- The “cloud” essentially functions as a network. Narrowly speaking, cloud computing is a type of network that provides resources, allowing users to access limitless resources via the internet without constraints of time or space.
- Cloud computing is facing many challenges, such as data security, privacy, reduced visibility and cloud migration.
- In essence, placing devices in remote locations and having them controlled by others in a public cloud is more flexible and requires users to invest less time and money. Private clouds, which are under the physical control of the owner, offer greater security and control levels.
Cloud computing operates on a model of resource sharing to maintain coherence and typically adopts a pay-as-you-go approach.
Improper planning and execution of cloud migration can lead to downtime, performance degradation, or data loss.
So is cloud computing safe?
What is the ‘cloud’?
The concept of “the cloud” traces back to 1994 when General Magic used it to describe the virtualised environment for mobile agents in the Telescript system. David Hoffman, a communications specialist at General Magic, is credited with coining the term based on its existing usage in networking and telecom.
The expression gained broader recognition in 1996 when Compaq Computer Corporation incorporated it into a business plan aimed at boosting sales through “cloud computing-enabled applications.”
The “cloud” essentially functions as a network. Narrowly speaking, cloud computing is a type of network that provides resources, allowing users to access resources from the “cloud” whenever needed, on a pay-as-you-go basis. It’s akin to an endless expansion, much like how we access water from a utility company, paying based on our actual usage, without any limitations.
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Cloud computing with resource sharing
Cloud computing refers to the immediate accessibility of computer system resources, such as data storage (referred to as cloud storage) and computing power, without the need for direct user intervention. In many cases, large cloud networks are spread across multiple locations, with each location functioning as a data centre.
In a broader sense, cloud computing is a service linked to information technology, software, and the internet. This service utilises a shared pool of computing resources referred to as the “cloud,” where multiple resources are consolidated and managed automatically through software, requiring minimal human involvement to swiftly provide resources.
In general terms, while cloud computing encompasses various interpretations, its fundamental essence remains consistent. Cloud computing is characterised by its scalability and accessibility, offering users a fresh experience. Essentially, cloud computing orchestrates numerous computing resources, allowing users to access limitless resources via the internet without constraints of time or space.
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Safety of cloud computing
One of the main challenges of cloud computing compared to traditional local computing is data security and privacy. This is because service providers have constant access to data in the cloud, which could result in inadvertent or deliberate alterations or deletions of information. Additionally, many cloud providers may share information with third parties without authorisation for legal and law enforcement purposes, and these third-party providers may not have adequate measures to protect against unauthorised access, tampering, or leaks.
To prevent unauthorised access, users can encrypt data processed or stored in the cloud. Identity management systems also offer practical solutions to privacy concerns in cloud computing. These systems distinguish between authorised and unauthorised users and determine the amount of data each entity can access. They work by creating and describing identities, logging activities, and removing unused identities.
In essence, placing devices in remote locations and having them controlled by others in a public cloud is more flexible and requires users to invest less time and money. Conversely, private clouds, which are under the physical control of the owner, offer greater security and control levels. This significantly incentivises public cloud computing service providers to prioritise building and maintaining robust security service management.
In addition, cloud computing also faces the challenges of reduced visibility and control. Cloud users may not have full insight into how their providers manage, configure, or optimise their cloud resources. Their ability to customise or modify cloud services according to their specific needs or preferences may also be limited. Cloud migration is another significant issue.
Achieving a complete understanding of all technologies may be impossible, especially considering the scale, complexity, and intentional opacity of modern systems. However, it is necessary to comprehend complex technologies and their interconnections to have authority and agency within them. Yet, cloud computing’s powerful on-demand self-service and resource pooling capabilities can serve as advantageous aids when employed judiciously and cautiously.
