Private cloud services are preferred by organizations to ensure ease in access to servers, storage, security, and privacy. Software as a service (SaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), and infrastructure as a service (IaaS) are some of the major private cloud services offered to enterprises. With a surge in cloud implementation, the need for efficiency in operations, and ease in access requirements with virtual working models, private cloud services are increasingly availed. According to the report published by Allied Market Research, the global private cloud services market is estimated to grow considerably in the coming years. The demand for different private cloud services will increase and various concerns related to their implementation will also surge.
Following are some of the concerns regarding the implementation of private cloud services.
Management of misconfigurations:
The usage of different private cloud services is increasing considerably and enterprises are implementing many services at the same time to ensure the productivity of their employees. Security teams will configure the services and offer access to specific services or functionality to certain employees. As there are hundreds and thousands of employees working in enterprises, it is difficult to keep track of configurations and permissions provided to them. Superhuman computing power is required, which is impossible for security teams. This may lead to permission gaps and inappropriate configurations. If user permissions and accesses are not provided correctly, there is room for data breach, leakage, or mismanagement. So, the deployment of configuration management systems is important while availing of private cloud services.
Data breach and leakage:
Though private cloud services can be implemented rapidly, have low upfront setup costs, and provide ease in upgrading, the data breach and leakage issues loom large over the implementation. Owing to unauthorized access, inappropriate configurations, and weak authentication methods, data can be exposed to third parties or unauthorized people. In addition, the number of cyberattacks is increasing day by day. These attacks are getting more sophisticated and rapid than before. This may lead to data breach or leakage, and result in fatal consequences in terms of finance and reputation. So, determining the security measures taken by the service provider and steps taken to mitigate the possible damage becomes a necessity. While deploying private cloud services, enterprises should have a clear idea about the strategies implemented to prevent data breach and leakage, procedures and policies followed, and backup systems in place.
Data storage location:
Knowing where the data is stored is essential for rapid implementation, security, and compliance. It is required to follow data compliance regulations and data usage standards of the region or country in which data is stored. If the data storage systems are not located at preferred locations, determine if you are getting the required speed and configurations. In addition, ensure that you are following the data regulations of the country. You need to ask the service provider about the exact locations and monitor whether all the data regulations are followed appropriately. Else, it may land you in legal trouble and cause financial or operational losses. In addition, users should also determine if the data servers in preferred locations go down, then what are the necessary steps taken to ensure continuity of business operations.
Among these major concerns, there are still a few concerns that remain to be addressed. Users need to determine if the private cloud service provider is backing up the data regularly on other servers. With uncertain situations such as insider threats and a rise in malicious attacks on servers, it is essential to have backups. Though there are huge benefits of implementing private cloud services, it is important to address some major concerns to ensure business continuity and seamless operations. Addressing these concerns on a timely basis will save huge costs and improve operational efficiency.
