What is a cloud and what are the hidden dangers?

2 min
 
Tags: Cloud Data Cloud accountability Cyber crime SSL certificates End-to-end encryption Weaknesses IT environment

Although many companies prefer to work with the cloud, it also poses enormous security risks. The traditional protection of resources, or the usual local environments offer no comparison. Those who rely on the cloud solution should therefore also be aware of this risk. If problems arise, they should be able to be controlled and corrected immediately.

The stored data in the cloud

Of course, there are many advantages when a company works with a cloud. Both the resources and the access of multiple users at the same time are among these advantages. The computing power remains flexible and is scalable. Remote access is no problem with the cloud. This results in easier collaboration. For example, team members who are far away from each other can ideally complement each other. A dedicated infrastructure does not need to be provided.

A "container" in the cloud can be moved seamlessly between different IT environments, it remains completely the same. This makes using the cloud with this option all the more advantageous. The IT environment on which this collaboration is based will not be changed. This is ensured by the isolation of the respective containers within the cloud. Nevertheless, this also increases the demands on the entire IT.

Many providers in this segment offer their customers maximum security when working in the cloud.

However, typical risks include the following:

  • Invasion of privacy and data collection
  • Cyber crime and data phishing
  • Unsecure user interfaces or insecure interfaces
  • Weak spots in the system
  • Unsecure account access
  • Damage caused by malicious actions within the company itself
  • No clearly defined accountability
  • Weaknesses in the shared technological system
  • External attacks by cyber criminals

This makes it all the more important to ensure the security of the cloud, because these are ongoing processes. Therefore, it is necessary not only to secure the existing system, but also to ensure a proper response to a new threat.

Therefore, the following tips will help you to work safely in the cloud:

  • As few access rights as possible should be assigned
  • The security solutions should be as comprehensive as possible
  • Multifactor authentication is desirable
  • Transparency is a priority
  • End-to-end encryption of all data should be implemented
  • The SSL certificates should be encrypted
  • Alerts are recommended
  • Employee training should be encouraged