Security Benefits of Cloud Computing (Explained)

Cloud computing is sharing of servers, storage spaces and applications via the internet using information centers across the globe. Any internet user can access the cloud and use the information and services that it provides. As the services are interconnected, clients can also share the data with other customers. Examples of cloud computing include social networking, backup services, etc. The security of cloud computing involves the protection of data, computer applications, etc.

Must Read: What is Cloud Computing?

As the cloud computing dealers invest in the required workforce, assets and services, clients have to pay for only what they use and do not need to invest in huge infrastructure. And since many clients are using information from one cloud it reduces the cost involved in acquiring information technology services, increases business, improves accessibility to information and at the same time increases security. In cloud computing security is a benefit as well as a drawback. Due to the huge team of trained and committed professionals employed by the cloud providers, they are able to give better protection and, privacy of the customer’s information.

Security benefits of Cloud Computing:

Fixing security susceptibility – Though the security of the softwares that are being used on a daily basis should be regularly upgraded, most people cannot afford to do this. With cloud computing this problem is being taken care of by the cloud source as the computing products are set up and upgraded by a central provider who has access to better resources.

Authorization using more than one factor – Unlike the conventional username and password format for verification, most of the cloud providers make use of various factors like classified data, biometric authorization (scanning of fingerprints, analyzing the voice, etc.) and identification codes to flawlessly identify the user.

Security endorsement – Many businesses require some kind of certification as a guarantee of privacy and/or protection for their computer systems. The federal government needs to conform to the Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA) and the healthcare business needs to conform to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Action (HIPAA). However, small business cannot afford to go for certification as it is very expensive. Cloud security provides safety documentation in their packages thus making it cheaper and easily accessible for small businesses.

Physical protection – In conventional computing systems, the information on the computers is easily accessible. However, the information centers of cloud computing services are extremely safe as they are certificated and access to these services is multi-factored and restricted.

Leakage of information is minimal – As cloud security has a lean customer format, the customer’s device does not carry any important information and hence the chances of information being leaked is negligible.

Digital forensic preparedness – The client can construct a computer forensic server in the company’s cloud, in the “Infrastructure as a Service” (IaaS) format of cloud computing. This server can also be accessed when the client is not connected to the cloud. The customer can gather proof for forensic and inquiry. While in conventional computing systems this can be done by shutting off the internet connection to the server, in cloud computing servers need not be shut down. Hence the client can store information with lesser cost.

Responsible Security Software – The customers are intimated of incompetent methods of online billing instantly. This prompts businesses to provide better security which will benefit cloud customers. Cloud computing providers can transfer information and assets to be sorted out, control the visitors, confirmation, encoding and other safety measures, thereby providing more flexibility against security problems.

Must Read: Cloud Computing and your everyday life

In spite of the above security benefits of cloud computing, many businesses are genuinely apprehensive about how and where their information is stored and these concerns are different for different clients. Most of these apprehensions do not affect customers whose information is not privileged. However, for businesses that handle exceptionally confidential assignments and very confidential information cloud computing may not be the right option even though it is convenient and cheap. Nevertheless, most businesses can benefit from the knowledge and skills of better and expert cloud computing providers. Also, the security benefits of cloud computing and the facility to build personal clouds where clients can manage the people in the cloud, the information stored, the accessibility, etc. make it an excellent resource for most businesses.

Cloud Security has been the worry of many firms that will love to move to the cloud, i hope this article has provided you with more reasons to move to the cloud. I hope you find this article “Security Benefits of Cloud Computing (Explained)” interesting enough to share with your friends, if you have any contributions or questions please use the comment form below, i will be very glad to answer you. Remember to subscribe to my RSS feeds.