Cloud Computing Security is imperative for the smooth operation of businesses today. According to the latest statistics revealed by International Data Group, almost 70 percent of the businesses today resort to Cloud Computing for handling their crucial business data and manage their business processes. Today, vulnerabilities like data security and network security issues lead to grave business losses if not managed correctly through timely intervention. This is where cloud computing security plays an important role in safeguarding the business information and mitigating the major security risks like cyber-attacks, DDoS attacks, and other enterprise bugs.
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TheUltimateGuidetoCloudComputingSecurity
Cloud Computing Security is imperative for the smooth operation of businesses today.
According to the latest statistics revealed by International Data Group, almost 70 percent of the
businesses today resort to Cloud Computing for handling their crucial business data and
manage their business processes. Today, vulnerabilities like data security and network security
issues lead to grave business losses if not managed correctly through timely intervention. This is
where cloud computing security plays an important role in safeguarding the business
information and mitigating the major security risks like cyber-attacks, DDoS attacks, and other
enterprise bugs.
The important question that needs to be addressed is What are the Key Benefits of Cloud
Computing Security?
Once this is determined, it becomes easier to implement the most suitable security measures to
the business data networks on clouds.
What is Cloud Computing Security?
Cloud Computing Security is an important feature of a business’ network infrastructure that
provides multiple levels of control in order to monitor the system, analyze threats, raise the red
flags, trigger warnings and security measures, and provide timely protection in continuity for
cloud-based assets like websites, files, network elements, servers, web applications and
software.
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Whether the business infrastructure is located on a private cloud, public cloud, or a hybrid
one, Cloud Computing Security provides the means of balancing DDoS protection, high
availability, regulatory measures, and data security initiatives.
Cloud Computing Security Addresses the Following Challenges
1. DDoS Attacks-
The Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack by cyber attackers is prevalent on large
networks with huge volumes of data and interfaces that need to be handled by service
providers with the SaaS cloud model being the most common target. Vital information
on servers can be denied to the authorized users, while the attackers can gain access to
sensitive information and misuse it to sabotage a business, like loss of revenues,
customer trust, and brand authority. The network gets flooded with requests from fake
IP addresses which will increase the turnaround time for a valid request and slow the
servers. This could also crash servers making them vulnerable to attackers.
2. Identity Breach-
Identity theft by hackers is the primary reason for data alterations and breaches
according to the Identity Theft Research Center. A rightly designed security system
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should be in place to address this setback. The right information in the wrong hands can
prove to be detrimental to the business.
3. Data Loss-
The other major aspect of security issues in cloud computing is the loss of vital data
which can happen due to unsolicited access to data networks. A lot of interdependent
information is stored on servers, which if lost, can lead to recursive data loss, system
dysfunction, and disintegration in network functionality.
4. Insufficient Notifications and Alerts-
Continuous monitoring and appropriate communication of major breaches are
important. Timely alerts to application managers, alarms, and automated backups and
corrective actions are essential system functions that will protect business data on a
cloud. An ineffective notification and alarm system can make a critical issue go
unnoticed and lead to business information sabotage.
5. Insecure Access Points-
Compromised cloud systems are always susceptible to risks like insecure APIs and
network elements. If the access points aren’t secured with appropriate measures, they
become vulnerable to attacker exploitation. Improper scanning of network traffic, HTTP
requests, acknowledgments, and return values can disrupt the entire cloud network.
Need For Cloud Computing Security
Considering the 5 Key Challenges of Cloud Security delineated above, the need for Cloud
Computing Security arises automatically. The need for Cloud Computing Security arises
because of the following functionalities which need to be implemented on the Cloud
Infrastructure.
Network Traffic Analysis and routine monitoring of workspaces
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CSP data encryption check
Multi-level authentication through SMS, security questions, etc.
Threat type Identification without human Intervention and application of the designated
plan of action using a schema
Automatic switch from central management to local control in case the central server is
attacked
Raising the correct red flags and warnings
Conducting automatic updates and recovery schedules to always keep the system
updated on security implementation
Taking data backup and storing sensitive data in a secure location
Restoring important files and data through timely intervention for ensuring smooth
system functionality and reducing risks of attacks
Diligent access points security
Appropriating user-specific and role-based access management
Performing network audits and generating security reports for different levels of
severity
Deploying agreed set of rules on servers connected to a client of the same build
Preventing insecure APIs, cloud service providers’ (CSPs), network elements, and
software exploitation that are accessible via distributed access and exposure
Preventing Malware and Ransomware attacks that can handicap the business network
Addressing data breaches on the network including the hacking of high-profile
enterprise accounts
Deterring non-compliance issues with the latest security standards that could lead to
blacklisting
Monitoring and preventing internal data misuse that leads to data integrity compromise
Securing the network from Denial of Service (DoS) and Distributed Denial of Service
(DDoS) attacks that freeze servers or slow them down by flooding the network with
unsolicited traffic
Handling data losses due to malicious attacks, natural disasters, or accidental data
effacement by the cloud service provider
Securing vital data from vendor lock-in
Countering crypto jacking that leads to the mining of cryptocurrency
Inspection of insecure login sessions
Handling Advanced Persistent Threats on servers
Preventing unauthorized access of shared resources on the same cloud between users
You may also like: Future of Cloud Computing in Retail Business
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Top Benefits of Cloud Computing Security
1. Automatic Updates and Better Default Options-
Through security features like CMS version and third-party plugin analysis and updates,
many cloud security services ensure that software updates take place automatically at
regular intervals through the application of the latest patches and security
configurations. This helps in managing the risks of cloud computing efficiently.
2. Auditing and Evidence Collation-
Through virtualization security measures, cloud computing security can provide
forensics reports on the usage of various network resources with timestamps for
investigations. All the evidence are automatically stored for recording logging activity
and other interventions without the performance being affected.
3. Intelligent and Timely Escalations-
The Security Infrastructure on a Cloud supports automatic and dynamic reassign filters,
authentication, failure management, cataloging, encryption, resource allocation, etc. in
order to defend cloud vulnerabilities. It helps in the timely management of risks and
resisting major pitfalls in network security through escalations.
4. Security Management through Standardized Interfaces-
Businesses can provide standard user interfaces within their network with enhanced
security features with company policy compliance. This uniformity ensures an open
security market with standard practices and availability. Also, while integrating with
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other business applications on the cloud, cross-browser and device-compatibility checks
need to be performed by the selected Cloud Security System.
5. Quick to Set up and Integration Convenience-
Keeping the business infrastructure on a cloud in mind, easy security set up can be done
using existing frameworks while concentrating on the elements that need bespoke
security features. This saves a lot of time and saves efficiency for other tasks. The
security software for any additional network elements can be easily integrated and
customized which leads to better network scalability.
6. Disaster Recovery-
Even though certain advanced risks cannot be prevented on a cloud, disaster recovery
can be applied to the affected nodes by updating the lost or corrupt files and addressing
dependencies with a good recovery management system. Cloud Security Challenges
with respect to data loss, portability issues, vendor lock-in, data explosion, data
protection, etc. can be mitigated using the disaster recovery features of cloud security.
7. The flexibility of Operations-
An Increased scale of security operations ensures authorized access to information from
multiple locations and the maintenance of information integrity. The ability to process
data flexibly on network elements is an important advantage of Cloud Computing
Security. Quick response to security incidents and the prevention of threats is facilitated
by scalable security solutions.
8. Regulatory Compliance-
Different businesses have different governmental and regulatory compliance
requirements which have to be met for the business to continue its operations. A robust
cloud security infrastructure can provide enhanced support for each of these regulatory
requirements while handling security issues. The business information and customer
information of the business are rightly protected through this initiative.
9. Data Security-
Identity management tools, access control, prevention of intrusion, and
virus/malware/ransomware protection significantly reduce cloud computing security
issues. Security protocols can be implemented to protect the communication between
deputed servers. Sensitive information and transactions need to be encrypted using
Transport Layer Security and Secure Socket Layer Security.
10. Advanced Threat Protection-
Advanced threat protection schemes infuse high-fidelity machine learning techniques
and detection mechanisms for the most extensive protection against ransomware and
other advanced attacks. Reduction of false positives during security inspection with
attenuation, statistical analysis, and blacklist checks is performed by installing security
monitoring systems.
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Choosing the Best Cloud Computing Security Provider for Your Business
Regardless of the type of business that is moving into a cloud computing infrastructure, the
organization can greatly benefit from investing in Cloud Computing Security. Depending on the
business requirements and the investment capacity, the security solutions enforced on the
cloud may vary.
Also Read: Strategic Importance of Cloud Computing in Business Organizations
Here are the factors that different organizations must consider while choosing their Cloud
Security Service Provider:
Startup and Newly-Launched Businesses
Startup companies or businesses that are opting for cloud computing infrastructural support for
the first time will have lesser data to be managed on the cloud. Thus, the cloud infrastructure
and its security environment need to be set up from the rudimentary level. Security for the
storage structure and the mechanisms applied on the network elements need to be worked on
from scratch. An experienced cloud security provider with flexible security plans and solutions
will be an optimal choice.
Investing in an Infrastructure as a Service (IAAS) model is advisable since renting of a readily
available data center to host software, services, files, etc. can save costs and provide resource
support for your patented solutions. Cloud security providers who offer this model would be an
ideal choice.
Small to Medium Scale Business-
If you have a business that has been operating for more than five years, and you are already
using cloud computing services, then choosing a security service provider with flexible solutions
for existing and new resources is a good move. The service provider must perform the following
functionalities
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Improvement in current security features and processes
Handling of security for data volumes (old and new) that need to be handled, gathered,
sorted and processed
Security based on the current storage infrastructure and new storage capacities that
would be included in the future
Security solutions for the Platform as a Service (PAAS) model which helps businesses
design and manage their own solutions on a rented platform
Basic email security using legitimate servers of inbound and outbound emails to prevent
phishing and protect systems from malicious attachments
Principle data protection on public, private, and hybrid networks
Basic checks on internal data that is stored in the cloud for compliance with
international standards
Experienced Industry Key Players-
Most experienced players in the market have industry experience of more than ten years.
Such enterprises would have separate business domains set up on the cloud for accounting,
human resources, operations, etc. The Software as a Service (SAAS) model is used by major
corporates to handle their domain-specific operations. High-profile security service providers
who handle security as a mainstream activity are preferred to handle the following
functionalities:
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Advance compliance checks with security standards like CIS, ISO, NIST, HIPAA etc.
End-to-end encryption management including decryption, hashing, digital signatures,
key exchange, and certificate generation and renewal
Maintenance of data exclusivity through user-specific content disclosure, process
validation, process management, and secure login services
Fulfillment of API security requirements for different environments on cloud
communication solutions
Automatic behavior monitoring and isolation of suspicious activities through machine
learning
Real-time URL and IP address analysis for identifying vehicles delivering ransomware
and IP spoofing
Digital signature feature programming for emails and files to enable identification and
non-repudiation
Intrusion management using pattern recognition to detect and handle unusual events
Advanced perimeter firewall set up for granular packet integrity inspections (source and
destination packets)
Development of internal and external Intrusion Detection Systems with Event Logging
Support
Contingency reporting system development for advanced levels of security incident
scrutiny
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Why Chapter247 Infotech is the Best Cloud Security Service Provider for Your Business?
Chapter247 Infotech has been instrumental in providing a gamut of Cloud Security Solutions to
existing and new business systems through its products and services suite, by providing
different subscription packages that are based on different budgets and product features listed
below;
1. Automatic Malware Scan and Removal-
We extensively perform in-depth automatic scans in regular intervals on programs,
operating systems, network files, emails, and cloud content for malware like Trojan
Horse, Adware, Worms, Spyware, Malware code snippets, Bolts, and Spiders and
removes them using the latest code patches and annihilation of backdoors, rootkits, and
Trojan horses.
2. Blacklist Monitoring and Removal-
Blacklisting of non-compliant or suspicious email IDs, IP addresses, Cloud elements,
observation, detection, and correction of network downtime is done on the cloud
infrastructure using this service. Removal of suspicious accounts and information is
done by eradicating risky websites, virtual server hardening, software quarantine etc.
3. Scan and Block Hacking Attempts-
This service includes the following:
o FTP access limitations
o Dynamic blocking of multiple login attempts
o Entry points access control
o Software scanning program(s) installation
o Removal of faulty or suspicious information
o Firewall configuration issues
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4. Automated Website Backup-
Software services that automatically creates and updates backup files for dynamic
websites and their databases are created by Chapter247 to counter the risks of Cloud
Computing like data corruption or deletion while assisting in the shielding of sensitive
information.
The cloud elements that benefit from this service are:
o Website files
o MySQL database files
o Images and content
o Scripts and applications on the website
o cPanel email forwarding structure and stored email
5. Security Integration with Applications-
This service provides prompt protection against web application security risks, SQL
injection, cross-site scripting, illegal resource access, unsolicited remote file inclusions,
and targeted information vulnerabilities.
6. DDoS Protection-
This service secures all cloud elements and resources from intruder attacks and
Distributed Denial of Service issues. Identity and access management mechanisms
applied include cloud identity, generating security keys, cloud resource manager
control, and other identity solutions.
Conclusion
Cloud Computing Security measures are paramount in any modern-day enterprise for ideal
functioning. Challenges in reliability, cost, and efficiency need to be handled through the
accurate implementation of effective security footprints. For the best Cloud Security
Solutions get in touch with us today.
You are just a call away to secure your Business system with our Cloud Computing Security
Expert. Call us today and get the best Cloud Security Consultation for your organization.
Contact us at +919009077766 or drop a mail at askus@chapter247.com.