Cloud Data Storage: An Overview
In this digital era, the world now needs a cloud data storage device which is not subjected to uncontrolled access by intelligence agencies. A corporate network is a bit difficult to maintain and manage when the network grows. With the growth, you need extra resources. Storage is one such resource that increases the security issues and challenges that are associated with it. Most businesses prefer to invest in hard drives while others on external sources. Cloud data storage is an alternative for these storage resources that facilitate the needs of the customers.
Cloud data storage is a cloud computing model or you can say an off-site storage technique in which data is stored in a server. It involves storing data on multiple virtual servers that are mostly hosted by third parties.
In this data is maintained, managed and backed up remotely. The major drawback of using external storage devices and hard drives was that it could not be accessed from outside the network. Cloud storage overcomes all these drawbacks. You can easily access the data stored in the cloud anywhere on the internet irrespective of the geo-location.
Cloud storage offers a lot of features but the most highlighting feature is easy expandability.
Safety Concerns with Cloud Data Storage and Workable Solutions
1.) Lack of Standardization among Cloud Storage Providers
Every cloud service providers offer a different set of services. The services cannot be the same for two cloud providers. There are some cloud storage providers that give an end to end encryption while others are not offering this service. This entirely depends on the policies of cloud storage providers.
This lack of standardization can keep the employees in dilemma regarding the safety and storage of the cloud. But, relax! There are organizations such as IEEE working towards standardization in the technology of cloud data storage.
2.) No Control Over Data
There are a variety of cloud services such as Dropbox, Google Drive and others that have now become a regular as well as an essential part of business processes. But, this has now brought newer security issues such as loss of control over sensitive data. Data loss happens when a disk drive dies and the owner does not have a backup for it.
Data loss occurs when the owner of encrypted data loses the key that unlocks it.
Although chances of losing data in the cloud is very less still it is better if you distribute your applications across several zones and backup your data using the off-site storage.
Be aware of the compliance policies that govern the rules of what you can and cannot do with the collected data. These rules will prevent data breaches and keep you away from trouble.
3.) Shared Technology
If the user does not have a private cloud, then the cloud service providers share a platform, infrastructure, and applications. This increases the chances of vulnerability and effects the security of the entire cloud’s provider. Therefore, multiple clients are at risk at the same time.
Cloud storage providers can overcome this risk by doing network segmentation and patching shared resources. Make sure you have backups of all the important documents.
4.) Cyber Attacks
Cyber attacks are not new but in comparison cloud technology is something new. It is an attractive revenue for cyber attackers. This could be a disaster for cloud service providers.
Cloud storage providers can employ in-depth security measures. Organizations can also use strong encryption and multifactor authentication to prevent cyber attacks.
Final Analysis
Cloud security risks are serious risk factors for businesses that are planning to move data to cloud storage. While cloud data storage keeps your data safe from hurricanes, floods and computer meltdowns but it is vulnerable if it is in the hands of a third-party system.
Also Read: Why are Cloud ERP Solutions in Huge Demand?
