How do companies ensure security in cloud computing services?

By Sekuro Hackcelerator 2021 Mentee, Archit Madaan

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Cloud computing refers to the delivery of hosted services, including hardware, software and data storage via the internet. The benefits of this service have been seen across numerous organisations often running on multi-cloud infrastructure architecture especially due to its low up-front costs, flexibility, and rapid deployment.[1] With no apparent shortage of benefits, it’s clear to see why so many companies have made the switch to cloud computing. However, with any form of cyber technology, the risks must also be considered and confronted.

In a world where cyber-attacks and data breaches are more common than ever, we must look at how both the use of these systems rely on customer’s trusting businesses in keeping client data safe, and also how the client can ensure that they themselves are protected in this service, to ensure a secure cloud network. Understanding both facets is vital in ensuring a healthy cloud security solution.

All cloud security systems should aim to fulfill one or more of the following; to enable data recovery in case of data lossprotect storage and networks in case of data theft or ransom attacksavoid human error or negligence and ensure the impact of any system compromise is negligible. [2] 

Providers and clients utilise tools and technologies to create barriers between accessing and viewing sensitive data across the cloud. The most notable barrier is often encryption, a method that scrambles user data so that it can only be read by a user with the encryption key. In the chance of data loss, encryption ensures that the lost or stolen data is effectively unreadable and renders it useless. Another form of data security that companies utilise within cloud networks is the use of virtual private networks. These networks allow for a secure connection between users and an internet server that cannot be monitored or interrupted by external factors. This ensures for a smooth stream of data that is protected on both the providers’ and users’ ends. [3]

Identity and access management refers to how accessible certain data is to specific user accounts. 

Managing authentication and authorisation of both users and companies is important in ensuring the data collected is not mistreated. [4] Access controls are vital in restricting users, both for legitimate and malicious reasons, from accessing sensitive data and systems. Password management, multi-factor authentication and clear user management in who has access to what aspects of the cloud, are some of the methods that fall under the scope of identity and access management. Additionally, having technical systems to ensure operations remain uninterrupted can also help in taking out the human error factor.

Governance of data specifically focuses on the policies in place for threat prevention, detection, and mitigation. Companies enforce aspects such as threat intel to help track and prioritise the threats their systems may attempt to cultivate a security policy catered specially to their system. Though this is often common in organisational environments, even individual users can benefit from understanding safe user behaviour policies and trainings. [2]

Conclusion

Though these measures help in preventing security breaches, companies must also prepare for situations where these scenarios may be a reality. Data retention and business continuity planning are in parallel of the previously mentioned aspects of cloud security, where companies employ multiple methods to ensure any technical disaster is recovered and the harms of data loss are minimised. The most central method to data retention and business continuity is storing backups of data. Although this process may seem simple, backing up vital information can be the deciding factor in a business’ survival. Training workers and implementing policies and governance to maintain this standard is important to ensure a safe cloud network.[2] Testing these systems is crucial as it can often be a forgotten step in cloud security.

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How companies ensure their cloud systems are secure with both their own data and that of users

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