Cloud computing has enabled convenient and inexpensive storage of voluminous data on the go. Benefits of cloud computing are vivid from whichever angle, and many small businesses are warmly embracing internet storage. The ideal storage requires a guarantee for safety.

We can’t talk about cloud storage without a mention of cloud security since security forms the embodiment of proper storage and general data handling. Breach of data integrity is high and widespread globally. More than 43% of companies report the incidence of data threats and malicious activities compromising data, and this confirms the need for cloud security.

Cloud security

Cloud security appreciates the threats that are associated with virtualization and the need for safety is a priority in the storage of any precious information. Cloud security refers to all policies, technologies, and interventions put in place to combat any potential threat to data. Businesses wish for secure and convenient information storage and retrieval. Threats to your data can be extrinsic as well as intrinsic.

Proactive cyber security services will filter out all that may contaminate your information. The ideal is not readily achievable and needs a massive input of resources as well as highly qualified experts. Cloud security management is no easy task. Most organizations now outsource this service at reasonable fees to ensure business safety.

Cloud security challenges

Contrary to popular belief, cloud security is a shared responsibility between the service provider and the clients. Security for the cloud affects virtually everyone in an organization because technology is a vital determinant of productivity. Cloud security issues should get discussed at all levels and contributions considered in details. Some of the challenges that affect cloud security are enumerated below.

Malicious activities from within the organization

To guarantee safety to your data, you have to set a team of trustworthy employees first. Set your house in order first before acquiring external machinery. Lack of integrity among employees is terrible as they may alter data to favor their unacceptable activities or leak data to competitors. This is true to the saying that better is a known enemy than a deceitful friend.

When hiring a system administrator, it is advisable that you consider a person of integrity who will be faithful to your organization. Data integrity is at stake when your insiders engage in unwarranted activities. Adequate supervision and motivation of staff can be a solution in some cases.

Incidences of a data breach

A data breach can be intentional or accidental. Both causes of breach are inexcusable and unacceptable. However, this remains a challenge in cloud security. Hacking causes many data breaches as shown in a report by Identity Theft Research Center indicating that more than 738 data breaches got recorded in the United States in 2014 alone.

In the traditional set-up, cases of data breaches were minimal considering the number of people having direct access to sensitive data. Besides, application vulnerability and poor security practices can be a significant predisposition to data breaches in the context of cloud security.

Crucial information targeted by these events are; trade secrets, intellectual properties as well as financial records. By having a reputable vendor control your security, you safeguard cloud computing.

Maintaining regulatory compliance

One problem faced with cloud security is compliance with state regulations. Some provisions limit the ability of an organization to heighten security since they are drafted without envisioning agreement in a cloud world. Atop, SaaS makes compliance with some of these regulations even more difficult for it is a complicated procedure to identify where data resides and whoever handles it after handing over rights to a third party. In some countries, restrictions exist limiting the content of data that can get stored in the cloud and the duration of storage.

Data loss at the hand of the service provider

Distributed denial of service (DDoS) is on the increase targeting various business entities tampering with essential business data. Also, data loss in the cloud can occur by accidental deletion. Besides, data loss can be an act of nature in obedience to act of wear and tear.

All these will lead to disastrous losses to a business enterprise. Cloud security should put a counter mechanism for such attempts or put in place a recovery strategy such as a disaster recovery process or business continuity plan.

Keeping up to date with application advancements

Cybersecurity situation is changing daily thus requiring users of cloud security to update their applications to add new features continually. Some of these changes are very drastic affecting the SDLC and security situation as well. Frequent updates with new specifications may need a system upgrade to assume compatibility implying extra expenditures.

Monitoring challenges

Regardless of using a public cloud or private cloud, you will see a loss in physical control over your data security. 32% of companies using cloud security finds it a challenge assessing the security situation of their data and detecting possible anomalies to mount preventive measures. Lack of control is attributable to deficiencies or system vulnerability. On the other hand, this is usually meant to reduce vulnerability to cybercrimes. It is a good move presenting complexity by denying owners of the right to control their data.

The proper and reliable communication channel

Cloud security service providers deal with many clients, and sometimes mix-ups occur in the event of a random attack to multiple users. Appropriate notification and the alert system remain a significant cloud security issue. Mitigation against an attack depends on prompt communication and seeking avenues to counter the threat.

The unreliable alert system is attributed to insufficient identity, and poor credential and access management. The insecure access point can also halt communication of risk. The proper channel should be two-way traffic allowing reporting and feedback submission.

Cloud computing is a new thing, and benefits are enormous. Most challenges with cloud security are manageable with a little bit of caution. Making an informed decision when you choose an appropriate vendor is vital. Cloud security issues should never deter you from reaping of the benefits that come with cloud security.