Cloud computing offers a shared pool of configurable, flexible, and scalable computer system resources that use a network of remote servers hosted on the Internet. It stores, manages, and processes enterprise data on a digital platform that can be provisioned easily with minimal human intervention and management efforts.
Cloud computing solutions and tools provide enterprises with an innovative way of working, managing, operating, and communicating with business resources. Strategically implemented cloud services encourage ease of working and sustain the idea of a remote workplace.
According to technical experts, enterprises are increasing their reliance on cloud technology. It is claimed that enterprises worldwide have embraced cloud computing services, with almost 85% of them keeping their sensitive data secure on cloud platforms (PaaS). Since cloud computing offers efficient security, it is predicted that 83% of enterprise working will become cloud-based by the year 2020.
Some best-in-class cloud computing security features include:
- Perimeter Firewalls
Firewalls are a principal line of security that monitors a network of computers and safeguards it from cyber-attacks. Many service providers offer advanced firewalls that conduct stable packet inspections to examine file packet integrity. It ensures the packet’s stability before initiating an action (approve or reject) and verifies the data stored on file packets to check its type, source, and destination.
- Internal Firewalls
According to IT experts, while a perimeter firewall provides comprehensive security from external threats, internal threats may still raise security concerns. It is claimed that infrastructures that lack internal firewalls are more vulnerable to attacks. Thus, it is important to install internal firewalls for individual applications and databases.
- Intrusion Detecting SystemsAn intrusion detection system (IDS) is a type of software program (or a device) that monitors network traffic and examines it for malicious activities and vulnerabilities. It keeps a stern check on the actions that violate security policies and automatically generates alerts in case of any detection. According to experts, all enterprises should have means to track and record intrusion attempts. This makes IDS event logging a must-have solution for all kinds of businesses willing to meet compliance standards like PCI and HIPAA. Many cloud computing service providers offer IDS and update security regulations for their firewalls.
- Data-At-Rest Encryptions
IT experts believe data encryption to be one of the most effective ways of securing sensitive data stored in the cloud from thefts and breaches. While firewalls restrict information access to unauthorized users, encryptions convert data into codes that can be translated only with a code key. A strongly applied encryption minimizes the risk of data being stolen or accessed from an illegitimate endpoint.
Since the cloud offers a comprehensively secure digital platform that keeps sensitive enterprise data safe, hackers can still attack physical hardware used to run the cloud environment. Thus, enterprises can store their data in Tier IV data centers to protect their physical hardware from unauthorized personnel.
