Tag: Cloud Security

Public Cloud Security

On March 20, 2019

Public cloud is a computing service offered by a third party provider to users. It can be used by anyone who wants to use or purchase the cloud service. Not only does public cloud systems help in saving purchasing costs, but also reduces management & maintenance expenses for hardware & software infrastructure. A distinctive feature of using public cloud service is that many personnel can simultaneously use an application from their respective devices. Although public cloud offers infinite scalability and can be deployed faster, it is advised to take appropriate measures to prevent any security lapse. Below we have discussed certain points that can help in strengthening public cloud security for an enterprise.

Select The Right Apps For Public Cloud: Businesses use public cloud for all applications. However, it is advisable to diligently scrutinize & avoid using public cloud for mission-critical apps and data.
Add Security Layers: Since numerous users can access the content from the cloud, so it is essential to protect it. If you fail to secure the apps & data, it gives attackers an open window to attack and get access to restricted data. So, it is always advisable to encrypt the data and keep it protected. You must also add additional authentication layers like passwords & user credentials.
Access Control: Most organizations are opting for cloud technology as it allows employees to gain an access to data from any geographical location with the help of an active internet connection. However, with the increasing BYOD culture, the risk of data intrusion has also ascended. In a report by Forrester, 80% of security breaches involved privileged credentials. In order to avoid such scenario, it is important to have due control over data access. Make sure that you give password access to trusted employees only and minimize user account privileges. Also, access to any sensitive data stored on cloud should be limited to employees having entitled authority to utilize such data.
Backup Data: Data stored on public cloud is prone to numerous risks. The best way to avoid any risk is to take regular cloud backups. Having additional copies of data helps in preventing any kind of business loss & minimize business interruption.
Use Third Party Auditing Services: Organizations should opt for third party auditing services for enhanced security. Businesses can move the applications to public cloud followed by an audit to ensure that the security protocols match the standards promised by cloud service provider. This increases their feasibility and also enables them to move confidential information to the cloud.
Train Your Staff: Hacking attacks are increasing day by day. To prevent such attacks, it is advisable to train your employees about the working of public cloud. This enhances the security and reduces the chances of data loss.

For more information about Cloud Security, call Centex Technologies at (254) 213-4740.

Host-Based Vs. Network-Based Firewalls For Cloud Security

By centexitguy

On July 18, 2017

In Security

18th July, 2017

If you are planning to move your company’s data to the cloud, it is important that you take the necessary steps to safeguard it against viruses and malicious attacks. No matter you own a small start-up business or a well-established organization, hackers are always on the lookout for unprotected confidential information that can be exploited for malicious purposes.

It is recommended to use a firewall solution to stay protected against any online attack or malware infection. The firewall will record the incoming requests, inspect data packets and block any unauthorized or unusual traffic to the network. There are different firewall options available depending upon the level of control required and where you want to deploy it. The two main types of firewall are – host based and network based.

Given below is a complete comparison of both the options so that you can choose the right one for your cloud data.

Host Based Firewall

A host based firewall is installed on every virtual machine that is connected to the cloud. It helps to monitor all the incoming and outgoing traffic to determine if it is safe to be directed to the device. Host based firewall offers the following advantages:

More Flexibility: Virtual machines and applications can be easily moved between the cloud environments without the need to change the firewall’s security policy.
Better Features: Host based firewall also supports anti-virus and data loss prevention to provide complete protection to the virtual machine.
Customization: The firewall settings of each device can be individually configured according to the level of security required.

Network Based Firewall

Network based firewall refers to a solution that is embedded into the cloud infrastructure. It is a good option to be deployed in a larger network. It offers a slightly stronger defense as compared to host based firewalls. Some of the advantages of using network based firewall are:

Greater Security: This type of firewall solution is quite difficult to circumvent. In a host based firewall, the hacker can directly access the virtual machine and easily gain administrative privileges. However, in a network based firewall, unauthorized access is likely to be detected right at the network level.
Scalability: These firewalls can easily be scaled up if the client requires additional bandwidth.
Affordability: Network based firewalls prove to be cost-effective in the long run as they do not require a dedicated IT team to monitor regular maintenance and updates on every server.

For more tips on choosing the right firewall solution for cloud data, you can contact Centex Technologies at (855) 375 – 9654.

Why Zero Knowledge Encryption Offers Best Cloud Security

By centexitguy

On April 17, 2017

In Security

17th April, 2017

Cloud computing has provided a convenient way to store, access and share data over the internet. However, password leaks and security breaches in the recent years have led to many apprehensions about the use of cloud services. The lack of compliance standards and stringent security policies in the cloud make your data vulnerable to many online attacks.

What Is Zero Knowledge Encryption?

Zero knowledge encryption is one of the most secure ways to protect your information stored in the public cloud. It offers complete data privacy, ensuring that no one can access your files, not even the cloud service provider. It also known as personal encryption or private key encryption.

How Does It Work?

When you upload any data to the cloud, it is encrypted on the client side. The key to decrypt the data can be accessed by the authorized user. Even the company providing the cloud services cannot access the data because the information gets encrypted before it reaches their servers. The decryption key is stored in the cloud server in a hashed format which is known only to the user.

The reliability of zero knowledge encryption is assessed on the basis of 3 principles:

Completeness – Assuring that the cloud service provider is properly following the security protocols.
Soundness – Double checking that the account can be accessed only by entering the right password.
Zero Knowledge – Verifying that the decryption key is known only to the user.

Advantages Of Zero Knowledge Encryption

It offers the highest possible control over your data stored in the cloud.
Zero knowledge encryption allows you to use the popular, convenient and user-friendly cloud services in the most secure way.
It minimizes the likelihood of a data breach as all the information is stored in an encrypted format. Even if the cloud server gets compromised, your data will still be safe because only you have the decryption key.

Limitations Of Zero Knowledge Encryption

In case the user forgets his account password or decryption key, there is no way to retrieve the files stored in the cloud.
The privacy of data becomes your responsibility. You will be held liable for any loopholes in its security or unauthorized attempts made to access the files.

For more information on zero knowledge encryption and cloud security, feel free to contact Centex Technologies. We can be reached at (855) 375 – 9654.

Top Cloud Security Issues For 2016

By centexitguy

On March 18, 2016

In Security

March 18, 2016

Security has always been a major concern for the organizations that use cloud computing. Though it offers a myriad of benefits, such as scalable storage of important business data, improved collaboration of employees from multiple locations and the saved costs on hiring a specialized IT staff, failure to implement proper safety measures can lead to drastic consequences. Therefore, entrepreneurs need to be familiar with the common security issues that may impact their cloud security efforts in 2016. Some of these have been discussed below:

Account Hijacking: Phishing, software exploits and malware attacks may be launched by the hackers to break into business accounts. They may monitor the victim’s online activities, steal or manipulate confidential files and modify financial transactions. The hackers may also use the cloud application to infect other computer systems connected to the server. Therefore, all the cloud accounts, specifically those that comprise sensitive information, should be closely monitored.
Improper Authentication and Compromised Credentials: As cloud resources can be accessed from remote locations, proper authentication measures are important to determine the identity of the users. Make sure you use two-factor authentication, such as a one-time password or phone verification, before providing account access to any user. Also, the usernames and passwords should be complex to make it difficult for the cybercriminals to crack them. Data breach and other hacking attacks are often a result of compromised log-in credentials as well as weak authentication systems.
Excessive Data Exposure: Files stored in the cloud should have well-defined permissions to limit who can access any specific information. For instance, your company’s accounts department should be able to access all the financial data whereas the human resources division requires the employees’ personal identifiable information. All the files stored on the cloud should be encrypted so that they can be read by only those who have the password to decrypt.
Cloud Malware: The computers systems connected in a cloud network should be protected with firewall, antivirus, spyware, content filter and spam blocker software. This will help to identify and block any unauthorized traffic trying to access information in the cloud. Also, your service provider should follow standard and regularly updated security practices.

The cybersecurity services provided by Centex Technologies are aimed at helping business firms stay protected against common cloud computing threats. For more information, you can call at (855) 375 – 9654.