Controlling Security Risks in Cloud

The world is observing a definite trend Shift as businesses have started moving over to cloud with their data as well as their services. The cloud-computing sector is observing an explosive growth as numerous cloud computing service providers are springing up. As it happened with most technologies in the past, opinions got divided on merit. While most of the analysts deem cloud computing a revolutionary change, a few of them are worried about the control of security risks in cloud.

The probable result of cloud computing growth is certainly not as black and white as some people prefer to see it. Today, cloud is the internet, and Internet is practically everywhere. Therefore, service providers are able to perform business internationally with little technological effort. May be cloud computing is not the ultimate solution for each and every company that is out there.

According to an open source software evangelist Richard Stallman, cloud services are a trap. He suggests that companies and individuals should not end up putting their trust in these services since they have access to all of their important and valuable data and information. Although these points are valid, they are quite extreme as most cloud service providing companies offer managed security options by availing which enterprises can keep their data and information safe even when they are on the cloud.

Smaller organizations and enterprises that do business around the world can benefit immensely from services that are provided by the cloud. The only thing that they should be careful about is that they should only go for a cloud services provider who is reliable and has a good reputation in the market. Since acquiring cloud services from an unreliable service provider or managed security services provider can prove to be harmful for the enterprise.

It is advised that enterprises and institutions should adopt a habit of getting a risk assessment performed before a resolution is made on the addition of sensitive data or information on the cloud. a variety of security controls can be employed in order to lessen the potential risks and to ensure safety. Security is not essentially solely depending on a single control, it is basically the overall functionality of each and every security control that’s implemented.

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Tips To Ensure Cloud Security

Some people still hesitate to use cloud-based software but it is the need of the 21st century. It has already revolutionised the way business is done. While security threat is present in any kind of software, the cloud is not devoid of it. For users, here are some tips to ensure security while using cloud computing and making your experience a smooth one.

Try Encryption

Encryption may require some effort on the part of the user, but it will also scramble your credentials so it is not easy for anyone to procure them. It is a great idea whenever possible and as a cloud user, you must apply it. Your cloud security tools provider might also be able to help you with your security concerns, so never hesitate to ask.

Delete Data When It Has Outdone Its Time

With limitless data storage, who would bother deleting anything? Yet, it is wise to delete when something is of no use anymore, as you may not know it may become potentially dangerous later on. Simply delete an email or warning message when it has outlived its worth.

Use Anti-Virus and Anti-Spy Software

The access to the cloud is from your system first; hence, a system at risk puts your online data at risk. Never be lazy about installing and using antivirus software and keep a regular check. A key logger may get to your cloud vendor password and all data may be lost in any case if you do not encrypt.

Determine Security Level

As a company, understand and know your security needs and be informed about how public clouds handle security. Educate relevant personnel on the job about security protocols, and this is just the starting point. Security protocols to protect different kinds of data, like health or finance, will be different. Also, ensure that the right cloud application security tools are utilised and routine cloud application risk assessment is carried out.

Determine the App Providers Security Level

Examine data classification and protection policies, and ask if your data will be transferred via secure channel to the cloud. Enquire about your app provider’s internal security policies and ask them about physical security measures such as protection against natural disasters and disaster recovery planning.

Do Not Assume Anything

Validate the security mechanism of the cloud to be assured that your data is in safe hands. It is important that for highly sensitive data, organisations hire a professional to test security provisions. Carry out routine cloud application risk assessments, and never take security on the cloud as granted.

Cloud Security Tools Which Are Worth It

How can you be protected on the cloud? Cloud computing brings reduced costs, scalability, and increased mobility to businesses along with security concerns. Many organizations are migrating their data and software on to the cloud due to its increased popularity. However, where cloud computing is proving to be beneficial, it is also facing security concerns. Here are some cloud security tools, which are worth it to be secure on the cloud:

BITGLASS

Currently in beta, Bitglass provides protection to business data. It is usable on mobile devices as well as computers. It improves the visibility of data and reduces the risk of data loss. Bitglass gives a combination of security types in one package. For cloud security services specifically, it gives the ability to detect usage of cloud applications, track business data on the internet, and encrypt data, which is uploaded on the cloud. By tracking data on the internet, it allows visibility for file sharing even when employees upload data onto personal file sharing services. Bitglass allows to wipe data on mobile device without using additional software. It provides specific builds for commonly used cloud apps such as Gmail or Salesforce, but variants are also available to configure with any cloud-based applications your business might use.

CIPHERCLOUD

Ciphercloud encrypts data directly at the business gateway. It aims to ensure data security, which is contained within the cloud system. It encrypts data during uploading and decrypts it during downloading. Since the encryption keys remain within the business network, unauthorized users are unable to view data; they will only see indecipherable text.

SKYHIGH NETWORKS

Skyhigh networks allow you to discover and secure the usage of your cloud applications. It provides you with a cloud application risk assessment of all cloud apps being used by your employees, by tracking logs from existing proxies and firewalls. The analysis tools it provides are able to detect inconsistencies in security policies and potential data leaks.

OKTA

Okta aims to provide secure single sign on for all on-premise and mobile cloud applications used in the business. It provides among other features, automated user management, multifactor authentication, support for mobile devices and flexible security policies. It enables you to trace user access to cloud through audit logs and allows setting access policies from a centralized position.

All these security applications provide ample security solutions to tackle threats on cloud computing, but app suitability for your business will depend on your business security needs and problems.