Cloud providers ought to provide data security -- that should be obvious. But some providers themselves, along with some security analysts, say they also ought to be doing more, such as educating their customers about best security practices.. Not that all providers are providing the basics themselves. CenterBeam, a managed services provider for midsize businesses, reported about a week ago that a recent security test of cloud providers found that some were not securely separating virtual servers located on shared hard disks. This vulnerability would allow an attacker to access fragments of customer data and possibly gain control of other servers. The link for this article located at Network World is no longer available. . Service providers are encouraged to strengthen data safeguarding methods and inform customers about optimal techniques for securing their information.. Cloud Providers, Data Protection, Cybersecurity Best Practices, Virtual Server Security. . Dave Wreski
Is the cloud a hacker's paradise? A survey at last month's Defcon hacking conference paints that picture. Sponsored by security vendor Fortify Software, the survey asked 100 hackers who attended Defcon about security in the cloud.. A sizable 96 percent said they believe the cloud opens up more hacking opportunities, while 89 percent said cloud vendors aren't doing enough to address cybersecurity issues. Among the hackers surveyed, 45 percent said they had already tried to exploit vulnerabilities in the cloud. Although only 12 percent admitted to hacking into cloud systems for the money, that's still a significant percentage to ponder for companies moving to the cloud, according to Fortify. A Gartner study from earlier this year found that by 2012, 20 percent of businesses will own no back-end IT assets of their own, planning instead to store everything all in the cloud. The link for this article located at CNET is no longer available. . An impressive 94% think the cloud presents enhanced cyber attack risks, whereas 87% are concerned that providers do not ensure adequate protections.. Cloud Security Risks,Hacker Opportunities,Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities,Defcon Insights,Cloud Threats. . LinuxSecurity.com Team
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