Cloud computing
Cloud computing is a term that appears on Google search close to fifty-four million times. Cloud computing is a changing paradigm (Mell et al., 2011). In its definition, The NIST definition comprises the primary elements of cloud computing, which create a broader platform for cloud services as well as deployment functions. According to the NIST, cloud computing is a model that allows for ambiguity, convenience, network accessibility to various computing aspects (Mell et al., 2011). The computing resources include networks, servers, storage, applications, as well as services. The cloud model comprises of three service models and four deployment models.
One of the recommendations by NIST is that consumers pay attention to the terms used service agreement. Some cloud providers redefine terms according to their particular provisions (Bohn et al., 2011). Consumers should formulate and negotiate remedies that align with sustained damage. Consumers should check whether the provided service agreement complies with the laws and regulations governing consumer data (Hogan et al., 2011). Also, consumers should employ keenness when it comes to disclaimers relating to security as well as critical processes. They should also look to determine if the provider proposes independent data backup storage in the cloud.
On the other hand, if the terms of the service agreement do not incorporate all consumer needs, the consumer should negotiate to modify the agreement before use. The consumers should also realize that the service provider could change the terms of the service agreement (Hogan et al., 2011). Thus, there should be a level of advance note before such changes take place. Changes in the service agreement could affect the price and quality, and hence, it becomes paramount to have a plan in place that supports such a shift.
Data security has become a primary concern in information technology. In the cloud computing environment, it becomes crucial as data exists in different locations across the globe. Data security and privacy are the two aspects that get people concerned about cloud technology. Thus, data security and protection are proving highly essential for the future expansion of cloud computing (Hogan et al., 2011). Cloud computing gets termed as the next generation paradigm. Resources and applications come about on-demand in a cloud computing environment.
Further, the concept provides service on demand at a reasonable cost (Bohn et al., 2011). However, even with all its promising outcomes, cloud computing has problems. Data security is one of the significant concerns followed by other issues such as compliance, privacy, trust, as well as legal matters. Data security in cloud computing becomes a severe issue due to data scattering in different machines and storage devices, including servers, PCs, and mobile devices. Data security in cloud computing is more complicated than traditional information systems (Hogan et al., 2011).
Besides, to make enterprises and users adopt cloud computing, it is paramount to address the data security concerns to create more confidence in users. Data problems involve data loss, data availability, location, and transmission (Hogan et al., 2011). Some of the security challenges in the cloud comprised of threats, data loss, malicious attacks, and service disruption. Data security issues are primarily encompassed on the three models the SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS. Data sharing is also another challenge of cloud computing.
In conclusion, cloud computing is a technology with great potential for the coming generation of IT applications. The primary barrier to cloud computing is security and data privacy issues. The aspect of reducing data storage costs is a must for any organization (Bohn et al., 2011). Thus, no organization will share their data information to the cloud until there is a level of assurance in data security. The cloud providers ought to make the proposed techniques for data security more effective. Thus, the providers need to ensure there is integrity in data storage and to build customers’ confidence.