Security Issues in Cloud Computing: Explained In 4 Points

Introduction

As so much of our data is being stored in the cloud, it becomes essential for us to know that there are many security issues in cloud computing too, which may cause harm. To understand it properly, first, let’s know how it works. There are three kinds of clouds. Firstly, the Public Cloud is the most common type in which the data is exclusively owned and operated by third-party providers.

Secondly, the Private Cloud, in this too the data may be organized by the third party, but in these, the information is operated by a particular organization. And the last is the Hybrid Cloud, which connects both the private and public clouds. It acts as a bridge between both of them, allowing a free flow of data between them. Generally, the delicate information is managed privately through a particular organization, and the others are stored in public clouds.

1. Data Security Issues in Cloud Computing
2. What are the security issues in cloud computing?
3. Other security considerations
4. Top 5 Private Cloud Security Issues

1. Data Security Issues in Cloud Computing

Now, from here, the security issues in cloud computing rise as the data which gets stored in the clouds gets vulnerable to cyber-attacks because the data may contain many private and confidential information, which can result in inconvenience to many if they get exposed to threats. To prevent this, Data Security’s task in cloud computing is to avoid disclosure of any data to cyber-criminals.

The cloud security issues further rise when the data comes into transit. It becomes the least secure in between transit from one cellular network to another one as it may get deviated from the firewall, which results in that the data become more prone to threats. To reduce the risk, one should safeguard his/her data in transit through security functions like encrypting data.   

2. What are the security issues in cloud computing?

There are numerous security issues in cloud computing and challenges which makes the data vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Of which the riskiest is the one when data is in transit. Furthermore, many users having access to the cloud make it easier for cyber-criminals to intervene in the process. Some of the data privacy and security issues in cloud computing are:

• Data Breach

Also known as Data Spill or Data Leakage, it refers to the divulgence of private information from the cloud, whether intentionally or unintentionally, to unauthorized users. In simple words, someone having access to the information which is not authorized to have that will be said as Data Breach. The breach of data may be unintended, but if it is intentional, then Personal Health Information (PHI), Personally Identifiable Information (PII), Trade Secrets, and Intellectual Property are the most common focus of cyber-attackers. 

• Data loss

One of the Data Security Issues in Cloud Computing is Data Loss. Data Loss is nothing but the eradication of data completely, which can be occurred due to Accidentally Deletion, Viruses, System Failure, or Hacking. 

• Crypto-jacking

The threat can control and manage the cloud network from the hacking of web browsers and compromising the endpoints. Crypto-jacking helps in facilitating this function efficiently. It helps in functioning when there is a probability of weakness in security and infrastructure of cloud is at risk. The possibility of risk increases the chances of a device being hacked without the consent of the user for mining cryptocurrencies.

Hence, the activity of mining cryptocurrencies is legal, but many cybercriminals use the resources unauthorizedly. Due to this, one can notice the high electricity bills, lower battery life, and many more. Crypto mining can give a lot of profits if we can use it authentically.

3. Other security considerations

According to the regions, the data varies as per the resources. Some legislation asked the companies to safeguard the data with themselves only. In that scenario, they should have suitable protection from cloud computing security attacks. It is necessary to avoid violations of issues and compliances.

• Customer and Client Trust

For retaining the customer or clients for a longer time, it is necessary to disclose all facts and information, if any, subject to breaching the compliance. The clients are very well known about the companies’ security measures. About 87% of the customers built their relationship based on transparency. By showcasing and disclosing the operations, one can target a large market for the business purpose.

• Revenue Loss

With the loss of the market base, the businesses can face the loss as well. The leak of confidential data can give losses to clients and business both. So, the industry is required to uses the resources and technology for improving the existing problem and enhancing the updating system. The expenses should be used for marketing campaigns and lawsuits as well.

4. Top 5 Private Cloud Security Issues

It is very much obvious that everything has its pros and cons. On the one hand, someone may think that it will be safer to store data in the private cloud as it will prevent it from going into the hands of third parties of a public cloud. But that is not the whole story. The real concept behind this explains that there are many other cloud security issues and challenges associated with Private Cloud Security. Here are some of the major issues in Private Cloud Security: –

• Security Breach

The first and foremost thing that everyone must accept is that their private cloud can’t compete with the level of Public and Virtual Private Clouds. Public clouds and VPCs have their team of experts, which ensures the smooth running of the process. They have experience and knowledge of cloud computing security issues and solutions. Which someone owning a Private Cloud may not have, due to which the security becomes vulnerable. For their reputation or for whatsoever reason, but public cloud maintains better security levels of their servers, which Private Cloud security can’t maintain.

• Physical Security

The data is vulnerable to physical intervention, too, through the data centres. Cyber attackers may enter the data centres and alter, steal, or damage the data causing a physical security breach. People having Private Cloud Security may not have ways to tackle these types of issues, which require man-force, multi-factor authentication, regular monitoring, and high-level security. 

• Expertise and difficult learning curve

Many times, experts are needed to perform and manage the private cloud server. Because they are the one who knows better about what are the security issues in cloud computing and also about many other things. For example, nowadays, OpenStack is a popular platform for private clouds, and if you don’t have an OpenStack expert, then it will be a very challenging task to create a private server. But the problem is that there is a shortage of such experts, which is causing inconvenience. 

• Underbuying or Overbuying Capacity

Many times, the IT teams wrongly estimate the equipment’s requirements. Overestimation leads to overbuying, which results in unnecessary expenditure and storage problems. And underbuying results in hindrance in working.

• Performance Issues

Continuous technological upgrades lead to the current version becomes obsolete much faster. And upgrading is generally very expensive. Also, continuing with the older version is not an option because it will compromise server security. So, these kinds of things are some issues in the performance of Private Cloud.

Conclusion

Cloud computing may be a good option to store data, but the security issues associated with it must be considered while using it. These issues can affect any organization or individual financially, emotionally, physically, and in many other ways. So, it is essential to keep in mind all the aspects of cloud computing. 

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