Cloud Computing

Cloud Computing represents a model for delivering IT services over the internet ("the cloud"), providing on-demand access to computing resources like networks, servers, storage, applications, and services with minimal management effort or service provider interaction. From a CEH perspective, cloud computing introduces unique security challenges and attack vectors. Cloud service models include: 1. SaaS (Software as a Service): Applications hosted by providers (e.g., Gmail, Office 365) 2. PaaS (Platform as a Service): Development platforms for creating applications (e.g., AWS Elastic Beanstalk) 3. IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service): Virtual infrastructure resources (e.g., AWS EC2, Azure VMs) Deployment models include public clouds (available to general public), private clouds (exclusive to one organization), hybrid clouds (combination of public/private), and community clouds (shared by specific communities). Security considerations for ethical hackers assessing cloud environments: - Shared responsibility model understanding: Determining which security aspects are managed by the provider versus the customer - Data security: Encryption (in-transit and at-rest), access controls, and data segregation - Identity management: Authentication mechanisms, federation, and privilege escalation risks - API security: Testing API endpoints for vulnerabilities - Virtualization security: Hypervisor vulnerabilities and VM escape techniques - Multi-tenancy risks: Potential for side-channel attacks and resource isolation failures - Regulatory compliance: Meeting requirements across different jurisdictions Common attack vectors include: - Account hijacking through credential theft - Insecure APIs and interfaces - Insufficient due diligence in implementation - Abuse of cloud services for malicious activities - Advanced persistent threats targeting cloud resources Cloud security assessment requires specialized knowledge of provider-specific architectures, services, security controls, and limitations to properly identify vulnerabilities while staying within authorized testing boundaries.

Cloud Computing represents a model for delivering IT services over the internet ("the cloud"), providing on-demand access to computing resources like networks, servers, storage, applications, and ser…

Concepts covered: Cloud Computing Threats, Cloud Security, Cloud Computing Concepts, Container Technology, Serverless Computing, Cloud Hacking