Top 10 critical security considerations when starting cloud computing

2. Data loss - Loss of info can result from malicious attacks, deletion, or an unprecedented natural calamity wreaking havoc on servers run by the cloud service provider. A worst-case scenario is where there are no measures deployed to recover the lost information. To curtail such an eventuality, a sturdy network layer with proactive recovery systems should be implemented to recover lost data and protect it from intrusion.

3. Insecure access points - For multiple devices to access data from any location, they must interact with certain interfaces like API. Hackers can exploit existing loopholes and exploit them. Such vulnerabilities should be identified, and patches developed to seal the loopholes in the system. Also, a rugged firewall with an integrated encryption capability can help to protect systems against malicious attacks and suspicious traffic.

4. Notifications and alerts - Rather than reacting to a security breach in a cloud network, prompt network security should provide warning beforehand of any identified threat. On-time updates offer a chance to mitigate the threat before it is too late.

5. DDoS attacks - Similar to most web developers, cloud service providers can also be victims of Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks that restrict access to cloud servers. Depending on the costs and time necessary to get the network back to operation, a business can incur heavy losses. So your provider should have advanced security protocols in place. This is an effective way of hindering potential DDoS attacks.

6. Regulatory compliance - As cloud computing becomes widely recognised and a frontier in business operation, governments and authorities have established specific regulations to govern its operations. Laws have been enacted to create a regulatory framework that guarantees data protection and adherence to privacy policies. Your chosen service providers should comply with the set regulations to ensure streamlined operations.

7. Increasing productivity - One of the main benefits of moving to the cloud is enabling your staff to work anywhere at anytime. With instant access to files and applications for staff on the road or working remotely, productivity and retention will be positively impacted. Prior to your migration however, proper security strategies should be integrated into the design framework. This way, any problems associated with an ever-growing database can be mitigated.

8. Employees - Staff members could also be a crucial factor to consider before adopting cloud computing. Some of the risks include insider threats and the improper management of systems, thus leading to security threats. To prevent these scenarios from crippling your entire system, you should consider having restricted access and user permissions in place. By adding an extra layer of security from the inside, you're proactively ensuring that your business is not left in a vulnerable position.

9. Attacks - Malicious attacks on a cloud server or network can be in many forms. From malware, DDos, spyware, phishing attack, and ransomware, there is so much to consider before migrating to the cloud. Malicious programs can be injected into a cloud-based network to extract or damage sensitive information. Also, malware can be deployed to take control of data and servers, rendering them inaccessible.

10. Insecure Application Programming Interfaces (API's) - API's form an integral component that facilitates access to data, so they are a crucial consideration when shifting to a cloud network. When insecure, they may fail to authenticate the users of the cloud service effectively. An API may be prone to external intrusion, and unintended parties can access databases, customer information and application logs. Your preferred system should protect you from this, and all the other risks.