Are you familiar with the old saying “ignorance is bliss” a phrase coined by Thomas Gray? Yes, you could say that when it comes to online security, it could not be further from the truth. As a user of the web it is really important to stay alert and be aware of what is happening around you at all times. As with that thing about cloud computing in which everyone speaks. How secure is the cloud computing? Are you protected? Actually… what is it?
The Basics
The good news is that you probably make use of cloud computing and unknowingly on a daily basis. The cloud computing technology boosts webmail services like Yahoo and Gmail, blogs, social networks, online games, productivity tools like Google Docs and even alternative backup and storage.
There is a “cloud” with a unique and comprehensive approach as such, but many are smaller and separated from each other. Some are run by well-known companies as Google, Facebook and Microsoft, who use their Cloud to offer a wide range of online services directly, while some are constructed and used privately by companies for their internal employees, and others are designed and created specifically to be rented and can be used both for individual users and for online businesses.
Therefore, cloud computing actually resides in chips and servers in million data centers – some interconnected, and other non-worldwide. These chips and servers offer the computing power to deliver services and applications over the Internet on a PC, Laptop, Tablet or Smartphone users. Meanwhile, in the other direction, you will be sending your data, photos, emails, instant messages, notes, etc… That will be stored on the servers of your service provider. This means that, for example, when users access Gmail on their Smartphone, almost instantaneously, opens his Inbox messages anywhere in the world where the person goes.
The Risks
We all know how cloud computing has helped to change our lives – just try to go a week without connecting to Google or Facebook account to see it, but there are other risks involved. Where people and money goes, usually criminals follow too often. Cybercrime is big business and the dark sides of the Internet the “bad guys” are authentic teachers defraud and extort money from their victims. There is also a thriving black market where stolen data of users are bought and sold, so it’s worth paying attention, be alert and take a few steps to achieve techniques to keep cyber criminals out of reach.
The main techniques used to try to take your money are: deception, to reveal personal information about yourself through fake phishing emails that pretend to be sent from an official source, or malware infections. The latter can be as simple as clicking a link in an email or doubtful on the social networking site, opening the malicious attachment, downloading a mobile application that appears to be legal, or even visiting a legitimate site that has been hacked.
Best Tips to Stay Safe
Cloud computing providers like Google, Facebook and Microsoft spend a small fortune to ensure that their data centers are as safe as possible, accredited according to standards and internationally recognized IT standards.
However, there are still some security breaches in the cloud and users must be involved and take some responsibility too. Here are some tips:
- Always use logon passwords complex and do not share passwords among different online accounts in case one is compromised.
- Consider having an online backup service to ensure to keep your entire data safe in the cloud, in case you lose your phone or laptop or it gets stolen.
- Stay alert on social networks. Use caution when clicking on links, even if they appear to be from a friend. Pay special attention to the directed shortened URLs.
- Do not open attachments or click on links in emails without verifying the source of the email first.
- Only download mobile applications through official channels and consider downloading a mobile client security.
- Keep your browser and operating system updated with the latest and most secure version, and make sure that security updates are always made.
- Keep your PC or laptop protected by a security system based on a Cloud that blocks threats before they even reach your computer and prevent data loss.
About the author
Paul Lopez, a technology writer and sales & marketing executive at bodHOST.com, a cloud & dedicated server hosting company based in New Jersey.
