Cloud computing – it’s everywhere these days. Based on the hype of this computing system, it would make sense to assume you should move to the cloud as well, no? Not before you understand the pros and cons of cloud computing first!
There are many benefits of cloud computing for businesses. Moving servers and storage to the cloud proves us with simplified management and administration, ever-present access, and even enables more efficient business operations while cutting costs!
Yes, it certainly sounds idealistic. However, moving to the cloud has one pitfall that should be considered fully when moving servers or storage.
Why Should You Think Before You Leap with Cloud Computing?
Storing data on the internet (which is done in cloud computing) increases risk of exposure. Cloud computing also requires businesses to trust third party managed service vendors when it comes to providing security and privacy of data over the cloud. Yes, you can hire a dedicated penetration testing service provider to carry out all vulnerability assessment and testing as well.
If you think switching to the cloud is one-step forward to success of your business and increased productivity, take care of these considerations:
1. Performance
You might not have any control over the applications running on the cloud, as they in turn run on hardware. Ensuring performance and required scalability is therefore extremely important!
This can be done by testing performance of applications that you will be using in production, in a cloud environment first. Running load tests on applications that share the same resources (under your control) is another way to see if applications affect each other or not.
Doing the above can prove costly, hence identify under load breakpoint and monitor to see how close you are. This will help make up the budget for your infrastructure needs.
2. Security
You will have to address access control issues and data privacy when allocating resources and infrastructure to your cloud network. Ask these questions:
o Is sensitive data being encrypted at the time of storage?
o Are access control mechanisms embedded for all possible situations (at at all levels)?
The same questions need to be considered when moving your applications to a private cloud network.
3. Third-Party Dependencies
Cloud applications provide most of their functionality by consuming external APIs and services. Proper cloud networking testing and monitoring should be conducted before any kind of implementation.
Want to know why your cloud network and applications aren’t working as they should? Contact Lean Security for cloud infrastructure and web application penetration testing today.