Top 3 challenges in Cloud Computing with recommendations

24/3/2021

Cloud computing allows users to build a virtual platform that facilitates storage, service, and infrastructure over virtual clouds. Additionally, cloud computing increases the efficiency of the end-user and reduces the cost to create physical servers. Such a cloud computing facility has three core issues in implementation over diverse demographics, platforms, and servers:

  1. Compliance with regulations
  2. Abuse
  3. Security and privacy

1. Why do we face compliance issues in Cloud computing?

Elasticity, scalability, global access, low entry cost, and flexible billing made the cloud platform a sophisticated source of data storage for many users; such massive demand for cloud storage generates new compliance issues like government regulations, legal amendments, etc. Sometimes, government regulations also play a crucial role in compliance issues across cloud systems. Regulations are usually tedious and redundant, making it incredibly difficult to understand and compile different methods.

Compliance issues and recommendations for cloud computing

  • The complexity of laws and regulations: Regulations are tedious and challenging to read; this creates complexity in understanding and compiling them into our systems.
  • Regulations disparity: Service providers often face overlapping issues where regulations such as HIPAA, PCI, SOX, and FISMA compile with the same set of regulations.
  • Issues with Reference architecture (RA): There are no proper standards across cloud computing systems.
  • Shortage of control and transparency: Data stored in the cloud may violate different states' laws and regulations.

2. What is abuse in cloud computing?

The term abuse in cloud computing generally refers to illegal activities using cloud resources, which can occur by legitimate cloud service providers or unauthorized users accessing customer resources. The most abused platform is IaaS.

Some common abusing activities include:

  1. Segregation of malware through cloud servers.
  2. Sending malicious emails to gather sensitive information from the end-user.
  3. Exploiting security vulnerabilities of other network hosts.

Prevention of Abuse in Cloud computing

  • Technical measures: Implementing abuse observation tools in existing Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS).
  • Non-technical measures: Accept user policies at registration, financial incentivization for developers, account verification methods.

3. How security and privacy issues shrink cloud computing?

Cloud computing enables accessing digital files, creating paths for potential privacy and security breaches. Key issues include:

  • Data privacy: Monitoring data breaches and privacy continuously is challenging.
  • Secrecy issues: Consumer sensitive data may not always be confidentially maintained.
  • Infected applications: Malicious viruses can infect servers, disposing of sensitive user data publicly.
  • Security concerns: End-user security can be improved by monitoring from both the cloud service provider and customer.

The only recommendation to safeguard security concerns is to frame the cloud platform into four custom layers: Virtual Network monitor layer, Cloud data layer, Cloud storage layer, and Virtual machine layer.

Conclusion

Overall, cloud computing is an industry evolving rapidly, leading to issues such as compliance, abuse, and security. It's crucial to take the right measures to avoid future complications!
To know more about Cloud or explore Cloud Computing services with H-Town Technologies, visit: Cloud Computing services