In 2008 Apple computing invented the smart phone. Very quickly alternatives to the “i” devices emerged, new battles ensued and just as quickly those battles ended with effectively only two victors; IOS and Android. With a smart phone, a laptop and an internet connection it was effectively now possible to work from anywhere in the world. Ties to “working at work” became less and less important and as working remotely grew so the concept of hosting computing services remotely evolved. The idea that applications, data and any software (or hardware for that matter) derived service could be hosted in a place that could be connected to remotely, a place that was not necessarily owned by the individual or associated company, a place that for all intents and purposes existed somewhere else opened the door to previously unimaginable levels of flexibility and thereby gave birth to the notion of “cloud computing”. Now, we all use it whether we are aware or not. Anyone with an email account that provides access to messages and content by connecting to the “service” through any device is using a “cloud hosted service”.
What is cloud security?
Historically, the internet has always been referred to as “the cloud”. When technical diagrams are drawn all computing graphics are represented by a particular image, the internet is traditionally drawn as a puffy, weather cloud. So “cloud computing” simply means connecting to resources that are stored in a physical location that are accessed through the internet or “the cloud”.
The cloud is often presented as the quintessential method of storing, accessing and using computing resources. Fundamentally it is a service designed to provide a means of utilizing vast computing resources that might otherwise be unavailable – massive data storage regions and applications of every kind that can be essentially rented and accessed remotely. There are of course different types of cloud, the main definitions being public, private and hybrid. The term muticloud (or multi cloud) could be included but is not necessary for this discussion as it simply means connectivity to more than one cloud.
There are also various terms used to describe the types of services available through the cloud. Alll generally conform to a standard 4 letter acronym “XaaS” where “X” is the first letter of the service name – Software, Platform, Infrastructure, etc. and “aaS” translates to “as a Service”. Some services are free (or partially free) such as basic email others are not and are contracted on a weekly, monthly or annual basis.
Cloud security
Generally speaking, cloud security is not much different than any other form of cyber security. The rules are basically the same; do whatever you can to stop the bad guys stealing or damaging your data. The subtle security differences lie in the nature of the environment. Cloud networks are often described as “multi-tenant”. Just as when living in an apartment you may be able to secure (as much as possible) your own “unit” or space, you have no control over what the other tenants may do or who they may let in and that fundamentally, is the problem. Hackers are expert at looking for weaknesses and flaws in security and as we see over and over again in the media, things generally speaking don’t end well for victims.
Cloud providers for the most part offer various security options as part of their overall service which is good but ultimately, it’s your data that is at risk and irrespective of guarantees offered, in the end, the overall responsibility is yours. Yes, in most countries, there are strict laws and regulations that offer some protection but they do not and never will stop cyber criminals from plying their rather unsavoury craft. The good news is that traditional methods of prevention and mitigation still apply – protect your device(s) by using traditional systems. A firewall, a reputable AV system and any other anti-malware defense utilities that you consider appropriate although not the panacea they would have us believe are nonetheless vastly superior to using nothing. Additionally, use strong passwords and when possible incorporate 2 factor authentication and use data encryption methodologies that take advantage of secure tunneling algorithms. Take regular(monthly at a minimum) backups using multiple storage devices that are rotated over whatever timeframe you feel comfortable to help reduce the risk of your backups becoming contaminated with dormant or time release malware and If possible store backups in at least two separate physical locations to help reduce the likelihood of physical risks such as fire or theft.
If you have something so valuable that you cannot afford to have it lost or somehow compromised store it on devices that are not online, perhaps even consider a hard copy if that is possible; after all, the old adage is as true today as it has always been – if you want the information on your device to be completely protected, never ever connect it to the internet.
So is it safe to use the cloud?
Unsurprisingly the answer is yes and no. The cloud is only as safe as you make it. Using a cloud service is no less safe, risky or secure than any other online or digital transaction. But it is, for the most part, an extremely useful, cost effective and efficient way of storing, accessing and maintaining remote services and information. In an age where technology can make or break many of us the reality is this – if you are connected to the internet you are using a cloud service as the internet is the cloud. So the question of cloud safety or “is it safe to use the cloud?” is not really correct. Rather, it should be “how do I protect my digital assets when connecting to the cloud?” and for that, the safest bet is to talk to an expert.
Why Use CyberHunter for your cloud security.
With a successful background in providing state of the art security solutions and forensic cyber audits to organizations of every size and in every sector and with a comprehensive array of cyber security services such as vulnerability scans and assessments, full security preparedness services and data protection assessments, the staff and management at CyberHunter Solutions remain at the forefront of ensuring their clients receive the most advanced, sophisticated and highest quality cyber security systems available anywhere in the world. Through a cycle of constant testing, development and re-evaluation of market ready, leading edge and R&D breakthroughs CyberHunter brings advanced cloud security technology into the real world to provide real protection, every day.
Visit our cloud security page to get more information.
