Here are cloud computing disadvantages in security:
Cloud Computing Disadvantages
1. Security of the cloud
The data stored in the cloud is subject to security threats and unauthorized access.
2. Lack of transparency
It is difficult to know if the local data is being stored at a remote location or not.
3. Data confidentiality
Cloud computing service providers can easily steal customers’ confidential data by misusing the data access authority.
4. Uptime and downtime
Cloud computing services are highly dependent on Internet connectivity, which is often subject to frequent downtimes due to power failure, system crashes, etc.
5. Availability of resources
If a customer uses a particular resource-intensive application or service (like video conferencing or large file sharing), it might affect other users who are sharing the resource pool with him/her.
6. SLAs
The cloud computing SLAs are often difficult to understand and/or prove as well as difficult to enforce legally.
7. Privacy
Cloud computing service providers have access to customers’ confidential data and may use it for their purposes without informing customers about it.
8. Data manipulation
Cloud computing service providers may alter the customers’ data without informing them about it and/or accessing their systems for doing so in an authorized manner.
9. Unavailability of services
Cloud computing service providers may suspend or terminate some or all of their services unexpectedly, which can cause outages and make customers’ applications/services unusable until they resume/reboot them manually or automatically (after they restore their services).
10. Human error
Inappropriate access control, improper backup procedures, inadequate disaster recovery planning, etc., can lead to security incidents and loss of customers’ confidential data due to human errors committed by cloud computing service providers’ employees or subcontractors (e.g., hackers).
How to Deal with the Disadvantages of Cloud Computing
Some of the methods that can be used to deal with cloud computing disadvantages are:
1. Choosing the correct cloud computing service model
This involves choosing a service model that offers a degree of flexibility, while at the same time offering security.
2. Understanding the cloud computing SLAs
Understanding the cloud computing SLAs and choosing services accordingly can help in dealing with some of the cloud computing disadvantages.
3. Selecting a Cloud Computing Service Provider who has a good track record of providing quality services
Selecting a Cloud Computing Service Provider who has a good track record of providing quality services can help in dealing with some of the cloud computing disadvantages. The provider needs to have all necessary infrastructural and organizational capabilities, including tools and procedures, to prevent security threats from occurring or being successful if they do occur.
4. Cloud Access Security Brokers (CASBs)
Some CASBs can manage and secure access to multiple cloud services, thereby making it easier for customers to deal with some of the cloud computing disadvantages by using an integrated solution.
5. Cloud Backup
Customers can use backup software or cloud backup solutions to back up their data and protect themselves against data loss due to human error, improper backup procedures, etc., caused by their employees or subcontractors (e.g., hackers).