Concerns surrounding the security of cloud computing have been prevalent since its inception, and this is having an impact on users as well as providers. Any reservations or anxieties that potential users are experiencing can impact a provider’s ability to sell their cloud services. It is in a provider’s best interest to address any apprehensions that a potential customer may have.
By compiling a list of the most frequently asked questions, cloud service providers can anticipate questions that customers may ask and provide accurate answers. Identifying the primary concerns of potential customers will help providers devise a strategy for addressing and overcoming these hurdles. Below are three examples of frequently asked questions that customers have regarding cloud security, as well as the possible answers.
Which elements of a cloud computing service are most vulnerable to external attacks? As with any virtual service, there is a variety of external threats that could impact the cloud. Fortunately, there are a variety of tools and practices available to assist providers in securing their virtual cloud environment. Providers can install security software, utilize best practices, and educate themselves on any potential threats. Providers who inform their customers on the security measures they have in place to protect the cloud are more likely to win new business by putting their customer’s mind at ease.
Transparency and Cloud Security Policies: Where to draw the line? As mentioned in the sample question above – educating customers on the types of tools and practices used to keep the cloud secure can help make a sale, but how much information is too much? The ideal security policy should include a description of their practices and procedures without revealing all the technology at work behind the scenes. It’s important for customers to be informed on the types of cloud security measures in place, but it’s equally important for providers to ensure that they don’t give away too much information. Communicating intricate security details may do more harm than good, since external threats could use the information to compromise the cloud service. It is up to the cloud provider to decide where to draw the line when it comes security details.
Is there a way for providers to ensure that highly sensitive data will be safe? As with any data storage system, there will always be risks. For example, even if you were to print off all of your company’s sensitive data and lock it in away in a basement safe, there’s still the possibility of a tornado coming through and destroying everything. However, if you stayed up to date on the current weather conditions, you would be able to better protect your data by bolting the safe to the floor or reinforcing the house around the safe. The point is that there is no possible way for providers to guarantee 100% protection, but that doesn’t mean that they can’t offer a security level of 99%. There’s always going to be a chance that cybercriminals and hackers can gain access to sensitive data, but if providers evaluate and implement various security methods, they can significantly heighten their defenses.
Those are just a few examples of the type of questions potential customers may have when considering cloud computing. By compiling a list of frequently asked questions and clearly defining the answers, providers can put their prospect’s minds at ease.
To learn more about cloud security, read our previous blog posting.
