Showing posts with label Hosting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hosting. Show all posts
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Security Challenges Faced by Cloud Hosting - Building in Security
As mentioned in part one of this article there are multiple stages at which information stored through cloud hosting platforms must be protected against data loss and unauthorised access. The first step is to secure the physical elements of a cloud hosting platform as described, however, the additional steps involve architectural and software based security measures to protect not only the platforms on which the data is stored, but also the data in transit and the subsequent points of access that allow valid users to interact with the data.
Public Cloud Models
Cloud offerings, including cloud hosting, can be broadly categorised, in terms of the way they are deployed (regardless of whether they are Infrastructure, Platform or Software as a Service), as either being Public Cloud, Private Cloud or Hybrid Cloud (a combination of the two). Much of the distinction between public and private clouds revolves around levels of security and privacy rather than technical specifications. As the name suggests, public clouds use points of access which are accessible on public networks (e.g., the internet), public networks to transfer information and shared clustered cloud servers to store information. Essentially anyone can 'knock on the door' of the cloud service, attempt to intercept its information in transit and potentially share its server resources. The services, should of course be protected by end point authentication, data encryption and anti-virus/firewall measures on the server platform to keep data secure but they are exposed to 'attack' at almost every point in their architecture. It is therefore important that consumers of such services are aware of what risks each service carries and what the provider puts in place to safeguard their customers' data.
Private Cloud
For organisations dealing with highly sensitive data, however, they may demand more restrictions on who can attempt to access the cloud service, the networks it utilises and the sharing of cloud servers. In particular, some organisations will be governed by regulation which demands that they retain control of data for which they are ultimately responsible.
Private clouds may employ differing architectures, but they are defined by providing the aforementioned security measures. Servers can be located on an organisation's own premises or within a data centre facility but they will be ringfenced for the use of that sole client; whether it be with physical hardware separation or virtualised separation between server clusters, an organisation's cloud platform will be behind their own firewall. What's more, to protect data in transit, and to prevent untrusted users from accessing the cloud, private clouds can again use either physical or virtualised separation from public shared networks. For example, an organisation can utilise local area network (LAN) connections to access a cloud which hosted on internal on-site servers or a physically distinct leased line when connecting to servers in a remote location. Alternatively, technologies such as MPLS (Multi-Label Switching Protocol) can be used to provide organisations with trusted network connections, controlled by individual providers, across public network infrastructure. The latter can provide more flexibility and allow the organisation to benefit to a greater extent from the scalability that cloud hosting providers can provide.
Hybrid Cloud
A hybrid cloud combines elements of public and private clouds and so can provide the security that organizations require for their sensitive and private data whilst allowing them to access cost efficient scalability in the public cloud for their non-sensitive operations. For example, an organization may store all of their protected client data in systems and databases hosted on site in a private cloud as required by regulation but pull computing resource from a public cloud for their brochureware website's hosting platform.
Data Centre Expertise
The previous part of this article mentioned the benefits of a data center location in terms of the physical maintenance of servers preventing data loss. Similarly it is worth noting that both public clouds and private clouds which utilise a third party data center location for their server hosting (whilst introducing vulnerabilities in data transfer) can benefit from on-site expertise in the maintenance of software and anti-virus measures, including for example patching, to optimise both the preservation and security of data.
© Stuart Mitchell 2013
To find out more about overcoming the security challenges faced by cloud hosting you can visit this cloud hosting blog.
What Type Of Web Hosting Should I Use?
1. Shared Hosting
Shared hosting is a kind of hosting service in which a number of customers share a individual server. All the customers have a standalone website directory where they can publish their files. This is normally the most inexpensive choice as all the customers distribute the total price of the server. The server is managed by the hosting company and the technical tasks like handling servers, setting up server software, security improvements, technical assistance, etc. are the responsibility of the server administration. These servers typically use control panels like cPanel, Directadmin, Plesk, Interworx, etc which allow the users to take care of their websites.
2. VPS ( Virtual Private Server )
VPS is a virtual machine developed on a physical server. The hosting service creates several VPS (Virtual Private Server) on a physical server and offers access to their customers. VPS is as sound as a dedicated server but with restricted resources. VPS offers root access to the customer so the customer can set up any software/OS and carry out any root level tasks. This choice is a little costly as it is a lot more powerful than a shared hosting account and has more features.
3. Dedicated Server
Dedicated server is a plan where the customer leases the whole physical website server and is not shared by anybody else. As opposed to VPS and Shared hosting the customer has full regulation over the server. The customer can select the hardware, software, OS, etc. Dedicated server is beneficial because of the advantages like high overall performance, safety, email stability and control. This choice is the most expensive as you are the only one who is paying the expense of the whole server. Most of the companies offer Managed dedicated server where the server is maintained by the company up to some degree.
Who should use Shared hosting?
The customers who just want a company website and do not require much resources can go for shared hosting as the price included in shared hosting is inexpensive. If you are a start up business and want online visibility shared hosting is the perfect choice for you.
Who should use VPS?
The customers who have websites with large amount of visits and complicated tasks being carried out VPS hosting is suggested. This is mainly because such websites demand high amounts of resources and continuous monitoring on the part of the server administration. VPS can be a bit pricey but if you require more resources it is much better to go for a VPS.
Who should use a Dedicated Server?
Dedicated server is suggested for big businesses and institutions who have massive data and carry out many tasks and calculations. Dedicated servers are pricey but you have complete management over the server and you can set up anything you require for your website. With a dedicated server you have significant resources to deal with any volume of requests for your website.
The largest and most reliable Web Host out there in my opinion and many others is Hostgator. This is a good place to host a Wordpress Blog or any type of website you build for that matter. They even provide a WYSIWYG Website Builder for those who are new to website building. Hostgator has a 25% Off and Free Coupon Code you can use if you want to try it out. Visit http://www.hostgatorwebhost.com/
What Is Windows Hosting and Linux Hosting Services?
Windows and Linux, these two are the major operating systems used over various computers, laptops and of course over the web servers. Both have many things in common and some uncommon things also and as we all know both posses many advantages and some disadvantages. Therefore, let's discuss both the operating systems and then you can have a clear idea about what to choose when offered.
What is Linux Web Hosting?
Linux Web Hosting can actually be defined as the web hosting with the help of Linux operating system. You can see a few differences between the Linux and Windows server hosting that also signifies some fundamental advantages that Linux carry over other platforms.
The price at which you will get this service is the best thing about the Linux platform. This is perhaps the most prominent part that a user considers before selecting a hosting provider and many of them do have very competitive packages to stay in the competition.
As we all know Linux is a free platform and with the use of this, providers can configure various plans and packages for the clients.
It offers a rigorous amount of stability and it's a fact that Linux platforms give very secure and strong atmosphere for the users to work upon compared to any other operating system. And, it is less prone to any kind of cyber attacks.
And perhaps the biggest advantage is no licensing problem with Linux OS, except the red hat OS and offers high-flexibility when a website converts to windows platform because it's compatible with various scripting languages and databases.
What is Windows Hosting?
Windows hosting services are the most preferred, loved and used around the world. They are the champion in and most of the shares in the world of the operating system are in the hands of the windows more than 80% of the world users use windows. And as it is in use by such a huge group of users therefore, there are some king size features that are not available on any operating system in the world.
1. Windows platforms can host large databases and types; therefore, it is most advisable for companies with huge database.
2. The working environment provided to the users is the most friendliest and easiest and visually most attractive and soothing to eyes.
3. Regular updates are available from Microsoft Corporation and these updates will help you to tackle day-to-day compatibility problems of applications and various other things.
4. Most of the software's and applications gets made particularly for the windows platform; hence it will be very easy and helpful in maintaining a steady flow of work without any kind of compatibility and software issues.
What is hosting helping you in defining various services like What is windows hosting? What is Linux hosting? It is basically a user-friendly future oriented company that provides a series of hosting solutions.
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