According to the latest reports, the amount of data stored in the clouds is over 1 exabyte. This amount of Data is equivalent to over 1 billion gigabytes. Anyone can access this Data by getting connected to the cloud with the correct access codes. The valid access codes are available only to legitimate and authorized people. Any illegitimate access, data loss etc., to the data stored in the clouds can wreak havoc on the global infrastructure. This is the reason why security for cloud applications is critical.
What is cloud technology?
The technology Cloud is where small, medium or giant enterprises or entities store their confidential data. This includes all or most of their operations-related data. The web-based cloud application can be accessed and shared in a virtual environment. The internet is also a cloud, and an individual’s computer systems access or share data. The cloud can usually solve problems like downtime and is also easily scalable.
What does cloud security do?
The security of sensitive Data is a matter of great importance in a cloud. Cloud security or cloud computing security is the name given to the collection of measures taken about the security of the data to protect the cloud-based infrastructure, applications etc. Cloud security includes user authentication, device authentication, data access control, data privacy protection, Securing Data in the Cloud, Securing the Operating System, Alerting, Audit Incident Response etc.
How does cloud security value add to the global infrastructure and the entities responsible for cloud security?
According to experts, security for cloud applications enables better business outcomes due to its speed and scalability, and it can be managed remotely. A cloud security service can allow the necessary security controls within a brief period. A cloud security service provider can also add enhanced security features by embedding them in an existing system. A comprehensive cloud security system is usually teamwork between an organization or entity and its corresponding cloud vendor. A Cloud security system’s key result area is usually protection of the cloud computing environment, while cybersecurity includes protection of PC, servers, networks etc.
Security for cloud applications is also a more digital approach to cybersecurity. It has its policies, protocols, best practices, compliance procedures etc. It protects the privacy of data, data centers, cloud applications, etc., in a more scalable and speedier mode. The essential feature of cloud security implementation and maintenance is that it does not require on-site presence. It spans all devices and platforms, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, etc.
Cloud security and big data
With the emergence of Big Data in technology processes and analysis, businesses have shown a trend toward data cloud storage. Traditional data centers do not provide a cloud-based system’s speed and ease of scalability. The current pandemic also increased the shift towards cloud computing and cloud security as the on-site workforce had to switch to remote working. This heightened the importance of cloud security further.
The business should ensure that the cloud security services provider maintains strict confidentiality to protect against malicious acts by insiders. Strict access controls and multi-factor authentication should be integral to a suitable cloud security system. The electrical power systems in the data centers should be equipped to provide an uninterrupted power supply. An alternate power source may also be necessary to ensure the system’s integrity. Uninterrupted and optimal power supply ensures the system’s protection against power surges in case of switching power lines. At least two independent power sources should also power the data centers.
The factors determining the type of cloud security a business requires
Cloud security for businesses largely depends on the nature of the company and its consequent security needs. Another advantage of cloud-based data and a cloud security system is that it can automate backups on geographically-spread sites.
Conclusion
Therefore, it is essential to consider what cloud security features a particular business need, how scalable the solution needs to be, the budget allocation, the type of Data servers, including hardware and software, Virtualization frameworks, such as virtual machines and containers, Operating systems, middleware and APIs, Runtime environments, End-user hardware, such as mobile and IoT devices, Data accessing.
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