QiSOFT Blog - Cloud Security

21 June, 2022

Top 5 Cloud Security Myths - Busted

Introduction

It's hard to believe that cloud computing was nothing more than an emerging trend just a few short years ago. Today, it's a major force in the tech industry, and its impact is only getting bigger. The rise of cloud computing has been driven by many factors, including the increasing popularity of mobile devices and the ever-growing demand for storage. But what is cloud computing, and how has it transformed the way we use technology?

Simply put, cloud computing is the delivery of computing services—including storage, processing, and networking—over the Internet. This means that instead of running applications on an on-site server, you can access everything you need from a remote server. The benefits of this are numerous. 

For one thing, it makes it possible to access your files and applications from anywhere in the world. It also reduces the need for expensive hardware and software since everything is stored in the cloud. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, it enables businesses to scale up or down quickly and easily without making significant investments in infrastructure.

The rise of cloud computing has profoundly affected the way we live and work. It's made it possible for us to be more mobile and connected than ever before. But as with any new technology, there are some concerns about its security. In this blog post, we'll bust the top five myths about cloud security.

Myth #1: The cloud is less secure than on-site servers

There's a widespread myth that the cloud is less secure than an on-site server. Unfortunately, this myth persists even though the cloud is actually more secure in many ways. 

First of all, cloud providers have teams of security experts working around the clock to ensure that data is protected. They also have access to the latest security technologies and tools. In addition, the data stored in the cloud is typically encrypted, making it much more difficult for hackers to access. 

Finally, cloud providers have financial incentives to keep their data safe. A breach could damage their reputation and lead to lost business. 

Myth #2: Cloud providers can access my data

No. Cloud providers are subject to the same laws and regulations as any other business, despite all their power and resources. They cannot simply look through customer data whenever they please. Instead, they must follow strict procedures for handling requests for information. 
Cloud providers ensure that their employees cannot access customers' data without their permission. In addition, they encrypt data in transit to and from the cloud to protect it from being compromised.

Myth #3: The cloud is not private

High-profile news stories such as the iCloud "hack" of 2014 have given rise to the belief that the cloud isn't private. When celebrities have their personal data leaked online, it's front-page news around the world.

However, the truth is that the cloud is very secure, and cloud providers go to great lengths to protect our information. One of the main ways they do this is through end-to-end encryption. This means that our data is encrypted before it ever leaves our devices, and it remains encrypted until it reaches its destination. 

As a result, even if someone were to intercept our data, they would not be able to read it. In addition, cloud providers also use multiple layers of security to further protect our data. 

Incidentally, the iCloud hack wasn't actually a hack because Apple's servers weren't breached. In fact, the data was compromised by hackers using software to access celebrity accounts with low-strength login credentials. A lesson in not using the same password for everything, perhaps.

Myth #4: The cloud is not reliable

There's a myth floating around that the cloud is not reliable. But this simply isn't true. In fact, the cloud is highly reliable. It's estimated that the average uptime for cloud services is 99.9%, which means that you can expect your cloud-based applications to be up and running nearly all of the time. For example, Google quotes figures of 99.999% for its cloud services which equates to around five minutes of downtime in a year.

People sometimes assume that because data is stored off-site, it's more likely to be lost or corrupted. But the truth is that cloud providers take great care to ensure that their data centers are reliable and resilient. For example, they have multiple data backups and use sophisticated monitoring tools to ensure that their systems are running smoothly.

Myth #5: The cloud is not secure from hackers

First of all, it's essential to understand that no system is entirely secure. There will always be weak points that can be exploited by hackers. However, the cloud has many built-in security features that help to protect data. For example, most cloud providers use encryption to protect data in transit. They also have strict access controls to prevent unauthorized users from accessing sensitive data.

Another essential factor to consider is that businesses are responsible for their own security when using the cloud. This means they need to be extra vigilant about patching vulnerabilities and managing user access. In addition, they should invest in cyber security training for their staff, as many data breaches are caused by human error. So, when businesses take these precautions, they can enjoy a high level of security in the cloud.

The bottom line

Cloud computing is a transformational technology that has changed how we live and work and will continue to do so. But as with any technology, there are some concerns about its security. The truth is cloud providers take measures to ensure that their data is safe and secure. And they often have more resources and expertise than businesses do when it comes to security. 
So, if you're thinking about moving to the cloud, there's no need to worry about its security. Instead, focus on educating your employees to minimize the human element of cyber breaches.