Cloud Computing Security Risks

Cloud Computing Security Risks

Some organizations are moving their business applications to the cloud to reduce their infrastructure costs. In some instances, organizations use web applications, which introduces security challenges.

Go to Basic Search: Strayer University Online Library to locate and integrate at least two quality, academic resources (in addition to your textbook) on cloud computing and the risks associated with it. You may also use government websites, such as CybersecurityLinks to an external site. from the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

Please respond to the following in a post of at least 200 words:

Explain the challenges and risks web applications face.
Describe the methods organizations use to mitigate these challenges and risks.
Provide full citations and references, formatted according to Strayer Writing Standards.
- This course requires the use of Strayer Writing Standards (SWS). The library is your home for SWS assistance, including citations and formatting. Please refer to the Library site for all supports. Check with your professor for any additional instructions.

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APA

Cloud Computing Security Risks

Web applications hosted in the cloud present various challenges and risks, primarily related to security. One of the main concerns is data security, as sensitive data is stored and processed remotely, increasing vulnerability to unauthorized access, data breaches, and cyberattacks. Web applications can be exposed to cross-site scripting (XSS), SQL injection, and denial-of-service (DoS) attacks, which can exploit application vulnerabilities. Since these applications often store personal or financial data, they become prime targets for cybercriminals.

Another key challenge is data loss, which can occur due to system failures, misconfigurations, or malicious attacks. Cloud providers may offer backup solutions, but organizations are ultimately responsible for ensuring their data’s security. Additionally, the shared responsibility model between cloud providers and users creates a potential gap in security controls, leaving some areas of security unaddressed.

Mitigation Methods for Cloud Computing Risks

To address these challenges, organizations can implement various security best practices. Encryption is one of the most effective ways to safeguard sensitive data both in transit and at rest. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) can add an extra layer of security by requiring additional verification from users before granting access. Furthermore, adopting a zero-trust security model where all internal and external traffic is treated as untrusted until proven otherwise helps minimize the impact of potential threats.

Organizations also rely on cloud security tools such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and vulnerability scanning tools to proactively identify and mitigate risks. Regular security audits, pen-testing, and ensuring that web applications are kept up to date with security patches also play a critical role in reducing exposure to attacks.

References:

Cheng, J., & Zeng, Z. (2022). Cloud computing security issues and challenges: A survey. International Journal of Computer Science and Information Security (IJCSIS), 20(2), 112-123.

National Institute of Standards and Technology. (2021). Cybersecurity framework. https://www.nist.gov/cyberframework