Making cloud computing more secure

In a recent article, I discussed cloud computing, as well as the many types and threats to it. I’d want to discuss how to make it safer in this one.

Cloud security

Cloud security is a collection of rules, controls, procedures, and technologies that should all operate in harmony to safeguard cloud-based applications and systems. Every company has a large amount of sensitive data on the cloud, and now that most of us have shifted to a remote working style, there is more data than ever saved in cloud-based apps. Attackers send emails with malicious URLs in an attempt to get login credentials for cloud service accounts. Employees are duped by these sophisticated phishing techniques because the emails and links appear real.

There’s no doubt that the public cloud service providers such as Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, provide a more secure environment than your on-premises servers could ever hope to give. Unfortunately, while cloud service providers are great at securing your data while it is in the cloud, they cannot protect you against stolen credentials, or when your firm data leaves the cloud to communicate with other. The latter occurs on a regular basis in every firm, as employees access, download, and send data from all sorts of devices in all sorts of places to all sorts of individuals.

Humans are the primary source of security breaches, not inadequate cloud data protection. Cloud data is at danger due to stolen log-in credentials, inadvertent deletions, unsecured wi-fi connections, and other staff errors.

Improving cloud security

First, the typical username and password combination is frequently ineffective to keep hackers out of user accounts. Once they obtain the login credentials, they can access all of the cloud-based programs and services used on a daily basis. Multi factor authentication (MFA) should be established to safeguard all cloud users. It would ensured that only authorized people may connect in to cloud apps and access sensitive data in an on-premise or off-premise environment.

Also, most employees do not require access to every program, piece of data, or file on the cloud infrastructure. Using an Identity and Access Management strategy to provide appropriate levels of authorization guarantees that each person may only see or alter the apps or data required to execute their job. Access control not only prevents an employee from mistakenly modifying information that he isn’t permitted to see, but it also protects you from hackers who have stolen an employee’s credentials.

Finally, the best approach to prevent employees from falling prey to these scams and jeopardizing a company’s critical data is to provide continual training. Hackers can acquire access to sensitive information by acquiring employees’ login credentials through social engineering tactics such as phishing, website spoofing, and social media spying. Cybersecurity has evolved into a collaborative effort. As a result, training is critical.

Today’s article was brief because I had a lot on my plate but yet wanted to write something. Anyway, I hope you learned something about cloud computing security, and I’ll see you next week.

Sources:

Bocetta, S. (2019) Seven Steps for Improving Cloud Security with Business Integration. InfoQ. https://www.infoq.com/articles/improving-cloud-security/

D’Silva, F. (2021). 6 Tips for Improving Cloud Computing Security. Ntiva. https://www.ntiva.com/blog/6-tips-for-improving-cloud-computing-security

McAfee. What Is Cloud Security? McAfee. https://www.mcafee.com/enterprise/en-us/security-awareness/cloud.html