Mitigating Cloud Computing Risks

Running head: CLOUD COMPUTING 1

Name

Institution

CLOUD COMPUTING 2

Cloud Computing

Cloud computing refers to a framework that allows for on-demand, convenient access to

a set-up of computing resources, including servers, services, networks, applications, and storage,

that can be released or provisioned rapidly without much interaction or management effort by the

service provider. As such, cloud computing involves not only the services that are provided over

the internet in the form of applications, but also the systems software and hardware that deliver

such services in the datacenters (Srinivasan, 2014). However, in as much as cloud computing

provides for increased connectivity in the current global community, there are various risks

associated with public, hybrid, and private clouds that are focused upon in this paper.

Risks associated with cloud computing

While cloud computing has been associated with various advantages, there are some

issues and concerns that ought to be solved prior to the ubiquitous embracement of such

computing. To start with, cloud computing does not provide the user with proper control over the

performance of their applications and data as they may require, or the ability to change or audit

the policies and processes through which they are to work (Jamsa, 2013). The various parts of an

application could be in distinct places within the cloud, an aspect that can adversely affect the

application’s performance. Attaining compliance with the provided regulations as per region

could be highly challenging especially in the case where the cloud involves cross-border

interactions. This is in spite of the increased need for establishment of regulations to ensure the

proper consideration of all cloud computing facets. In addition, maintenance and monitoring is

more difficult than in the case of intranet PCs (Srinivasan, 2014).

Another concern involving cloud computing concerns the increased risk of losing data

due to such data being shut away into proprietary formats (Jamsa, 2013). In the same vein, given

CLOUD COMPUTING 3

that the consumers are not provided with proper tools to monitor the accessibility and usage of

their data, then they are likely to lose control over such data. Thirdly, service-level agreements

(SLAs) may not be easily tailored to the particular business needs. In this case, there is a high

likelihood of inadequate downtime compensation, with concomitant damages being less likely to

be covered by SLAs (Jamsa, 2013).

Fourth, it may not be always possible to leverage cost advantages. In this case,

organizations are more exposed to tax disadvantages as a result of lacking or having little capital

investment (Srinivasan, 2014). Last but not least, the standards are insufficient and immature to

handle the cloud computing technologies that are rapidly evolving and changing. As such, by

placing applications in the cloud, one is not guaranteed of their efficient operation.

Controls to mitigate cloud computing risks

To secure data that is at rest, the best approaches that could be used include cryptographic

encryption mechanisms. Encryption secures the content of data, preventing it from being

wrongfully used by other persons within the cloud as it allows for the use of a coded language

that is not understood by any intermediaries or parties who were not meant to access such

information (Chang, 2015). Another approach that could be used to counter the concerns

involved in cloud computing is authentication. It is mandatory for strong authentication to be

used in any cloud deployment. Such authentication allows for access control. Separation of the

users of the cloud provider is also a highly effective approach that helps in the prevention of

intentional or inadvertent access to information that is deemed sensitive (Chang, 2015). Lastly,

the establishment and implementation of strong practices and policies addressing regulatory and

legal issues is also important in minimizing the risk of data loss and unauthorized data usage.

CLOUD COMPUTING 4

References

Chang, V. (2015). Delivery and Adoption of Cloud Computing Services in Contemporary

Organizations. Hershey, PA: Information Science Reference.

Jamsa, K. (2013). Cloud Computing. Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.

Srinivasan, S. (2014). Cloud Computing Basics. New York: Springer Science + Business Media.

Place new order. It's free, fast and safe

Paper type

Deadline

Page count

550 words

Total price: $ 15.00

Our customers say

Jeff Curtis

USA, Student

"I'm fully satisfied with the essay I've just received. When I read it, I felt like it was exactly what I wanted to say, but couldn’t find the necessary words. Thank you!"

Ian McGregor

UK, Student

"I don’t know what I would do without your assistance! With your help, I met my deadline just in time and the work was very professional. I will be back in several days with another assignment!"

Shannon Williams

Canada, Student

"It was the perfect experience! I enjoyed working with my writer, he delivered my work on time and followed all the guidelines about the referencing and contents."