Security Issues in Cloud Computing – Preparing for the Future

When the pandemic hit in 2020, virtual work became the norm…overnight. Businesses scrambled to implement secure and productive access to company data, systems, and tools. After more than a year, many are looking to shift their “quick fixes” to more permanent infrastructure or to improve the solutions in place after learned lessons. Consider these security issues in cloud computing for your future technology plans.

Types of Cloud Computing

Cloud computing was on the rise long before 2020, as companies shifted from installed software to online services and tools. Moving to remote work shone a light on different types of cloud computing and their role in powering business virtually.

The cloud is just another term for the internet. Cloud computing, therefore, is using software/tools or storing data via the internet. At a high level, the trends in cloud computing include moving data infrastructure to cloud service providers (IaaS), leveraging pre-packaged software services for platform development (PaaS), and running vendor-hosted software in lieu of on-premises applications (SaaS).

Here are some cloud computing examples.

• Collaboration tools like Microsoft Teams, Zoom or Slack (SaaS)
• Ecommerce platforms such as Shopify or BigCommerce (SaaS)
• Contact management systems such as Salesforce (SaaS)
• Programming tools for hardware or software like AWS Elastic Beanstalk (PaaS)
• Data storage and networking with service providers such as Amazon Web Services or Digital Ocean (IaaS)

Statista reported that, in 2020, cloud computing was a $130 billion industry and expected to grow to over $600 billion by 2023.

Cloud Benefits vs. Cloud Security Issues

Cloud technology is flexible and easy to use. Data and applications are available anywhere, which was ideal in 2020 and will be critical for the future of remote work. In addition, a company can adopt various types of cloud computing to scale faster, stay up-to-date and keep down costs, instead of investing in just one type of hardware or installed software.

Even with the advantages, cloud security issues cannot be ignored. Here are just a few:

• Remote access and the reliance on employees’ ISP’s or company VPN’s
• Transferring data to/from personal devices and the opportunity to co-mingle personal and business data
• Passing and storing data on servers used by other clients—even with the “proper” security measures in place
• Hacker attacks on vendors or services

The SolarWinds cyber-attack in late 2020 is just one example. SolarWinds provides IT monitoring in cloud environments; it has government agencies and Fortune 500 companies among its users. Foreign agents hacked code that was sent as a patch to SolarWinds’ clients. The malware infiltrated client systems and went undetected for months. Investigators suggest that the hackers tapped into the world’s largest cloud services providers, Amazon Web Services and Microsoft, to further the malware distribution.

Security Trends in Cloud Computing

The SolarWinds story, along with the other vulnerabilities mentioned, are driving organizations to shore up IT security policy and practices. Given the increased dependency on the cloud, expect increased focus on security issues in cloud computing. Also, now that the pandemic is easing, expect further regulations related to cloud technology as well.

Here are a few areas to watch.

Zero-Trust Network Access (ZTNA): A replacement for VPN’s, providing more thorough verification. According to Trend Micro, it “gives users access to only specific resources needed within certain perimeters” making a network more difficult to penetrate.

Secure Access Service Edge (SASE): Cloud-based network security that employs the “zero-trust” principles. “[SASE] identifies users and devices, applies policy-based security, and delivers secure access to the appropriate application or data” regardless of the user, application or device location. (Palo Alto Networks)

Serverless Computing: A PaaS cloud service that outsources the management of servers and databases. This helps developers deploy code faster and companies save on purchasing/maintaining servers. The advanced server architecture also improves security.

Confidential Computing: A cloud platform for collaboration that secures data while in use.  Data is contained in a trusted execution environment (TEE), encrypted and separated from other software. Leaders in cloud computing are adopting this solution for use in the public cloud.

Finding the Right Technical Resources

According to Gartner, in 2021, 70% of organizations have plans to increase their spend on cloud technology and development with nearly a 20% overall growth in spend. Considering the investment, what will be their biggest challenge? Finding the right technical resources to staff their projects.

Businesses will rely on IT staffing companies to provide in-demand technology experts. According to Silicon Angle, “Lack of talent remains the single biggest challenge for organizations….” And it’s not just the programmers. Infosecurity Magazine, stated that technology toolsets cannot be successful without “…proper implementation expertise.” Hiring IT professionals at all levels will be critical.

An experienced IT staffing firm like Marchon Partners can help you find the best-fit skillsets for your IT project needs, including various types of cloud computing and security. We source strategists, project managers and programmers alike through our vast network and professional recruiting team. Call us today to help advance your technology objectives and ensure your business’ security and success.