Cloud Service Security & application vulnerability

Cloud computing is one of today's most appealing technology areas due to its cost-efficiency and flexibility. However, despite significant interests, deploying cloud computing in an enterprise infrastructure offers significant security concerns. Successful implementation of cloud computing in an enterprise requires proper planning and understanding of emerging risks, threats, vulnerabilities, and possible countermeasures. This paper discusses security concerns of the three cloud computing models namely “Software as a Service” (SaaS), Platform as a Service” (PaaS) and “Infrastructure as a Service” (IaaS). It also discusses Cloud-based Security Tools currently available today. Under the U.S. Federal Security Requirements for Cloud Security. The paper demonstrated the Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA) and the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP). The paper also discusses Cloud Data Encryption, Homomorphic Encryption and Access Control (Identity Access Management). Finally, this paper talks about cloud applications focusing on select cloud applications. It also looks at some of the known vulnerability issues associated with the applications and also the future of cloud applications.