Why do Businesses Need Cloud Computing and How Can I Learn It?

Cloud computing is fast becoming the new normal. A 2019 Oracle report reveals that 80% of all enterprise IT workloads will move to the cloud by 2025. If you are still stuck in the era of running programs from software downloaded on a physical computer, you need to bring yourself up to speed with the important subject of cloud computing.

What is Cloud Computing?

Simply put, cloud computing is the practice of using computer system resources over the internet. So, rather than having personal devices or local servers handling your computer applications, cloud computing allows you to use a network of remote servers hosted on the internet to manage, process and store your data.

Cloud computing generally consists of hardware and software resources that have been made readily available on the internet (“cloud”) and as managed third-party services. There are three types of cloud deployments: 

• Public cloud: With public clouds, all hardware, software and other supporting IT infrastructure are owned and managed by a third-party known as a cloud provider. The public cloud makes computing resources available to anyone who wants to purchase or use them.
• Private Cloud: With private clouds, all hardware, software and other supporting IT infrastructure are maintained on a private network. This means that all computing resources are used exclusively by a single organization or business.
• Hybrid Cloud: With hybrid clouds, you get to enjoy both of the public cloud and private cloud worlds.

How do Businesses Use Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing is being used literally everywhere in the world. People are increasingly embracing cloud computing due to the possibilities and opportunities this service is bringing on board. The following are the main ways in which people are using cloud computing:

• File Storage: Cloud computing facilitates the easy storage, access, and retrieval of large files such as images, audio, and video. Saving files on the cloud eradicates the costs and stress associated with the management of day-to-day maintenance of the local infrastructure that’s used for file storage.
• Data Backup: Data can be easily backed up on cloud platforms, eliminating the risk of losing data in case of system failure or other disasters. The good thing about cloud computing for data backup is that the cloud never runs out of space.
• Mobile working: Cloud computing enables you to access computing resources through your mobile devices from wherever you may be.
• Information sharing: Cloud computing allows you to share information with others in a timely manner.
• Big data analytics: You can use cloud computing to get analytics based on customer buying patterns. The information obtained enables you to identify the marketing strategies that work best.

Besides making it easy for a company to access, share and store data easily, cloud computing can save businesses a significant amount of money in hardware and software costs.

How is Cloud Computing Linked to Cybersecurity?

Cloud computing inherently presents a number of vulnerabilities. Due to the vast amount of sensitive data it holds, the cloud becomes an enticing place for cyber criminals. The data hosted in the cloud can come under attack from two different sources: external attacks launched by cyber criminals, and internal attacks launched by insiders.

Web browsers are among the commonly-utilized applications that allow cloud users to access cloud services. As with other software, web browsers contain vulnerabilities. The Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) is a well-known vulnerability that allows hackers to inject malicious script into websites. When unwary users view the infected web pages, the malicious code is executed to carry out its malicious activities on the user’s computer.

Of late, malware created particularly for mobile platforms has been on the rise. Cyber criminals are enlarging their battlefield from PCs to other mobile platforms, including smartphones, tablets, and Voice over Internet Protocol. Any business that stores data on the cloud is at risk of a data breach.

Importance of Cybersecurity Training for Employees

According to a report by Verizon’s 2018 Data Breach Investigations, phishing as well as other forms of social engineering account for 93 percent of all data breaches. For these attacks to be successful, cybercriminals need a target to take the bait. Employees usually are the targets. Moreover, employee error is cause of 17 percent of breaches.

Do You Want to Learn More About Cloud Computing?

If you want to build a future in the cloud computing field and earn a Bachelor of Science in Computer and Information Science with a Major in Cyber and Network Security - Cloud Computing Track, consider ECPI University for the education you need. For more information about this exciting degree program, connect with a helpful admissions advisor today.

It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

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