Ever since cloud was conceptualized, cloud computing has grown in leaps and bounds. Despite the rise in cloud adoption, many organizations are still hesitant to march ahead with the transition due to the cloud security reasons. These security concerns range from data privacy to data loss and breaches. However, as the dependence on cloud services grows, many companies are foreseeing various advantages cloud computing can bring to the respective industries.
To ensure authentic security in the cloud environment, it becomes significantly important that both the consumer and the cloud hosting provider work together to understand the security risks involved in cloud hosting. However, the potential risks involve the following:
- Security Handling
Generally, all the security issues are handled by the hosting provider and these issues have a considerable impact on the consumer. Thus, a predetermined agreement is required to ensure ample notifications of these issues.
- Security of Applications
An unprotected application serves as a gateway for hackers looking to exploit the cloud system. Thus, the consumers must ensure the security of the application developed on the cloud.
- Loss of Governance
In cloud hosting, the consumers are required to leave the control of their data to the hosting provider. Hence, it becomes quintessential that both the consumer and provider collaborate together to address potential security concerns that might disrupt the service.
- Access and Authorization
The cloud data can be accessed anytime and from anywhere with an internet connection. Cloud provider should ensure that only the client and authorized users can have access to the data and therefore, password protection and authentication is a major concern.
- Compliance, Audits and Legal Risks
Enterprise risk management is a well-established practice in the IT companies, with many organizations subject to auditing to make sure that their processes meet the stringent standards. It is the responsibility of the consumer to ensure that their presence on cloud complies with the industry standards and also meets the regulatory requirements.
Future of Cloud Security
The dependence on Cloud computing will increase dramatically in the coming decade or so, as the majority of applications and websites are operating in the cloud. Naturally, cloud deployment, optimization and services will all become cheaper, effective and secured. Hence, it will make it likely for the cloud hosting to be the first choice for all the major industries, IT applications and online service providers.
It is evident enough now, that the customers and the hosting providers need to work together to maintain a level of security and to ensure both their regularity and the operational success. Both the parties working in collaboration would ensure an effective trust and a bond between the customer and the hosting provider.
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