Cloud Computing – Risks of Free Public Cloud you are using

We have written several articles on Cloud Computing, most of them are actually much academic and out of reach for an average Internet user.

In this article, we will discuss about the potential risks of Cloud Computing : the free public Cloud Computing that many users are using without knowing the fact that they are actually using the Cloud Computing.

Where are these  free public Cloud Computing are used now ?

Almost all the major free photo sharing, free email service providers are actually use the Public Cloud Computing. To maintain the legal aspect, they often write a disclaimer about the risks when you are first registering for the service. But, in almost all cases, most users never reads the full legal looking EULA-kind of disclaimer, where the risks of their Cloud Computing Service is obviously written clearly and ticks the check box and hit “I Agree” to proceed.

What are the risks associated with the usage of free Public Cloud Computing ?

We already have written an article on the risks associated with Public Cloud Computing. But, that article was intended for the power users, not for an average Internet user.

The risk and problems with computer viruses and malwares are many, but at least the user can notice some abnormalities of the operating system (read Windows). But, the risks associated with free public Cloud Computing might went unnoticed as most novice users even have no idea about Cloud Computing.

Free Public Cloud Computing can result in misuse of your personal data

Most big providers uses https (secured) connection to provide a free Public Cloud Computing or hosting service. But, there are many popular free services or upload type services which actually uses Cloud Computing use normal connection. The interfaces to the cloud computing service must have to be protected – for example, encrypted connection to the data stream can not be scanned, as well as secure passwords.

In public Cloud hacking, even the cloud servers can be a part of botnet – that is, the computing power of the cloud computing provider could be misused to crack passwords.

So, it is probably better not to “backup” your personal computer using the free public Cloud Computing service.

The deletion of data is not controllable in Cloud Computing environment

A supposed advantage of the cloud computing is that it will delete the sensitive data and applications between data centers and servers back and forth. But, if you delete a file, is this is really deleted? Or is it still available on a backup server in another country?

What happens to the data after ending of the contractual relationship with the cloud providers? Do not provide too much personal data in the social networks powered by Cloud Computing.