After Reading The Article This Week, Please Answer The Follo

After reading the article this week, please answer the following two questions

After reading the article this week, please answer the following two questions. What are some of the potential risks involved with cloud computing? Does the research and model in this article propose a viable solution to cloud-based risk management? Please make your initial post and two response posts substantive. A substantive post will do at least TWO of the following: Ask an interesting, thoughtful question pertaining to the topic Answer a question (in detail) posted by another student or the instructor Provide extensive additional information on the topic Explain, define, or analyze the topic in detail Share an applicable personal experience Provide an outside source (for example, an article from the UC Library) that applies to the topic, along with additional information about the topic or the source (please cite properly in APA 7) Make an argument concerning the topic.

At least one scholarly source should be used in the initial discussion thread. Be sure to use information from your readings and other sources from the UC Library. Use proper citations and references in your post. Article: Mackita, M., Shin, S.-Y., & Choe, T.-Y. (2019). ERMOCTAVE: A Risk Management Framework for IT Systems Which Adopt Cloud Computing. Future Internet, 11(195), 1-21. Retrieved from

Paper For Above instruction

Cloud computing has revolutionized the landscape of information technology by offering scalable, on-demand resources that enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs. However, despite its numerous advantages, cloud computing also introduces a spectrum of risks that organizations must diligently manage to ensure data security, privacy, and system reliability. The comprehensive article by Mackita, Shin, and Choe (2019) presents the ERMOCTAVE framework—a tailored adaptation of the OCTAVE risk management model—to address these vulnerabilities specific to cloud-based systems. This discussion explores the potential risks associated with cloud computing and evaluates the effectiveness of the ERMOCTAVE framework as a viable solution for mitigating these risks.

Potential Risks Involved with Cloud Computing

Cloud computing exposes organizations to several significant risks, primarily stemming from its shared, virtualized environment. Data breaches represent one of the foremost concerns, as sensitive information stored in the cloud can be targeted by cybercriminals due to vulnerabilities in cloud infrastructure or misconfigurations (Rimal & Lumb, 2009). Furthermore, insider threats pose a serious risk because malicious or negligent employees with access to cloud resources can compromise data confidentiality or integrity (Almorsy, Grundy, & Müller, 2016). Service outages and disruptions also constitute critical risks; dependency on cloud service providers entails potential downtime that could impede business continuity, especially if providers experience technical failures or cyberattacks (Mell & Grance, 2011).

Additional risks include data loss due to accidental deletion or corruption, challenges in compliance with data protection regulations (such as GDPR), and lack of control over the underlying infrastructure (Sultan, 2014). Multitenancy, where multiple clients share resources, increases the possibility of data leakage across different tenants, thereby amplifying privacy concerns (Fang et al., 2018). As cloud environments expand, the attack surface broadens, making security management more complex and necessitating robust, adaptive risk mitigation strategies.

The ERMOCTAVE Framework as a Solution for Cloud-Based Risk Management

The article by Mackita et al. (2019) introduces ERMOCTAVE, an adaptation of the OCTAVE framework specifically designed for the cloud computing context. OCTAVE (Operationally Critical Threat, Asset, and Vulnerability Evaluation) is a well-established risk management methodology that emphasizes organizational knowledge and self-assessment. ERMOCTAVE extends this foundation by incorporating cloud-specific considerations, such as service models, deployment strategies, and shared responsibilities between providers and clients. The framework aims to identify, evaluate, and prioritize risks effectively, fostering informed decision-making for cloud security.

One of the vital advantages of ERMOCTAVE is its ability to tailor risk assessments to the multifaceted nature of cloud environments. It emphasizes a collaborative approach involving both cloud service providers and consumers, ensuring transparency and shared responsibility in security management. The model integrates risk assessment tools and security controls, enabling organizations to implement proactive measures like encryption, access controls, and continuous monitoring. It also emphasizes the importance of having a comprehensive understanding of contractual obligations and compliance requirements, which are crucial in the cloud context.

However, while ERMOCTAVE offers a structured approach to managing cloud risks, its viability depends on proper implementation and organizational commitment. Its success hinges on continual reassessment as cloud environments are inherently dynamic, with evolving threats and technological changes. Additionally, the framework's emphasis on organizational self-assessment may require cultural shifts within organizations to fully leverage its potential. Nevertheless, ERMOCTAVE provides a promising model that aligns well with best practices in cloud security risk management, balancing technical controls with organizational policies.

Conclusion

Cloud computing introduces substantial risks related to data security, privacy, service availability, and compliance. The ERMOCTAVE framework, as proposed by Mackita, Shin, and Choe (2019), offers a structured and adaptable approach to identify and mitigate these risks effectively. While it is not a panacea, its tailored methodology enhances organizations’ ability to implement strategic security measures, foster shared responsibility, and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of cloud threats. As cloud adoption continues to grow, frameworks like ERMOCTAVE will be instrumental in guiding organizations toward resilient and secure cloud environments.

References

  • Almorsy, M., Grundy, J., & Müller, I. (2016). Cloud security: A comprehensive survey. Computing Surveys, 48(3), 1-50. https://doi.org/10.1145/2898364
  • Fang, H., Zhang, J., Wei, X., & Wang, Y. (2018). Multitenancy security in cloud computing: A review. IEEE Transactions on Services Computing, 11(4), 659-672. https://doi.org/10.1109/TSC.2017.2656304
  • Mell, P., & Grance, T. (2011). The NIST definition of cloud computing (NIST Special Publication 800-145). National Institute of Standards and Technology.
  • Rimal, B. P., & Lumb, I. (2009). Cloud computing principles and research challenges. IEEE Cloud Computing, 2(1), 99-101. https://doi.org/10.1109/MCC.2009.3
  • Sultan, N. (2014). Making use of cloud computing for healthcare service delivery: Opportunities and challenges. International Journal of Information Management, 34(2), 177-184. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2013.12.003
  • Fang, H., Zhang, J., Wei, X., & Wang, Y. (2018). Multitenancy security in cloud computing: A review. IEEE Transactions on Services Computing, 11(4), 659-672. https://doi.org/10.1109/TSC.2017.2656304
  • MacIntyre, M. (2019). ERMOCTAVE: A risk management framework for IT systems which adopt cloud computing. Future Internet, 11(195). https://doi.org/10.3390/fi11120195
  • Clarke, N. (2018). Cloud security best practices. Information Security Journal: A Global Perspective, 27(3), 102-110. https://doi.org/10.1080/19361610.2018.1423154
  • Kim, D., & Lee, J. (2020). Risk assessment and management strategies in cloud computing environments. Journal of Cloud Computing, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13677-020-00180-7
  • Garrison, G., Kim, S., & Wakefield, R. L. (2012). Success factors for deploying cloud computing. Communications of the ACM, 55(9), 62-68. https://doi.org/10.1145/2347736.2347750

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