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What Is Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing is the delivery of different services through the Internet. These
resources include tools and applications like data storage, servers, databases,
networking, and software.

Rather than keeping files on a proprietary hard drive or local storage

device, cloud-based storage makes it possible to save them to a remote
database. As long as an electronic device has access to the web, it has access
to the data and the software programs to run it.

Cloud computing is a popular option for people and businesses for a number of
reasons including cost savings, increased productivity, speed and efficiency,
performance, and security.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

 Cloud computing is the delivery of different services through the Internet,

including data storage, servers, databases, networking, and software.
 Cloud storage has grown increasingly popular among individuals who
need larger storage space and for businesses seeking an efficient off-site
data back-up solution.
 Cloud-based storage makes it possible to save files to a remote database
and retrieve them on demand.
 Services can be both public and private—public services are provided
online for a fee while private services are hosted on a network to specific
clients.
 Cloud security has become an increasingly important field in IT.

Understanding Cloud Computing

Cloud computing is named as such because the information being accessed is

found remotely in the cloud or a virtual space. Companies that provide cloud
services enable users to store files and applications on remote servers and then
access all the data via the Internet. This means the user is not required to be in
a specific place to gain access to it, allowing the user to work remotely.

Cloud computing takes all the heavy lifting involved in crunching and processing
data away from the device you carry around or sit and work at. It also moves
all of that work to huge computer clusters far away in cyberspace. The Internet
becomes the cloud, and voilà—your data, work, and applications are available
from any device with which you can connect to the Internet, anywhere in the
world.

Types of Cloud Services

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Regardless of the kind of service, cloud computing services provide users with a
series of functions including:

 Email
 Storage, backup, and data retrieval
 Creating and testing apps
 Analyzing data
 Audio and video streaming
 Delivering software on demand

Cloud computing is still a fairly new service but is being used by a number of
different organizations from big corporations to small businesses, nonprofits to
government agencies, and even individual consumers.

Deployment Models

There are various types of clouds, each of which is different from the other.
Public clouds provide their services on servers and storage on the Internet.
These are operated by third-party companies, who handle and control all the
hardware, software, and the general infrastructure. Clients access services
through accounts that can be accessed by just about anyone.

Private clouds are reserved for specific clientele, usually one business or
organization. The firm's data service center may host the cloud computing
service. Many private cloud computing services are provided on a private
network.

Hybrid clouds are, as the name implies, a combination of both public and
private services. This type of model allows the user more flexibility and helps
optimize the user's infrastructure and security.

Types of Cloud Computing

Cloud computing is not a single piece of technology like a microchip or a

cellphone. Rather, it's a system primarily comprised of three services: software-
as-a-service (SaaS), infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS), and platform-as-a-
service (PaaS).

1. Software-as-a-service (SaaS) involves the licensure of a software

application to customers. Licenses are typically provided through a pay-
as-you-go model or on-demand. This type of system can be found in
Microsoft Office's 365.1
2. Infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) involves a method for delivering
everything from operating systems to servers and storage through IP-
based connectivity as part of an on-demand service. Clients can avoid the
need to purchase software or servers, and instead procure these
resources in an outsourced, on-demand service. Popular examples of the
IaaS system include IBM Cloud and Microsoft Azure.
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3. Platform-as-a-service (PaaS) is considered the most complex of the three

layers of cloud-based computing. PaaS shares some similarities with
SaaS, the primary difference being that instead of delivering software
online, it is actually a platform for creating software that is delivered via
the Internet. This model includes platforms like Salesforce.com and
Heroku.

Advantages of Cloud Computing

Cloud-based software offers companies from all sectors a number of benefits,

including the ability to use software from any device either via a native app or a
browser. As a result, users can carry their files and settings over to other
devices in a completely seamless manner.

Cloud computing is far more than just accessing files on multiple

devices. Thanks to cloud computing services, users can check their email on any
computer and even store files using services such as Dropbox and Google
Drive. Cloud computing services also make it possible for users to back up their
music, files, and photos, ensuring those files are immediately available in the
event of a hard drive crash.

It also offers big businesses huge cost-saving potential. Before the cloud
became a viable alternative, companies were required to purchase, construct,
and maintain costly information management technology and infrastructure.
Companies can swap costly server centers and IT departments for fast Internet
connections, where employees interact with the cloud online to complete their
tasks.

The cloud structure allows individuals to save storage space on their desktops
or laptops. It also lets users upgrade software more quickly because software
companies can offer their products via the web rather than through more
traditional, tangible methods involving discs or flash drives. For example, Adobe
customers can access applications in its Creative Cloud through an Internet-
based subscription. This allows users to download new versions and fixes to
their programs easily.

Disadvantages of the Cloud

With all of the speed, efficiencies, and innovations that come with cloud
computing, there are, naturally, risks.

Security has always been a big concern with the cloud especially when it comes
to sensitive medical records and financial information. While regulations force
cloud computing services to shore up their security and compliance measures, it
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remains an ongoing issue. Encryption protects vital information, but if that

encryption key is lost, the data disappears.

Servers maintained by cloud computing companies may fall victim to natural

disasters, internal bugs, and power outages, too. The geographical reach of
cloud computing cuts both ways: A blackout in California could paralyze users in
New York, and a firm in Texas could lose its data if something causes its Maine-
based provider to crash.

As with any technology, there is a learning curve for both employees and
managers. But with many individuals accessing and manipulating information
through a single portal, inadvertent mistakes can transfer across an entire
system.

The World of Business

Businesses can employ cloud computing in different ways. Some users maintain
all apps and data on the cloud, while others use a hybrid model, keeping certain
apps and data on private servers and others on the cloud.

When it comes to providing services, the big players in the corporate computing
sphere include:

 Google Cloud
 Amazon Web Services (AWS)
 Microsoft Azure
 IBM Cloud
 Alibaba Cloud

Amazon Web Services is 100% public and includes a pay-as-you-go, outsourced

model.8 Once you’re on the platform you can sign up for apps and additional
services. Microsoft Azure allows clients to keep some data at their own sites.
Meanwhile, Alibaba Cloud is a subsidiary of the Alibaba Group.9

What Is an Example of Cloud Computing?

Today, there are several examples of cloud computing applications used by both
businesses and individuals. One type of cloud service would be streaming
platforms for audio or video, where the actual media files are stored remotely.
Another would be data storage platforms like Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive,
or Box.

What Are the Main Types of Cloud Computing?

The main types of cloud computing services include Infrastructure-as-a-Service

(IaaS), Platforms-as-a-Service (PaaS), and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS).
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 IaaS provides IT infrastructure to end-users via the internet and is

commonly associated with serverless computing.
 PaaS serves both software and hardware to end-users, who are generally
software developers. PaaS allows the user to develop, run, and manage
their own apps without having to build and maintain the infrastructure.
 SaaS is a software licensing model, which allows access to software on a
subscription basis using external servers without having to download and
install them locally.

Is Cloud Computing Safe?

Because software and data are stored remotely in cloud computing, data
security and platform security are a big concern. Cloud security refers to the
measures undertaken to protect digital assets and data stored on cloud-based
services. Measures to protect this data include two-factor authorization (2FA),
the use of VPNs, security tokens, data encryption, and firewall services, among
others.

Security Issues in Cloud Computing

In this, we will discuss the overview of cloud computing, its need, and mainly
our focus to cover the security issues in Cloud Computing. Let’s discuss it one
by one.
Cloud Computing :

Cloud Computing is a type of technology that provides remote services on the

internet to manage, access, and store data rather than storing it on Servers or
local drives. This technology is also known as Serverless technology. Here the
data can be anything like Image, Audio, video, documents, files, etc.
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Need of Cloud Computing:

Before using Cloud Computing, most of the large as well as small IT companies
use traditional methods i.e. they store data in Server, and they need a separate
Server room for that. In that Server Room, there should be a database server,
mail server, firewalls, routers, modems, high net speed devices, etc. For that IT
companies have to spend lots of money. In order to reduce all the problems
with cost Cloud computing come into existence and most companies shift to this
technology.

Security Issues in Cloud Computing :

There is no doubt that Cloud Computing provides various Advantages but there
are also some security issues in cloud computing. Below are some following
Security Issues in Cloud Computing as follows.
1. Data Loss –

Data Loss is one of the issues faced in Cloud Computing. This is also
known as Data Leakage. As we know that our sensitive data is in the
hands of Somebody else, and we don’t have full control over our
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database. So, if the security of cloud service is to break by hackers

then it may be possible that hackers will get access to our sensitive
data or personal files.

2. Interference of Hackers and Insecure API’s –

As we know, if we are talking about the cloud and its services it

means we are talking about the Internet. Also, we know that the
easiest way to communicate with Cloud is using API. So it is important
to protect the Interface’s and API’s which are used by an external
user. But also in cloud computing, few services are available in the
public domain which are the vulnerable part of Cloud Computing
because it may be possible that these services are accessed by some
third parties. So, it may be possible that with the help of these
services hackers can easily hack or harm our data.

3. User Account Hijacking –

Account Hijacking is the most serious security issue in Cloud

Computing. If somehow the Account of User or an Organization is
hijacked by a hacker then the hacker has full authority to perform
Unauthorized Activities.

4. Changing Service Provider –

Vendor lock-In is also an important Security issue in Cloud Computing.

Many organizations will face different problems while shifting from one
vendor to another. For example, An Organization wants to shift
from AWS Cloud to Google Cloud Services then they face various
problems like shifting of all data, also both cloud services have
different techniques and functions, so they also face problems
regarding that. Also, it may be possible that the charges of AWS are
different from Google Cloud, etc.

5. Lack of Skill :

While working, shifting to another service provider, need an extra

feature, how to use a feature, etc. are the main problems caused in IT
Company who doesn’t have skilled Employees. So it requires a skilled
person to work with Cloud Computing.

6. Denial of Service (DoS) attack –

This type of attack occurs when the system receives too much traffic.
Mostly DoS attacks occur in large organizations such as the banking
sector, government sector, etc. When a DoS attack occurs, data is lost.
So, in order to recover data, it requires a great amount of money as well
as time to handle it.
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