Top 10 Threats Affecting the Security of Cloud Computing

The ability to access your software applications 24×7 and from anywhere has enabled companies to scale their infrastructure. Cloud computing allows companies to have a far wider reach and also reduce the cost of structure by allowing mobility. However, just like any other technology, Cloud computing is also rife with risks. Here is the list of top 10 challenges faced by companies in terms of security.

1. Changes IT Infrastructure

With cloud computing, the companies have to change the way IT functions. The services are not delivered from an on-site locate but from external service providers. While cloud service providers live and die by their reputation, there is still a greater risk of losing control of infrastructure.

2. Cheap Services

In order to get greater business, the cloud computing service providers are offering their services for a steal and in some cases also allow free sign-up. When the companies are signing up for these free or low cost cloud computing service providers, they should consider the risk of service fraud and ad-hoc services.

3. Insecure Network

The programming interfaces used that are used to run, manage and monitor services are not as secure as we would like to think. They are exposed to vulnerabilities that can put your users as well as the data at risk of being hacked. Online safety for cloud data security can be compromised over these low costing insecure networks.

4. Lack of control

Many service providers provide transparency in their procedures, physical access to the company systems, compliance linked concerns and other technical details. This is the reason why many companies do not bother to know exactly how the systems are working. However, lack of knowledge can be a big factor in putting your organization at risk.

5. Shared Servers

Although the companies can share the share service space with many other companies to keep the costs of cloud computing services low. However, the service providers may actually lend the space to other companies while it can only have one tenant. The organization should make sure what services are being provided what amount is space is being allocated to keep their data secure.

6. Loss of Data

If your organization is sharing the infrastructure with other companies, then it is your responsibility to check the access protocol of the service provider. You must request the data to be encrypted and check the data disposal procedures to avoid data loss and leakage.

7. Hacking the Account

There is a very loud possibility of being hacked into your account that is functioning on the Cloud. There are many frauds and phishing scams that are rampant on the internet which can jeopardize the security of your confidential data if any user is tricked into the scam.

8. Risk Profiling

Many companies choose their service providers on the basis of benefits and functionality and not on precautionary basis. If you are not given appropriate software updates or any other intrusion prevention, your company may be at a huge risk.

9. Uninformed users

Users that use the cloud service can cause havoc to your internal network by being uninformed. Sometimes people click suspicious links and initiate the download of malware that attacks your secure network.

10. Attacks on browsers

Many attackers online have now started exploiting the vulnerabilities of the browser and not the operating system. These hackers can gain access to your applications by sneaking into your applications and systems.

Although cloud computing provides immense benefits to businesses. However, the companies are encouraged to do a risk assessment to manage and  identify any potential security threats that can affect their reputation.