Cloud storage is a service framework that transmits and stores information on remote storage networks. It is maintained, controlled, backed up, and accessible to consumers over a network, which is typically the internet. It is delivered with just-in-time capability and expenses on request and eliminates the information storage network (Yamato, 2016). Cloud storage gives versatility, global reach, and consistency, with access to data anytime, anywhere.
Cloud Storage Works
Cloud storage is purchased in a pay-as-you-go system from a third-party cloud provider who owns and manages data storage space and provides it over the Internet. Capacity, protection, and reliability are handled by these cloud storage providers to make data available to client applications worldwide. They have access to cloud storage via conventional storage interfaces or directly through the API. Many providers give additional services that help capture, maintain, protect, and analyze data on a large scale. Cloud storage operates on the principle of the Server-Internet-Client; the latter can upload data to the cloud via the internet and extract it the same way (Yamato, 2016). Cloud saves files, and all information transfers are only available to authenticated users, and for that, the cloud storage meets the CIA triad and protects privacy, honesty, and accessibility.
Challenges and Remedies Presented When Attempting to Acquire Data from the Cloud
The security of personal data on cloud storage is critical for a variety of reasons. First, data security protects an individual from unauthorized access or interference that could be a source of fraudulent activity or unwanted sharing of sensitive information with third parties. Keeping data secure also means that it is not compromised by hazardous malware installed on a computer device from malicious sources. The internet is full of many harmful viruses that can affect computer programs and damage important data (Daher & Hajjdiab, 2018). To remedy this problem, the client is advised to install powerful and authentic antivirus software programs, as well as important system updates to all significant programs.
Other computer and software security threats that consumers need to be vigilant about include spam attacks or phishing. Moreover, risks involved include vendor locking, which refers to a situation where the cost of moving to another vendor is so high that the consumer is effectively stuck with the original one. Because of financial constraints, inadequate labor force, or the need to prevent interruptions in business activities, the consumer is locked to what could be an ineffective service. To avoid such situations, the client should seek only highly qualified and reliable service providers like Amazon’s AWS, Microsoft’s Azure, and many others.
Cost management is the other significant issue when dealing with cloud storage. The cost of running and maintaining these systems is high, which has caused cloud storage providers to charge high fees. However, it is possible to mitigate costs by centralizing the cloud management team, reducing the complexities of scattered access management and monitoring controls. The need for much larger hard drive storage is yet another issue that needs attention, as cloud storage requires huge space (Daher & Hajjdiab, 2018). Therefore, the client is advised to invest in large capacity hard drives and make a point of removing any unwanted or unused data from the hard disk so as to create space.
The Importance of Protecting Data on the Computer
A subset of information protection and data security is about keeping the data safe. There is a range of possible risks to the information you store with a greater dependence on computers. It could be lost due to device failure, compromised by a computer virus, and even removed or changed by a hacker. A common software error could lead to overwritten or deleted data. A missing device, such as a tablet or smartphone, will lead to another person starting to own and control the data. Computer security is critical because it protects the information and vital elements for the computer’s general operation. Thus, proper computer protection helps avoid viruses and malware, enabling programs to function quicker and easier. Protecting the computer means that one is protecting oneself from data breaching from the third party (Yamato, 2016). Protecting the system from harmful viruses also means that one is saving oneself from phishing related scams, ransomware, cookies, and tracking.
The best way to ensure that the computer is well protected from such threats is by:
- Properly scrambling or encrypting the data and backing up any important information. Cloud storage is one of the safest options for doing it.
- Ensuring the best anti-malware and antivirus software are installed.
- Automating the programs in a way that makes it easy for refreshes and updating installations.
- Securing one’s remote storage at home or office as it is strongly advised.
It is therefore clear that the data breach is one of the most serious issues. Its impact can cause serious damage which may lead an organization to incur huge legal fines, auditing expenses, client compensation, and other financial losses. The company’s reputation is also harmed in the process, which may result in losing clients (Yamato, 2016). Lastly, job losses could also be recorded when the clients’ number is reduced.
Three Ways a Digital Practitioner Can Display Their Ethical Practices
Digital forensics is a branch of forensics that involves the recovery and analysis of materials found in digital devices, often linked to computer crime. As part of their ethical responsibilities in the field, digital forensic professionals have different mandates to follow. First, these practitioners, whether individuals or organizations, have a responsibility to honor their customers’ privacy rights. They include personal data, profiles, and financial data that third parties should not be aware of. Second, digital forensic experts ought to follow all the land laws and recognize the requirements of law enforcement authorities to remain professional. Third, in their practice, professionals aim to be conscious of all laws in compliance with duty or while away from their job (Casey, 2020). Digital forensic practitioners are more likely to work long in their careers and grow professionally by being law-abiding individuals, relative to when they choose to violate the law. Besides that, digital forensic practitioners show evidence of their ethical principles within the discipline by embracing constructive and balanced competition.
Digital forensics investigations have a wide range of uses. The first and most popular method is to endorse or deny a theory before courts. Crime cases include an alleged breach of the law enacted by the police and charged by the government, such as murder, robbery, and abuse. Second, forensics can also feature in the private sector, such as during a company’s internal inquiries or intrusion investigations (a specialized survey of the existence and degree of unlawful network intrusion) (Van Belle et al. 2015). Third, digital forensics can identify direct evidence of a crime. They can be used to assign evidence to particular perpetrators, validate alibis or claims, assess motive, identify sources (for instance, in patent cases), or validate documents.
References
Casey, E. (2020). Strengthening trust: Integration of digital investigation and forensic science. Forensic Science International: Digital Investigation, 33, 301000. Web.
Daher, Z., & Hajjdiab, H. (2018). Cloud storage comparative analysis: Amazon Simple Storage vs. Microsoft Azure Blob Storage. International Journal Of Machine Learning And Computing, 8(1), 85−89. Web.
Van Belle, J., de Beer, R., & Stander, A. (2015). Anti-forensics: A practitioner perspective. International Journal Of Cyber-Security And Digital Forensics, 4(2), 390−403. Web.
Yamato, Y. (2016). Cloud storage application area of HDD-SSD hybrid storage, distributed storage, and HDD storage. IEEJ Transactions On Electrical And Electronic Engineering, 11(5), 674−675. Web.