In this article
1. Top 15 Challenges of Cloud Computing
2. Conclusion
3. Cloud Computing Challenges FAQs
Cloud Computing is a revolutionary technology transforming enterprises and
accelerating digital transformation. It has proven beneficial not only for small-scale
businesses but large-scale and mid-size brands as well. It is said that more
businesses around the world will increase their investments in Cloud technology
solutions, and there has been a sudden spike in Cloud deployments ever since the
COVID-19 pandemic started.
Cloud is important, and its dependence is becoming apparent. But there are various
risks and challenges of cloud computing as well. The article here will discuss some
of the most common cloud computing challenges faced by the industry, cliched
cloud computing problems and solutions and other cloud security challenges and
risks.
Check out the Cloud Computing Courses List to learn and master the tools,
technologies, and trends driving the Cloud Computing revolution.
Top 15 Challenges of Cloud Computing
Cloud computing is a hot topic at the moment, and there is a lot of ambiguity when
it comes to managing its features and resources. Technology is evolving, and as
companies scale up, their need to use the latest Cloud frameworks also increases.
Some of the benefits introduced by cloud solutions include data security,
flexibility, efficiency, and high performance. Smoother processes and improved
collaboration between enterprises while reducing costs are among its perks.
However, the Cloud is not perfect and has its own set of drawbacks when it comes
to data management and privacy concerns. Thus, there are various benefits and
challenges of cloud computing. The list below discusses some of the key
challenges in the adoption of cloud computing.
The top 15 cloud computing challenges and problems
include:
1. Data Security and Privacy
Data security is a major concern when working with Cloud environments. It is one of the
major challenges in cloud computing as users have to take accountability for their data, and
not all Cloud providers can assure 100% data privacy. Lack of visibility and control tools, no
identity access management, data misuse, and Cloud misconfiguration are the common
causes behind Cloud privacy leaks. There are also concerns with insecure APIs, malicious
insiders, and oversights or neglect in Cloud data management.
Solution: Configure network hardware and install the latest software updates to prevent
security vulnerabilities. Using firewalls, antivirus, and increasing bandwidth for Cloud data
availability are some ways to prevent data security risks.
2. Multi-Cloud Environments
Common cloud computing issues and challenges with multi-cloud environments are configuration errors, lack of security patches, data governance, and no granularity. It is
difficult to track the security requirements of multi-clouds and apply data management
policies across various boards.
Solution: Using a multi-cloud data management solution is a good start for enterprises. Not
all tools will offer specific security functionalities, and multi-cloud environments grow
highly sophisticated and complex. Open-source products like Terraform provide a great deal
of control over multi-cloud architectures.
3. Performance Challenges
The performance of Cloud computing solutions depends on the vendors who offer these
services to clients, and if a Cloud vendor goes down, the business gets affected too. It is one
of the major challenges associated with cloud computing.
Solution: Sign up with Cloud Service Providers who have real-time SaaS monitoring
policies.
The Cloud Solution Architect Certification training addresses all Cloud performance issues
and teaches learners how to mitigate them.
4. Interoperability and Flexibility
Interoperability is a challenge when you try to move applications between two or multiple
Cloud ecosystems. It is one of the challenges faced in cloud computing. Some common
issues faced are:
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Rebuilding application stacks to match the target cloud environment's specifications
Handling data encryption during migration
Setting up networks in the target cloud for operations
Managing apps and services in the target cloud ecosystem
Solution: Setting Cloud interoperability and portability standards in organizations before
getting to work on projects can help solve this problem. The use of multi-layer authentication
and authorization tools is also encouraged for account verifications in public, private, and
hybrid cloud ecosystems.
5. High Dependence on Network
Lack of sufficient internet bandwidth is a common problem when transferring large volumes
of information to and from Cloud data servers. It is one of the various challenges in cloud
computing. Data is highly vulnerable, and there is a risk of sudden outages. Enterprises that
want to lower hardware costs without sacrificing performance need to ensure there is high
bandwidth, which will help prevent business losses from sudden outages.
Solution: Pay more for higher bandwidth and focus on improving operational efficiency to
address network dependencies.
6. Lack of Knowledge and Expertise
Organizations are finding it tough to find and hire the right Cloud talent, which is another
common challenge in cloud computing. There is a shortage of professionals with the required
qualifications in the industry. Workloads are increasing, and the number of tools launched in
the market is increasing. Enterprises need good expertise in order to use these tools and find
out which ones are ideal for them.
Solution: Hire Cloud professionals with specializations in DevOps and automation
7. Reliability and Availability
High unavailability of Cloud services and a lack of reliability are two major concerns in
these ecosystems. Organizations are forced to seek additional computing resources in order
to keep up with changing business requirements. If a Cloud vendor gets hacked or affected,
the data of organizations using their services gets compromised. It is another one of the many
cloud security risks and challenges faced by the industry.
Solution: Implementing the NIST Framework standards in Cloud environments can greatly
improve both aspects.
8. Password Security
Account managers use the same passwords to manage all their Cloud accounts. Password
management is a critical problem, and it is often found that users resort to using reused and
weak passwords.
Solution: Use a strong password management solution to secure all your accounts. To further
improve security, use Multifactor Authentication (MFA) in addition to a password manager.
Good cloud-based password managers alert users of security risks and leaks.
9. Cost Management
Even though Cloud Service Providers (CSPs) offer a pay-as-you-go subscription for services,
the costs can add up. Hidden costs appear in the form of underutilized resources in
enterprises.
Solution: Auditing systems regularly and implementing resource utilization monitoring tools
are some ways organizations can fix this. It's one of the most effective ways to manage
budgets and deal with major challenges in cloud computing.
10. Lack of expertise
Cloud computing is a highly competitive field, and there are many professionals who lack
the required skills and knowledge to work in the industry. There is also a huge gap in supply
and demand for certified individuals and many job vacancies.
Solution: Companies should retrain their existing IT staff and help them in upskilling their
careers by investing in Cloud training programs.
11. Control or Governance
Good IT governance ensures that the right tools are used, and assets get implemented
according to procedures and agreed-to policies. Lack of governance is a common problem,
and companies use tools that do not align with their vision. IT teams don't get total control of
compliance, risk management, and data quality checks, and there are many uncertainties
faced when migrating to the Cloud from traditional infrastructures.
Solution: Traditional IT processes should be adopted in ways to accommodate Cloud
migrations.
12. Compliance
Cloud Service Providers (CSP) are not up-to-date when it comes to having the best data
compliance policies. Whenever a user transfers data from internal servers to the Cloud, they
run into compliance issues with state laws and regulations.
Solution: The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Act is expected to expedite
compliance issues in the future for CSPs.
13. Multiple Cloud Management
Enterprises depend on multiple cloud environments due to scaling up and provisioning
resources. One of the hybrid cloud security challenges is that most companies follow a
hybrid cloud strategy, and many resort to multi-cloud. The problem is that infrastructures
grow increasingly complex and difficult to manage when multiple cloud providers get added,
especially due to technological cloud computing challenges and differences.
Solution: Creating strong data management and privacy policies is a starting point when it
comes to managing multi-cloud environments effectively.
14. Migration
Migration of data to the Cloud takes time, and not all organizations are prepared for it. Some
report increased downtimes during the process, face security issues, or have problems with
data formatting and conversions. Cloud migration projects can get expensive and are harder
than anticipated.
Solution: Organizations will have to employ in-house professionals to handle their Cloud
data migration and increase their investments. Experts must analyze cloud computing issues
and solutions before investing in the latest platforms and services offered by CSPs.
15. Hybrid-Cloud Complexity
Hybrid-cloud complexity refers to cloud computing challenges arising from mixed
computing, storage, and services, and multi-cloud security causes various challenges. It
comprises private cloud services, public Clouds, and on-premises infrastructures, for
example, products like Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services - which are orchestrated
on various platforms.
Solution: Using centralized Cloud management solutions, increasing automation, and
hardening security are good ways to mitigate hybrid-cloud complexity.
Conclusion
Now that you're aware of the cloud computing opportunities and challenges and key
challenges in the adoption of cloud computing and their solutions, you can take the necessary
steps to address them. It is important to view a company's Cloud strategy as a whole,
involving both people and processes, and not just the technology. The Cloud is powerful and,
if implemented properly, can substantially help an organization grow faster and perform
better.
Check out the KnowledgeHut’s Cloud Computing Courses List to learn the most in-demand
Cloud Computing skills from experts in the industry. Develop knowledge in managing cloud
storage, databases, networking, security, and analytics with in-depth course materials.
Cloud Computing Challenges FAQs
1. Where should I be careful when using cloud services?
You shouldn't access Cloud services on public Wi-Fi or unprotected digital environments.
Always use VPN and make sure you don't use it on open network connections.
2. What is the biggest problem with cloud storage?
The biggest problems with cloud storage are - user authorization and authentication issues,
database hacking, poor encryption practices, and information downtime.
3. What is the negative impact of cloud computing?
Cloud computing is not perfect, and there are some negative impacts experienced by users.
Some of them are - sudden network outages, reboots, downtimes, operational delays, and
data theft.
4. Who should not use cloud computing?
Users who don't have a high-speed internet connection, broadband/Wi-Fi, or readily
available access online shouldn't consider using cloud computing. The Cloud hosts data
online, and dial-up connections are too slow.