How cloud computing has intensified cybersecurity challenge

Cloud computing, the method of delivering computing services over the Internet, including servers, storage, networks, analytics and software, has been adopted by many organisations of different sizes to reduce costs, gain agility and improve in all areas. However, the widely accepted cloud computing is facing a major threat due to its service pattern and changes compared to the on-premises applications.

The cybersecurity challenge has been exacerbated by cloud computing in several ways, which we will discuss in turn.

Perimeterless networks: Cloud computing's vast environment exposes workloads to the Internet, which, unless you adopt a complex strategy such as air-gapping with a hybrid cloud, will increase network-borne security risks.

Increased API security risks: API, which stands for Application Programming Interface, is the mechanism that allows two software components to communicate with each other using a set of definitions and protocols. Cloud computing services rely heavily on APIs to communicate with applications, leading to potential misuse in ways that make the API vulnerable to attack.

Complex access control: Cybersecurity teams face greater access control challenges than in the pre-cloud era because cloud computing has exploded the scale and complexity of access control rules. Administrators may overlook important access control settings or define excessive permissions due to the nature of a single cloud environment, which can have hundreds of users and services with thousands of permissions or entitlements spread across them.

Multiple clouds: Multiple cloud environments are more difficult to secure than a single cloud environment, especially when it comes to monitoring and auditing. Some security tools work perfectly on some clouds and may not work on others, making it difficult to have a single point of security for organisations operating in a multi-cloud environment.

Against all odds, cloud computing is worth adopting for the flexibility and convenience it offers, but security measures must be in place to protect sensitive data and information that could be tampered with if not managed.