Surely you already know and use the cloud phenomenon, whether you are a large company, a non-profit organization, or just an individual who wants to share data with others!
Amazon's cloud, iCloud, and others have connected the world with speed, efficiency, and ease. Yet this system has a reputation for giving hackers and cyber terrorists just as easy access.
Hackers have the ability to steal valuable data without putting themselves at risk, in a very short time and without leaving the safety of their home. This has caused a lot of distrust for the cloud system and many businesses refuse to use it so as not to put their data at risk.
But there is good news. The cloud industry is listening to the complaints and is trying to develop new techniques to make its services more secure.
Below are several methods that aim to make it safer:
Cognitive Security
Like many forms of cognitive computing, cognitive security can learn and adapt based on previous experiences and in combination with new data, thus isolating the patterns it should follow in the future.
Greater knowledge allows not only to combat existing threats but also to predict and prepare for potential future threats. While there is a constant stream of hackers and viruses threatening cloud security, cognitive security can combat zero-day attacks, Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs), exploit kits, Trojans and a host of other threats within the network.
Security Gateways (Brokers)
Another method used to strengthen cloud security is to create stricter access points where users are sent through a very specific gateway that will analyze the validity and intent of the login.
This aims to detect hackers and viruses before they can gain access to the cloud. Products like this are able to verify user identities, enforce data protection policies, and even control how users can access applications and share information.
Cloud Security Enforcer
IBM Cloud Security Enforcer uses similar tactics to gateways, monitoring what actions have been taken within the system in incredible detail. By approving certain applications, the Enforcer grants access to a user after rigorously verifying their authenticity and collecting information about their habits within the cloud.
The cloud is still an evolving technology that offers many benefits but also raises concerns. New techniques are being developed to increase the level of security, others are already ready and in use, and others are still in the experimental stage.
