Cloud Computing and Cyber Security
In the digital age, cloud computing has become a cornerstone of our connected world. It’s the invisible engine that powers our daily digital interactions, from checking emails to streaming our favorite shows. But with this technological marvel comes a new set of challenges—cyber security.
Navigating the complex world of cloud computing and cyber security can seem daunting. Yet, it’s a crucial task for businesses and individuals alike. In this article, we’ll delve into the intricacies of these intertwined topics, shedding light on their importance in today’s tech-driven era.
So, whether you’re a tech novice or a seasoned pro looking to brush up on the latest developments, buckle up. We’re about to embark on an enlightening journey through the realms of cloud computing and cyber security.
The Intersection of Cloud Computing and Cyber Security
In this digital era, the fusion of cloud computing and cyber security stands as a critical aspect. Together, they form a cohesive framework for the secure storage and retrieval of data. This section seeks to navigate through this complicated tapestry, illuminating key concepts in cloud computing, and the requisites of cyber security.
Understanding Cloud Computing
Cloud computing refers to the delivery of computing services like storage, databases, networking, software, intelligence, and analytics over the internet (the cloud). With cloud computing, companies save substantial amounts of financial resources and extend their capabilities. For example, Netflix relies heavily on cloud computing to stream its vast collection of shows and movies. However, understanding this complexity requires an awareness of its inherent risks, primarily from cyber threats.
Fundamentals of Cyber Security
Cyber security is paramount to the maintenance and development of digital systems like cloud computing. It involves protecting systems, networks, and programs from digital attacks. These attacks often aim to access, change, or destroy sensitive information. They also interrupt normal business processes or exploit money from users (ransomware) – for instance, the WannaCry attack in 2017. Effectively, the dialogue between cloud computing and cyber security becomes imperative for a safe virtual sphere. By fusing these two domains, businesses and individuals can safely navigate the intricacies of the digital world.
Key Cyber Security Concerns in Cloud Computing
The fusion of cloud computing and cyber security might appear as a solution, yet it presents distinctive challenges. The main concerns swirl around data breaches, data loss, and access management.
Data Breaches and Loss Prevention
Data stored in the cloud is enticing to cyber criminals. Despite the increase in adoption of cloud computing, data breaches remain a major concern. Contrary to traditional storage, data in the cloud is spread across various servers. This distribution amplifies the vulnerability of data breach. For instance, in 2019, hackers accessed the data of over 100 million Capital One customers stored on the cloud.
Another cyber security concern is data loss. In cloud computing, technical issues or malicious attacks can lead to data loss. For instance, CryptoLocker, a notorious ransomware attack, encrypted users’ files and demanded a ransom for their release. Ultimately, many users, especially who didn’t have a backup, lost their files permanently.
According to Statista, in 2020, 47% of data breaches were caused by malicious or criminal attacks, emphasizing the critical need for effective preventive measures against such incidents.
Access Management and Authorization
Access management is one of the major concerns in cloud computing. It involves granting rights to certain data or capabilities to authorized personnel or software. Poor access management could allow unauthorized individuals to access sensitive information. For example, a hacker might gain unauthorized access via a weak or stolen password.
Stricter authorization protocols mitigate risks, but the task becomes complex when dealing with numerous users. Authentication, particularly in large organizations, becomes another challenge as it’s crucial to verify each user’s identity before granting access to sensitive data. Multi-factor authentication is a common solution, requiring users to provide two or more verification methods, adding an extra layer of security.
According to a report by Verizon, 81% of hacking related breaches leveraged weak or stolen passwords, underscoring the importance of robust access management.