As cloud computing continues to transform business operations, organizations must balance the technology’s substantial benefits with the potential risks. The cloud enables companies to store their infrastructures remotely, which reduces costs and improves scalability. However, this technology introduces new security challenges that require specialized expertise.
Avila University’s online Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Cybersecurity program prepares aspiring professionals to protect organizations from the threats associated with cloud computing and other emerging technologies. Throughout the curriculum, students explore popular cloud service providers, scalability considerations and current industry methods for defending against cyberattacks.
What Is Cloud Computing?
Cloud computing represents a fundamental shift in how we access and utilize computing resources. Rather than being confined to physical hardware and software, it allows users to tap into a vast network of remote, on-demand, internet-based services. This model vastly improves upon the flexibility and scalability of traditional on-premises infrastructure.
The cloud has become indispensable, whether streaming a movie or accessing email, but its impact extends far beyond consumer applications. For businesses, the cloud has revolutionized everything from remote work enablement to omnichannel customer engagement. By providing the computing power, storage and advanced capabilities needed to harness cutting-edge technologies like generative AI, the cloud has become a critical driver of innovation across industries.
At the heart of this revolution are the cloud service providers (CSPs), which own and operate massive remote data centers housing the physical servers, networking equipment and other infrastructure. Through advanced virtualization techniques, these CSPs pool and divide their resources, making them available to users on an on-demand basis. This flexibility is a key part of what makes cloud computing so transformative and cost-effective for organizations.
Benefits of Cloud Computing
The exponential growth of cloud computing is a testament to the substantial benefits it offers organizations across a wide range of industries. According to McKinsey & Company, the global adoption of cloud services could generate $3 trillion by 2030. This massive value stems from the cloud’s ability to rejuvenate existing IT capabilities and catalyze innovative new business models.
McKinsey & Company projects $155 billion in savings from improved efficiencies, $311 billion from operational cost reductions and $407 billion from mitigated digital risks. However, the cloud’s true transformative power lies in its potential to drive innovation and accelerated product development, which could unlock an additional $2.3 trillion in value.
A key driver of the cloud’s strategic value is its inherent flexibility. Organizations can easily scale capacity up or down to meet fluctuating demands, choose from a diverse menu of storage and service options to fit their unique security needs, and empower employees with on-demand access to the latest applications.
Underlying this flexibility is the cloud’s robust security model. By leveraging the scale, standardization and competitive dynamics of the cloud services market, providers invest heavily in resilient infrastructures and advanced security protocols. This often exceeds the capabilities that individual organizations could have on their own.
The cloud’s scalability also empowers teams to quickly generate computing power and storage as needed. This agility enables rapid prototyping, faster time-to-market and the ability to adapt to changing business demands. In addition, the cloud’s global accessibility allows geographically dispersed teams to collaborate in real-time, enabling new limits for staffing and productivity.
Potential Risks Facing Businesses Operating in a Cloud Environment
Cloud computing also introduces new security challenges, including the potential for malicious malware to infiltrate cloud platforms. Unlike traditional malware targeting on-premises systems, cloud malware can directly impact cloud service providers, leading to security incidents. For instance, a type of cloud malware attack called hyperjacking can compromise virtual machines and steal sensitive data.
Another concern is limited visibility into network operations. When businesses use a mix of cloud platforms and on-premises servers, they create complex infrastructures that are difficult to monitor. This can lead to network “dark spots,” exposing vulnerable areas to unauthorized data access and attacks.
Compliance issues also pose a risk for cloud users. Industries often have specific regulations, so businesses must ensure they have prepared adequate measures to meet compliance requirements, including following universal principles taught in cybersecurity degree programs.
Open the Door to a Successful Future in Cybersecurity
Avila University’s online B.S. in Cybersecurity program equips students with the essential skills to protect cloud environments and ensure data security. In this program, students develop expertise in secure programming, compliance and evidence handling. Students also gain a deep understanding of security penetration tools, intrusion network detection methodologies and incident response techniques.
Program graduates bring employers industry-standard cybersecurity certifications, validating their skills and opening doors to rewarding career opportunities in this rapidly growing field. By investing in a cybersecurity degree, professionals are positioned as valuable assets to organizations seeking to harness the power of the cloud while safeguarding their critical data.
Learn more about Avila University’s online B.S. in Cybersecurity program.
