Is Storing Your Data on The Cloud 100% Safe? Answered Once and For All
The cloud is nothing short of a miracle to the modern-day user, providing uninterrupted access to information on the go- all thanks to a technology called virtualization. Virtual simulation has come to replace more or less all sorts of hardware storage. Services are generally backed up on various machines in multiple regions, and access is always possible as long as it is over the internet. While it is a wonder that what is stored on the cloud is both easily and widely accessible, we may not want to trust its security too easily.
The threats to Cloud Account
Since what is stored on the cloud is out there on the internet and accessible, if not for specific restrictions, the first threat that can be faced is the hijacking of accounts. An attacker might steal account information and go to the extent of indulging in malicious or illegitimate activity.
As the attacker impersonates the account holder, the list of risks that may be faced on account of a hijack goes on. In such a scenario, possible elimination of legitimate data, insertion of false information, and redirection of clients to unofficial sites can be expected.
What happens to an attacked cloud account depends heavily upon the importance of the level at which the account can be placed and the hijacker’s intentions concerning the information that is now in his hands.
It has been found that the cloud has faced the compromisation of malware and ransomware. Numerous cybersecurity professionals feel under-confident about cloud security in this sense. There is an apparent threat to data privacy and the breach of confidentiality. It has become a matter of grave concern that this weak point in the cloud of malware and ransomware has become a natural point of entry for cybercriminals.
Cloud is not immune to these problems. Specific standard delivery methods are often successful in creating its security systems like at uptobox. The rise in identity thefts makes it more difficult to believe that intellectual property, debit or credit card details, or even passwords will remain in complete privacy.
How does cloud security make the software less prone to threats?
Also, it is the underlying APIs on which cloud services and security are dependent. Risks may too be faced because sometimes credentials have to be provided to third-party organizations. An apt example of this is unidentified access or reusable passwords and even the massive dependency on APIs.
They do not control the servers that people’s data is saved on, which accounts for the paranoia that should and does come with the idea of making private information accessible via the internet. Even if data is not stolen or toyed with by cybercriminals, it can always be viewed.
Drawbacks of the cloud
The government may legally ask for access to information as it has done in the past from Microsoft, Google, and many other businesses. Some part of what is asked for is even given up willingly, sometimes even all of it, for all we know.
One of the most prominent drawbacks of the cloud is witnessed when computers freeze- there is a server crash, and the information that is not backed up to the cloud is irreversibly lost. Yet, it is difficult to deny such mishaps take place in hardware-based storage technology.
What causes data loss?
Sometimes, this data loss is caused by an attacker’s malicious actions and cannot be prevented by storage providers. At times, it is not even external- for example, when data is overwritten. The new information that comes in has the potential to partially or wholly overwrite pre-existing details.
A probable source for what results in this kind of SaaS, i.e., Software-as-a-Service applications. One of the most common factors that also cause data loss can be the user’s unintended deletion while dealing with storage.
Since there is a lack of visibility regarding how cloud employees are hired or how they conduct their practices, there is a distinct threat of malicious insiders. There is barely any transparency about how employees are granted access to assets. This leaves the cloud in a vulnerable position, prone to intrusion motivated by various kinds of intentions.
Conclusion
While it is sure that the cloud comes with its plus points in many ways than one, all of this boils down to the conclusion that, as can be confirmed by several IT professionals all around the world, the apparent risks of storing information on the cloud massively outweigh what can be called the likeness of benefits of doing the same. Various security solutions need to be actively taken care of if the cloud’s use cannot be limited. The account should be monitored continuously.
Traditional approaches should simultaneously be considered and adopted. As the saying goes, one would rather be safe than sorry.
