Due to the popularity and rise of the cloud platforms, many organizations are moving their data into this new environment. Storing data in the cloud can dramatically lower the overall expenditure and speed up the operations.
However, when a new enterprise switches into this new environment, security is a significant concern for them because hackers cost businesses and consumers more than $445 Billion every year.
Can You Trust Cloud Hosting?
According to Quentin Hardy, who is the former Deputy Technology Editor of the New York Times,
“Data stored in the Cloud is more secure than any other conventionally data storage platform.”
If you are new to the Cloud, the first thing you need to know is that while some of the applications and methods used for the security of data in the environment is different, the core principles are the same for any other platform.
Undoubtedly, one can look upon Cloud and its implementations to reap the benefits of privacy as it authenticates your web and app data for a smooth workflow and an excellent user experience.
But, How is Cloud Secured?
Like any other IT platforms and environments, Cloud is secured by using appropriate technologies, guidelines, and policies.
Some of the significant steps which the Cloud Hosting provider takes into account includes the latest security tools, firewalls, encryption and physical barriers such as barbed wire, security guards and cameras in their data centers.
The cloud services are continuously expanding at an unstoppable pace creating various opportunities in architect, back-end or front-end developers, AI, networking, security etc. One can go through AWS Technical Essential Course, blogs, videos and multiple other resources accessible over the internet. Once you will understand the whole operational structure of this technology, you are good to chase your dreams with this incredible data-driven innovations.
The service providers have trained experts who apply security practices along with auditing of the platform on a regular basis.
Various independent third party organization use high standards and maintain robust internal protocols and policies to achieve the best industry security management.
According to the Gartner report organizations worldwide spent more than $90 billion for overall cyber security and this number is going to increase in the upcoming years.
Now let’s discuss some of the individual elements and strengths of the cloud environment:
#1 Regulatory Compliance
The AICPA, i.e., American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, made a statement on SSAE, i.e., Standards for Attestation Engagements to maintain a standard for service providers and report to SOC, i.e., System and Organization Controls.
The SOC report 1 states the methods used by service providers to ensure the limiting access to information systems.
Report 2 of SOC evaluates the privacy, security, confidentiality, and integrity based on WebTrust principles.
A Cloud provider who used the latest technologies for its security and has used enough methods to meet the guidelines of SSAE 16 will have to prove it’s compliance while going through the audit.
To process payments and transactions, the Cloud provider has to meet the necessary PCI guidelines. PCI compliance and SSAE are not laws, but it is advised to the service providers to meet the stipulations of Payment Card Industry DSS standards.
These certifications and third-party approvals will make you feel confident in the Cloud host even though you cannot see the exact tools and device which stores your sensitive data.
#2 Tools
Firewalls are essential for the security of any network including Cloud. A firewall function is to apply rules and security parameter to all the traffic passing through a particular system.
The firewall inspects the data which is transferred to the Cloud and based on the applied rules the suspicious information and traffic are filtered out, and the sensitive data is moved in.
A firewall helps in providing a network barrier between your system and the other systems in the Cloud data center. The rules which govern the firewall must be managed in such a way that it blocks threats and maximize security.
#3 Confidentiality
The access to your cloud is managed by firewalls and other security tools to ensure the confidentiality of the information stored. With the help of the security tools, you can monitor who is authorized to access to your Cloud platform.
It also creates logs which help the cybersecurity experts to look into the network activities for any risky or suspicious access.
For confidentiality, the cloud is set up in such a way that it can block the unwanted traffic and safeguard your relevant data.
Further security is assured with encryption. The data stored during storage, transferring and backup are encrypted so that even if someone hacks your data, it will be worthless. A private key is given to the customers to decrypt the data.
#4 DDoS Prevention
DDos or Distributed denial of service attacks can affect any kind and size of business or industry. It consists of driving an insane amount of traffic to a particular element in the network which can overload the platform which would stop the functioning as expected. According to the Verisign DDoS Trends Report, the average peak DDoS attack size in 2018 was reported to be 11.2 Gbps.
To defend against these kinds of attacks the Cloud service provider builds a robust infrastructure with data centers distributed over different geographical zones. Even if one data center is attacked with the help of the remaining zones you can easily access your data.
Edge protection is also used which helps in hiding your real IP address as well as location.
#4 Constant Connectivity
The primary advantage of Cloud hosting is that it provides enough flexibility to its users and customers.
Do you want to edit a file during your morning commute? All you need to do is open your data directly in the Cloud and start working.
Want to share an excel sheet with your teammates all over the world? Just upload the document in the Cloud, and everybody who has the required permission can directly access to it no matter where they are.
Cloud hosting is one of the most excellent gifts of Globalisation. You can easily connect with the best freelancers and developers and work on an outsourced project. The level of security and flexibility Cloud provides proved to be one revolutionary for small and large enterprises.
Over To You
Most of the small and medium-size industries are using Cloud for years now, and this number is continuously increasing. Nowadays companies, businesses, and even governments are moving their database and sensitive information to the Cloud.
This change is primarily driven by performance, security, scalability and cost advantage which is provided by cloud hosting and can also represent as a vote of confidence from each industry using it.