Cloud computing is hailed as the most secure and organized repository of data in the technologized world, for it holds some of the most advanced set of characteristics ever witnessed in computing systems, like: on-demand service, easily available network access, resource pooling, intensified flexibility and controlled service. Yet, there is enough scope of improvement in Cloud characteristics which often succumb to a number of vulnerabilities during usage. Following are the examples of vulnerabilities with root causes of Cloud computing:
Danger of Unauthorized Access to Storage
The foremost of Cloud feature i.e. on-demand service necessitates activation of a management interface which can be accessed by cloud users. With the increase in number stakeholders of a data – including the cloud users and regulators – the stored information runs at a constant risk of being misused or retrieved by unauthorized personnel. Such a problem is not encountered in other computing systems since in the latter’s case management functionality is accessible to administrators only.
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Danger of Leaks Through Internet
With the increased accessibility to Cloud storage data through networks using standard protocols, users are allowed to retrieve Cloud information from Internet as well. As a result, Internet hosted vulnerabilities like man-in-the-middle attacks and hacking of Cloud storage accounts become apparent. This setback can reduce the accountability and reliability of Cloud computing to a greater degree.
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Danger of Data Derivation Through Unknown Sources
Cloud mechanisms are controlled by a central authority, which is hosted at a structure. This self-same structure is used for storage of information from different sources and users, thereby allowing for flexibility between transfers of information. In this due process of changing hands of data, any particular memory or storage resource is made available at multiple sources at the same time. So, one can recover previously shared data of any nature from its former owners.
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Danger of Evasion of Bills
The metering characteristic of Cloud resources ensures surcharging for all the facilities of Cloud that users might avail. As a result, further troubles can arise from the manipulation of users’ metering financial accounts and evasions of payable costs by faulty users.
The nature of vulnerabilities of Cloud computing can be solved by appropriate measures taken from the end of the providers as well as users. Standard security steps like cyber data protection, continuous monitoring etc are just a few means for strengthening the system. Cloud is a constantly developing technology and therefore, holds potential for transforming into a better and stronger computing system in the days to come.