Hackers and Data Security on Cloud Based Computing Systems

One of the primary reasons so many hackers aim squarely at larger corporations using cloud-based computing systems is because that’s where the money is. When you think about it so, hackers have a job to do, just like everyone else. They have a limited amount of time to complete their job, so it makes sense to invest their time and efforts into businesses that are likely to give them the best possible results.

This is the reason, hackers see large businesses using improperly secured cloud-based computing systems as being somewhat of a jackpot. When you consider all this, it suddenly appears that the number of cyber-attacks against cloud-based systems has increased.

Many of those media reports fail to mention that the number of companies that have changed to cloud computing has also increased. With more companies moving to the cloud and away from in-house data storage solutions and servers, of course, it seems as though just those with cloud-based services are being targeted.

As more organizations transition their services and data to the cloud, they tap into global compliance solutions to capitalize on enhanced flexibility, cost-efficiency, and scalability. However, there’s a tendency to adopt standard cloud installations without fine-tuning them to an organization’s unique security needs.

This commonality across facilities often results in homogenous security configurations, making them prime targets for cyber threats. Recognizing this gap, discerning businesses are seeking the expertise of GuidePoint IT security services. Their proficiency ensures that companies adopt tailored and robust cloud security postures.

Think about it this way: a thief could break into your home and steal your personal belongings. However, that same thief could also take more risk by breaking into a bank and getting a much larger payoff. The bank has significantly more security than your home, but the bigger payoff is worth the risk to some thieves.

Now translate that same analogy into cloud computing. Hackers aim at larger cloud servers because that’s where the bigger payoff is for them. Imagine a hacker breaking into a massive cloud database such as Gmail and grabbing data from millions of email accounts.

However, there will always be some hackers who aim at easy targets, which include those companies with poorly secured in-house servers and data systems. The charge may be less, but the job is much easier for them to get in and get back out again with your sensitive data.

When you boil it down, a cloud-based system is inherently more secure overall. A more prominent cloud services provider such as Google or Amazon, or Microsoft needs to focus strongly on being as secure as possible to reduce the threat of cyber-attacks on millions of accounts.

Hackers continue to target onsite data servers at the same frequency as they always did. It’s merely the number of businesses that have moved to cloud services that have increased, which shows up on statistics as a sharp increase in cloud-based cyber-attacks.

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