Cybersecurity in cloud computing: The challenges of keeping the cloud safe

• Author:
• Author name

  Quantumrun Foresight
• June 16, 2022

The future is the cloud; businesses know it and so do cybercriminals. Cybersecurity in cloud computing presents unique challenges for organizations. However, by implementing comprehensive security strategies and using the right tools and services, companies can effectively protect their data and applications in the cloud and mitigate the risks of cyberattacks.

Cybersecurity in the cloud computing context

Cloud computing, such as software as a service (SaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), and infrastructure as a service (IaaS), has become increasingly popular, and so do cybersecurity solutions that are needed to ensure the safety of these systems. Cloud computing cybersecurity comprises the hardware and software required to keep data and operations protected and the policies, best practices, and procedures needed to enforce safety at all times. According to a survey conducted by cloud security provider Check Point, 66 percent of respondents said traditional cybersecurity measures no longer work in the cloud. This development is because of the complex, interconnected networks that must be monitored constantly, including access and regulatory compliance.

One example of a cloud cyber attack is the use of malicious insiders. In a shared responsibility model, an employee or contractor with access to an organization's data in the cloud could misuse that access to steal sensitive data or introduce vulnerabilities into the system. Another example is the use of cloud-based phishing attacks. These attacks use legitimate-looking emails or websites to trick users into divulging sensitive information or installing malware. These incidents can be particularly effective in the cloud, as they can easily bypass traditional security measures and reach a larger number of users.

Disruptive impact

Companies are facing several limitations when it comes to cloud computing cybersecurity. First is the lack of a centralized solution that can handle several systems, sometimes requiring separate security mechanisms for each system which can be costly and complex to maintain. Another roadblock is the lack of visibility for all the processes that run in the background. This challenge is especially dangerous because cybercriminals can enter a hidden gap in the system and insert new system vulnerabilities before corporate IT teams can notice or address them. 

Another challenge is the lack of dedicated cloud security professionals in the wider labor market (as of 2021). Since cloud computing systems are vastly different to traditional tech infrastructures, they require cloud security experts that can tailor security solutions to the specific needs of each organization. These specialists can consolidate cybersecurity tools to streamline maintenance and prevent illegal access and data breaches.

Organizations must also invest in regular risk management exercises and automated alert systems that can help identify weak points and hacking attempts. These measures may include implementing robust authentication and access controls, and security protocols for data transmission and storage. Another solution is to use cloud-based security tools and services, such as firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, and data loss prevention tools. 

Applications for cybersecurity in cloud computing

Some applications for cybersecurity in cloud computing may include:

• Companies hiring cloud security teams that will source, maintain, and implement cybersecurity tools, which can be a combination of internal and vendor-provided systems.
• Increasing cyber attacks as hackers attempt to target small and midsize businesses that don't have the resources to establish cloud security mechanisms.
• Hiring ethical hackers (used by organizations to detect digital system vulnerabilities) becoming more popular as companies attempt to stay ahead of potential cyberattacks.
• Increasing legal costs as some organizations fail to protect customer data in the cloud.
• Cloud-service providers heavily investing in cybersecurity measures and offerings, including remote data deletion or backup and recovery.

Questions to comment on

• What other ways can companies ensure they have the proper cybersecurity in place?
• How else do you think cloud computing will affect the cybersecurity industry?