Cloud Computing Security Issues Every Business Should Be Aware Of

April 14, 2016 Off By David
Object Storage

Cloud computing has changed the way many organisations do business. Today’s business owners understand that cloud computing saves a lot of money and has the potential to make any organisation much more efficient. However, every technology has a downside and security is sometimes the Achilles heel of cloud computing. Below are some of the security threats you should be aware of and should address.

Hijacking User Accounts

A range of hijacking activities such as phishing have existed for many years. This practice is now being attempted on cloud based systems too, where hackers attempt to gain access to a business or individual’s account. Once these hackers access an account, they can do serious damage, which has serious repercussions for the business or individual involved.

Strict access rules to certain areas of a system should be created and followed for cloud based systems that contain sensitive information. This can be achieved by closely monitoring the activities that take place in a cloud based system, preventing people from sharing login details and by asking authorised users for more than just a username and password when they log in to a particular system.

Vulnerable Systems and Data Breaches

Cloud computing is still a relatively new technology. This means it has its weaknesses and vulnerabilities. Hackers are always on the lookout for any weakness in the latest technology systems and cloud computing systems offer them a huge choice of systems to attack.

The cloud computing company or companies you use, should be reliable like planethippo.co.uk, and take all of the necessary security precautions required, such as encrypting data and making it as difficult as possible to access data without the proper authorisation. It is also important to ensure that all of your data is securely backed up in case a security breach occurs.

Internal Threats to Cloud-Based Systems

Threats to the security of a cloud-based system do not always come from outside an organisation. There are many internal threats too, such as staff who steal business information or former employees or business associates who may be disgruntled with their former employers or business partners and want to get some kind of revenge. Proper administration and monitoring of cloud-based accounts is once again the key to ensuring that data is safe and the damage caused internally is minimal.

Some internal threats may not be malicious in nature. Human error can often cause just as many problems and put a cloud-based system at risk. To reduce the likelihood of errors occurring in the future, make sure all employees who have access to a business cloud based system are fully trained and understand how the system works.

Cloud computing has improved the way many organisations operate. However, you should also be aware of all the potential pitfalls that are associated with this new technology. Once you know what threats can occur, you can drastically reduce the likelihood of becoming the next business to experience the damage that can occur if the cloud based system you are using has security flaws.