, it can result in an onslaught of activity that feels much like a real-life traffic jam.
- Malicious insiders – This is possible when there are large numbers of employees or the users are not verified and watched properly.
- Cloud service abuse – This includes using cloud services to launch DDoS attacks or distribute pirated software.
- Insufficient due diligence – This can occur with physical or virtual software, but it is even more important when services are in the clouds.
What You Can Do to Prevent These Threats
Knowing the potential problems with cloud services is the first step in reducing the possibility that something negative will happen. Most of the challenges listed above can be averted, by simply preparing ahead of time. Know your product, and do everything you can to increase its security measures.
