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Making the case for GPU-free AI inference: 4 key considerations

Administrator — Mon, 17 Jun 2024 14:08:34 +0000

GPUs are the engine behind many advanced computations, having become the defacto solution for AI model training. Yet, a fundamental misconception looms large: the belief that GPUs, with their parallel processing power, are indispensable for all AI tasks. This widespread presumption leads many to discount CPUs, which not only compete but often surpass GPUs especially for AI inference operations, which will comprise most of the market in production AI application. CPU-based inference is often the best choice, surpassing GPUs in four critical areas: price, power, performance, and pervasive availability.

As 85% of AI tasks focus not on model training but on AI inference, most AI applications don’t require the specialized computational horsepower of a GPU. Instead, they require the flexibility and efficiency of CPUs, which excel in multipurpose workload environments and deliver equivalent performance for low-latency tasks crucial for enhancing user interactions and real-time decision-making.

Jeff Wittich

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Chief Product Officer at Ampere.

In this context, adopting CPUs over GPUs can be strategically advantageous for businesses seeking to optimize their operations for four key reasons:

1. Cost efficiency: Choose CPUs for cost savings in both acquisition and ongoing operations.

2. Energy conservation: Utilize CPUs for their lower power usage, benefiting both budgets and environmental sustainability.

3. Right-size performance: Deploy CPUs for their effectiveness in real-time, inference tasks.

4. Pervasive availability: Choose CPUs to implement diverse, tiered application stacks required for most AI enabled services while sidestepping supply limitations or specialized infrastructure inherent with GPUs.

Price advantages of CPUs in AI applications

CPUs often present a more economical option compared to GPUs, offering a balanced ratio of cost to performance, especially in AI inference tasks, where the specialization of GPUs is not required. Exploring the cost advantages of CPUs over GPUs highlights their value in several key areas:

Cost considerations: CPUs generally entail significantly lower upfront capital expenditure or rental fees compared to GPUs, which can be astronomically expensive, sometimes costing ten times more than an average CPU. This economic disparity is crucial for businesses looking to minimize investment costs for AI-enabled services.Operational efficiency: CPUs also tend to be more energy-efficient than GPUs, contributing to lower operational costs. This efficiency not only helps in reducing energy bills but also enhances the overall sustainability of AI operations.Flexibility and utility: The ability to repurpose CPUs for a variety of tasks adds to their cost-effectiveness. Unlike GPUs, which are specialized and thus limited in their application outside of high-intensity computations, CPUs are used across the entire application infrastructure found in any digital service, including those that run AI in production. This adaptability reduces the need for additional hardware investments, further minimizing overall technology expenditures and enhancing return on investment.Power efficiency: The operational and environmental advantages of CPUs in AI

The lower power consumption of CPUs versus GPUs highlights significant operational and environmental advantages of CPUs, especially in AI inference tasks. While GPUs are essential for training due to their high precision calculations, CPUs are ideal for inference tasks which typically require less overall precision and computational power and integration with surrounding application tiers to function.

This efficiency not only aligns with environmental sustainability goals but also reduces operational costs. In data centers, where power and space are at a premium, the lower power requirements of CPUs offer a compelling advantage over GPUs, which can consume up to 700 watts each, surpassing the typical American household. This difference in power consumption is crucial as the industry seeks to manage increasing energy demands without expanding its carbon footprint. Consequently, CPUs emerge as a more sustainable choice for certain AI applications, providing an optimal balance of performance and energy efficiency.

Right-sizing AI inference performance with CPU technology

Unlike GPUs, which are built for massive parallel processing with large batch sizes, CPUs excel in supporting small batch size applications, such as enhancing AI inference performance in real-time applications characterized by consistently low latency operation. Here’s how CPUs contribute to performance in specific AI use cases:

Natural Language Processing: CPUs facilitate real-time interpretation and response generation, crucial for applications that require instantaneous communication, including many modern optimized GenAI models such as Llama3.Real-Time Object Recognition: CPUs enable swift image analysis, essential for systems that need immediate object recognition capabilities such as video surveillance or industrial automation.Speech Recognition: CPUs process voice activated customer interactions quickly, enhancing speech recognition use cases such as AI-powered restaurant drive-throughs or digital kiosks to reduce wait times and improve service efficiency.

In each scenario, the role of CPUs is integral to maximizing the responsiveness and reliability of the AI enabled system in a real-world use case.

CPU ubiquity enhances access to production-ready AI inference

Any AI-enabled service requires an entire stack of general-purpose applications that are the framework for feeding, processing, conditioning, and moving the data used by the AI model. These applications run everywhere on general-purpose CPUs. With most inference tasks running well on CPUs, they are easily integrated into existing compute installations. In cloud or on-premise infrastructure, the utility of processing the AI workloads along other computing tasks makes the AI enabled service that much more elastic and scalable without the need for specialized GPU systems.

In addition, the tech industry recently experienced significant GPU shortages due to soaring demand and limited production capacities. These shortages have led to extended wait times and inflated prices for businesses, hindering AI growth and innovation. The Wall Street Journal reports that the AI industry spent $50 billion last year on GPUs to train advanced models, yet generated only $3 billion in revenue. With AI inference accounting for as much as 85% of AI workloads, the disparity between spending and revenue could soon become unsustainable if businesses continue to rely on GPUs for these tasks.

Conversely, CPUs are ubiquitous and can be either purchased for on-premise use from server suppliers or accessed via public cloud from various service providers. Offering a balanced approach to performance and cost, CPUs present a more practical alternative for efficient data processing in AI inference tasks, making them a suitable choice for businesses looking to sustain operations without the financial burden of high-end GPUs.

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This article was produced as part of TechRadarPro’s Expert Insights channel where we feature the best and brightest minds in the technology industry today. The views expressed here are those of the author and are not necessarily those of TechRadarPro or Future plc. If you are interested in contributing find out more here: https://www.techradar.com/news/submit-your-story-to-techradar-pro

Embracer shuts down Alone in the Dark reboot studio Pieces Interactive

Administrator — Mon, 17 Jun 2024 13:20:09 +0000

Embracer Group has closed yet another studio. This time around, the embattled company has shut down Pieces Interactive, the developer of the recent Alone in the Dark reboot.

An image posted on the studio’s X account reads “Pieces Interactive 2007 – 2024. Thanks for playing with us.” The front page of Pieces’ website notes that the developer has released more than 10 titles of its own over the last 17 years. It also worked as a support studio on other projects.

Embracer bought Pieces in 2017 and placed it under the umbrella of publisher THQ Nordic. In April, reports emerged that Pieces had laid off some of its employees, just a few weeks after releasing Alone in the Dark (which had been delayed a couple of times).

The closure of Pieces comes several weeks after Embracer said it had concluded its restructuring process following the collapse of a proposed $2 billion investment a year ago. The company shut down several studios, including TimeSplitters developer Free Radical Design and Volition (Saints Row), and it laid off nearly 1,400 workers in the second half of 2023. Embracer has also sold off several studios, including large parts of Saber Interactive as well as Gearbox Entertainment.

Meanwhile, yet another studio is shutting its doors. Galvanic Games founder Patrick Morgan said on Friday that the company is closing. Morgan noted that despite a promising start, sales of Gavlanic’s final game, Wizard with a Gun, were “not strong enough to sustain our studio.”

The number of layoffs in the game industry so far in 2024 is estimated to be around 10,800. That’s already more than the 10,500 total for all of 2023, and we’re not even halfway through the year.

The Apple Watch 10 is rumoured to have a larger screen and a thinner design

Administrator — Mon, 17 Jun 2024 13:18:08 +0000

If Apple sticks to its usual schedule then the Apple Watch 10 should appear around September time – and we’ve got some more rumors about the design changes that the new model might bring with it.

These predictions come from Ming-Chi Kuo, one of the most reliable Apple analysts in the business: Kuo says the Apple Watch 10 is going to have a larger screen and a thinner overall form factor compared with the Apple Watch Series 9 launched last year.

2H24 新款Apple Watch關注焦點：Series 10、鉑力特/3D列印 / The focus of the 2H24 New Apple Watch: Series 10 and BLT/3D Printinghttps://t.co/5KIdhvec0dJune 17, 2024

The two available case sizes are apparently going to increase to 45mm and 49mm, up from 41mm and 45mm, respectively, to fit in the larger screen. Kuo doesn’t mention if the screen bezels will be shrunk as well, which would give users even more display room.

As for the thinness, Kuo simply says a “thinner design” is on the way. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has also said Apple is working on making its smartwatches thinner – as well as its iPhones and its MacBooks, following on from the new, super-thin iPad Pro.

Ultra colors and 3D printing

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 might look a lot like the Ultra 2

Kuo says, there won’t be as much of a redesign when it comes to the Apple Watch Ultra 3, which is also expected in September. Its physical specifications will apparently remain “roughly the same,” although a darker case option might be introduced.

In his post, Kuo mentions that the Apple Watch will feature 3D-printed parts going forward. This is something the analyst has hinted at before, and it should mean the overall manufacturing process will be quicker and cheaper for Apple.

We’ve heard about a potential redesign for the standard Apple Watch since last year. In 2024, Apple may even switch to an Apple Watch X name to acknowledge the tenth generation of the wearable, which hasn’t changed much in terms of its looks.

There’s also been talk of an upgrade in the display tech, which might improve battery life, something that watchOS 11 might improve as well. The next-generation software is due to launch around the same time as the Apple Watch 10 and the Apple Watch Ultra 3.

Logitech reveals a 3D stylus for Meta Quest headsets

Administrator — Mon, 17 Jun 2024 13:16:09 +0000

Logitech has unveiled a mixed reality stylus for Meta Quest headsets. The MX Ink is designed to help users craft more precise designs and illustrations. The $130 stylus, which is compatible with Quest 2 and Quest 3 headsets (but, curiously, not the Quest Pro), will be available in September.

The MX Ink will come with two spare tips, one fine and one wide, and you’ll pair it using the Meta Quest App. You’ll be able to adjust factors such as pressure curves and double tap timing directly from the Meta Settings.

Logitech says that you’ll be able to switch between the MX Ink and Quest controllers with ease, and it’s the first tracked peripheral from a third-party that Quest headsets officially support. You’ll be able to write and design on 2D physical surfaces, then switch to a 3D space and back again as needed, while a pressure-sensitive tip and main button will enable “high-precision creativity,” Logitech says. Six-degrees-of-freedom spatial tracking should help with that.

The MX Ink will run for up to seven hours on a single charge, according to Logitech. You can recharge it via USB-C or a dock that’s available separately. An MX Mat accessory (a flat surface that Logitech describes as “a friction-free writing and drawing environment”) will be available too.

The stylus will be compatible with several Quest apps out of the box, including Gravity Sketch, PaintingVR, Arkio, Engage, OpenBrush, Gesture VR and ShapesXR. As UploadVR notes, it will also work with PC apps Adobe Substance Modeler and Elucis via Quest Link or Air Link.

It’s interesting to see Meta beating Apple to the punch when it comes to offering stylus support on a mixed reality headset. Apple, of course, has both the Vision Pro and the Pencil in its stable of devices. The company has reportedly tested a new version of the Apple Pencil that does work with the Vision Pro, but it’s yet to see the light of day.

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TikTok's gen AI avatars are based on real people and that only makes them more creepy

Administrator — Mon, 17 Jun 2024 13:14:10 +0000

Back in April, The Information reported that TikTok was working on AI-generated avatars that advertisers could use to sell their products on the platform. Now, the company has made those plans public, announcing new AI-created “digital avatars” that it will begin offering to creators and brands on the app.

According to TikTok, the AI personas are meant to make it easier for creators and businesses to create branded content that still has a “human feel” but without the time and resources that would go into making a typical highly produced and edited ad.

TikTok is starting out with two kinds of avatars: stock avatars that are based on paid actors and custom avatars based on existing creators and brand spokespeople. These avatars will then star in TikTok videos promoting products and can be customized to speak different languages based on the intended audience.

The company says the new feature shows how generative AI can help creators reach even more people on its platform (and, presumably, generate more ad revenue for the company). But after looking at a couple of examples of these, I’m not that excited for a bunch of AI-generated creators to take over my For You feed.

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Take the above example of a custom avatar shared by TikTok. The digital persona seems to be based on TikTok exec Adrienne Lahens. But while the avatar looks like her, the speaking style and movements aren’t… quite right. If you watch closely, you’ll notice there’s a slight jerkiness to the head and hand movements that is giving M3GAN vibes. And, speaking of creepy robots, there’s something extremely unnerving about the eyes on AI Adrienne.

Now, I’ve chatted with Lahens before and can confirm she speaks much more warmly and naturally than her AI avatar. Even the still shot of an AI avatar based off of creator O’Neil Thomas at the top of this article has an off-putting 1,000 yard stare that doesn’t seem to be representative of Thomas’ actual persona.

TikTok is far from the first company to experiment with “realistic” AI and come up with something that feels a little bit uncomfortable even if you can’t quite put your finger on what it is. At least, the company’s own rules require that this kind of content gets prominent disclosures. And maybe the new avatars will help creators sell more TikTok Shop gadgets or other supposedly “viral” products. I just hope TikTok can do something to make those AI-generated eyeballs feel a tad less creepy.

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Many workers are starting to warm up to using AI in the workplace

Administrator — Mon, 17 Jun 2024 13:11:29 +0000

Increased familiarity with tools such as Microsoft 365 Copilot is easing workplace fears around generative AI tools at work, new research has claimed.

A report based on a seven-week study of 700 employees by Avanade has highlighted Copilot’s significant impacts on employee experiences, indicating that workers are more on board with the technology after using it.

Findings revealed increased structured creativity, idea sharing and problem-solving across six human metrics in the workplace: communication, creativity, trust, work satisfaction, belongingness and organizational citizenship behavior.

Workers trust AI more once they’ve used it

Nearly half (45%) of employees felt less cautious about communication when assisted by Copilot, which Avanade says demonstrates generative AI’s use as a communication tool.

The overall creativity and innovation score also improved by two percentage points compared with the same study last year, with approval for embracing new ways of working up by nine percentage points.

The majority (88%) of workers perceived Microsoft’s AI as aligning with corporate values, however only two-thirds (65%) saw it matching their own personal values, underscoring its value as a workplace tool. The study also revealed the need for a better understanding of the tools’ decision-making process and robust governance.

Generative AI was also found to tackle stagnation in the workplace, with 85% reporting a sense of accomplishment from their work and four in five (80%) remaining engaged with tasks.

However, there’s a clear misalignment between the fact that 92% of IT executives see the need for an AI-first operating model within the next 12 months and that only 48% have specific policies for responsible AI. Avanade says that upskilling employees and implementing ethical frameworks are critical for leveraging AI’s benefits going forward.

Avanade Global Future of Work Lead, Veit Siegenheim, commented: “Ultimately, Copilot for M365 is not a ‘flip the switch’ technology but holds huge potential for improving communication and creativity when implemented.”

Understanding Package Repositories in Proxmox VE 8.2 Part – 5

Administrator — Mon, 17 Jun 2024 12:31:46 +0000

Proxmox VE is a powerful reliable open-source solution built for enterprise virtualization environments. A Virtualization Engineer aiming to improve IT infrastructure should understand the complexity of Proxmox VE.

An essential component of administering Proxmox VE is its package repositories. These repositories are essential for preserving and upgrading your virtualization environment, guaranteeing security, stability, and access to the latest features. This article will explore the different package repositories offered in Proxmox VE 8.2.

If you missed previous blog posts of this series, you can find them here:

Introduction to Proxmox VE 8.1

Installing Proxmox VE 8.1 on VMware Workstation 17

Proxmox VE 8.1: Overview of Web Console

Containers vs. VMs: Choosing the Right Approach for Your Proxmox VE – Part 4

Understanding Package Repositories

Package repositories are centralized storage locations from which software packages can be retrieved, installed, and updated. These repositories ensure that your system has access to the latest features, security patches, and bug fixes, thereby maintaining the stability and security of your Proxmox virtualization platform.

In the context of Proxmox VE, there are several types of repositories, each serving different needs:

Enterprise Repository

The Enterprise Repository is available to users with a valid Proxmox VE subscription. It provides access to thoroughly tested and stable packages, ensuring the highest level of reliability for production environments.

This repository is ideal for enterprises that prioritize stability and are willing to invest in a subscription to minimize risks and downtime.

No Subscription Repository

The No Subscription Repository, also known as the Community Repository, is available to all users, regardless of subscription status. This repository provides access to the same software packages as the Enterprise Repository but without the same level of testing and support.

It is a valuable resource for users who want to stay updated with the latest features and improvements without the cost of a subscription. However, it requires users to be more proactive in managing and troubleshooting their Proxmox VE installations.

Test Repository

The Test Repository is intended for users who want to access the latest developments and experimental features in Proxmox VE. Packages in this repository are not as thoroughly tested as those in the Enterprise or No Subscription repositories and may contain bugs or unfinished features. This repository is best suited for development environments or for users who want to contribute to the testing and improvement of Proxmox VE.

Understanding the differences between these repositories allows you to make informed decisions about how to configure your Proxmox VE system based on your specific needs and risk tolerance.

Overview of Proxmox VE 8.2

Proxmox Virtual Environment (VE) 8.2, released on April 24, 2024, introduces a range of enhancements designed to improve installation, management, and performance. This release ensures that your virtualization environment remains at the cutting edge of technology. Here are the key updates in Proxmox VE 8.2:

Automated Installation: Proxmox VE 8.2 supports automated and unattended installations, simplifying the deployment process for large-scale environments.

VM Import Wizard: A new wizard facilitates the import of virtual machines (VMs) from VMware ESXi, making it easier to migrate existing workloads to Proxmox VE.

nftables Firewall: The firewall system has been updated to use nftables, providing enhanced security and more robust firewall management capabilities.

Device Passthrough for LXC: Proxmox VE 8.2 includes support for device passthrough in LXC containers, allowing for greater flexibility and performance in containerized environments.

Enhanced Backup Options: New advanced backup settings offer greater control over backup processes, improving data protection and recovery options.

Custom CAs: The release adds support for custom Certificate Authority (CA) configurations with ACME, enhancing SSL/TLS certificate management and security.

User Interface Enhancements: Proxmox VE 8.2 features several UI improvements, making the platform more user-friendly and intuitive. Enhanced dashboards and streamlined navigation help administrators manage their environments more efficiently.

Debian 12.5 (Bookworm): Proxmox VE 8.2 is based on Debian 12.5, ensuring compatibility with the latest software packages and updates.

Linux Kernel 6.8: The inclusion of a newer Linux kernel (6.8) provides improved performance, hardware compatibility, and security features.

QEMU 8.1: Updated to QEMU 8.1, offering better performance and new features for virtual machine management.

Ceph Reef 18.2: The latest version of Ceph (Reef 18.2) provides enhanced scalability and stability for distributed storage solutions.

LXC 6.0: Updated LXC version 6.0 improves container management and performance.

Open ZFS 2.2: Open ZFS 2.2 brings advanced storage capabilities, improving data integrity and performance for ZFS file systems.

These enhancements in Proxmox VE 8.2 underscore the importance of keeping your system updated to leverage the latest features and improvements.

Conclusion

Maintaining a well-configured and up-to-date Proxmox VE environment is essential for ensuring the stability, security, and performance of your virtualization infrastructure. By understanding the different package repositories and configuring the No Subscription Repository, you can keep your Proxmox VE 8.2 system current without the need for a paid subscription. This guide has provided you with a comprehensive overview of the steps involved, along with best practices and troubleshooting tips to help you manage your environment effectively.

In summary, we have covered:

Understanding Package Repositories: The role of package repositories in Proxmox VE and the differences between Enterprise, No Subscription, and Test repositories.

Overview of Proxmox VE 8.2: Key features and improvements in the latest release, highlighting the importance of keeping your system updated.

Proxmox VE Subscription Model: An overview of the subscription tiers and the benefits of each, helping you make informed decisions about repository configurations.

By following this guide, you can ensure that your Proxmox VE setup remains robust and efficient, providing a reliable foundation for your virtualization needs.

We hope you found this guide helpful and informative. Please share your experiences, tips, and questions in the comments section below. Your feedback and insights are valuable to us and can help others in the Proxmox VE community.

Configuring No Subscription Repository in Proxmoxm VE 8.x Part – 6

Administrator — Mon, 17 Jun 2024 11:49:43 +0000

Proxmox VE is a robust open-source solution for virtualization, widely popular among home lab enthusiasts. By default, Proxmox is configured to use Enterprise repositories that require a subscription. For home lab setups where budget constraints are a consideration, purchasing a subscription may not be feasible.

Fortunately, Proxmox provides a no subscription repository that you can use to keep your server updated without needing a subscription. In this tutorial, we’ll walk you through the process of configuring your Proxmox VE installation to use no subscription repositories.

If you missed the previous blog posts of this series, you can find them here:

Introduction to Proxmox VE 8.1

Installing Proxmox VE 8.1 on VMware Workstation 17

Proxmox VE 8.1: Overview of Web Console

Containers vs. VMs: Choosing the Right Approach for Your Proxmox VE – Part 4

Understanding Package Repositories in Proxmox VE 8.2 Part – 5

Understanding the Need for No Subscription Repositories

When you first set up Proxmox VE, it is configured to use Enterprise repositories, which require a paid subscription for access. Without a subscription, you won’t be able to fetch updates from these repositories, which is critical for maintaining a secure and up-to-date system.

By switching to the no subscription repository, you can access updates and keep your server secure and functional, all for free and legally.

Logging into the Proxmox Web Interface

Begin by logging into the web interface of your Proxmox VE server. You might see a message stating “No valid subscription.” This message will remain even after switching to the no subscription repository, but it will not interfere with your ability to update the server.

Next, minimize the web interface and open an SSH session to your Proxmox VE server. The SSH session will allow you to edit the necessary configuration files.

Checking the Current Repository Configuration

Once logged in via SSH, it’s important to understand the current repository configuration. Execute the following commands to update and upgrade your system:

apt-get update && apt-get upgrade

You will likely see errors indicating that the system cannot fetch updates from the Enterprise repository. This is because you don’t have a valid subscription.

The error message will look something like this: “Failed to fetch enterprise.proxmox.com.” This confirms that you are currently pointed to the Enterprise repository.

Also Read: Proxmox VE 8.2 is Released with VMware ESXi Import Wizard

Editing the Main Repository List

To switch to the no subscription repository, you need to edit the main repository list file located at /etc/apt/sources.list.d/pve-enterprise.list.

Open this file using a text editor, such as nano:

nano /etc/apt/sources.list.d/pve-enterprise.list

In this file, you’ll see a line pointing to the Enterprise repository. It will look something like this:

deb https://enterprise.proxmox.com/debian/pve bookworm pve-enterprise

Comment out this line by adding a ‘#’ at the beginning.

Then, add the following line to point to the no subscription repository:

deb http://download.proxmox.com/debian/pve bookworm pve-no-subscription

Save and exit the file by pressing Ctrl+X, then Y, and Enter.

Editing the Ceph Repository List

Proxmox 8.x requires an additional step of updating the Ceph repository list. This was not needed in previous versions like 7.x.

Also Read: Veeam Now Supports Proxmox Virtual Environment (VE): Enhanced Data Protection for SMBs and Service

Open the Ceph repository list file located at /etc/apt/sources.list.d/ceph.list

And, edit using the following command.

nano /etc/apt/sources.list.d/ceph.list

In this file, you’ll see a line pointing to the Enterprise repository for Ceph updates. Comment out this line and add the following line to point to the no subscription repository:

deb http://download.proxmox.com/debian/ceph-quincy bookworm no-subscription

Save and exit the file by pressing Ctrl+X, then Y, and Enter.

Testing the New Configuration

With the repository files updated, it’s time to test the new configuration. Run the update and upgrade commands again:

apt-get update && apt-get upgrade

This time, you should see that the system is able to fetch updates from the no subscription repository without any errors. This confirms that your Proxmox VE server is now successfully configured to use the no subscription repositories.

Final Thoughts and Additional Resources

Switching to the no subscription repository is a straightforward process that allows you to keep your Proxmox VE server updated without needing a subscription. This is ideal for home lab environments where budget constraints are a consideration.

Remember, the no subscription repository is fully supported within the terms of use of Proxmox, so you can use it with confidence.

If you have any questions or run into issues, there are plenty of resources available. The Proxmox community forums are a great place to start, and you can also find detailed guides and tutorials on various blogs and websites.

Happy labbing, and enjoy your Proxmox VE setup!

Resources

Proxmox VE Documentation

Proxmox Support Forum

All screenshots are taken from Brandon Lee’s YouTube video.

What is Cloud Security? 9 Cloud Security Best Practices in 2024

Administrator — Mon, 17 Jun 2024 11:45:43 +0000

Today, most people use cloud computing. And why’s that? Because it is convenient, scalable, and cost-effective. However, when there’s a good side of something, there’s a bad one too. That’s the same for cloud computing. It raises important questions like how protected is the data from hackers? What security measures are in place? And so on.

These are not just technical questions. These are actual problems that people face everyday. While the cloud has tons of benefits, it also brings specific security challenges. These challenges include data breaches, compliance issues, and more.

In 2023 a research was conducted which showed that over 8.2 Billion data records were leaked because of data breaches. So, now you know why cloud security is absolutely necessary in 2024.

Here, we’ll help you clear up your concept about cloud security and address any concerns that you have about it. This article also includes practical tips on how to keep your data safe. So, let’s dive in.

What is Cloud Security?

Cloud security is all about protecting the data, applications, and services anyone stores in the cloud. As more businesses and individuals use cloud computing, keeping this information safe becomes even more important. But what exactly does cloud security involve?

Think of cloud security as a set of practices and technologies designed to defend your cloud-based resources from various threats. These threats can include hackers trying to steal your data, viruses that can corrupt your files, and even accidental leaks of sensitive information.

One key part of cloud security is making sure only authorized people can access your data. This is done through strong passwords, multi-factor authentication, and permissions settings that control who can see and do what with your information.

Also Read: What is an Insider Threat? Definition, Types, and Prevention

What Cloud Security Covers?

Here’s a list of things that come under cloud security:

Physical Networks: This includes routers, electrical power, cabling, and climate controls. It is important to keep these components secure as they are the foundation of cloud security.

Data Storage: Cloud security makes sure that your data is protected by every means possible. Keeping the data safe is crucial to prevent unauthorized access and data loss.

Data Servers: These are the core network computing hardware and software. If your cloud servers are secure, you’ll have a smooth and safe operation of your cloud services.

Computer Virtualization Frameworks: This involves the software that creates virtual machines, as well as the host and guest machines. The security measures are crucial here to prevent breaches in virtual environments.

Operating Systems (OS): These are the software that runs on your machines, hosting all other software and applications. If you want to prevent malware, this is where you focus more for additional security.

Runtime Environments: This involves the execution and maintenance of running programs. You need to ensure these environments are secure to help prevent disruptions and attacks during program execution.

Applications: These include traditional software services such as email, tax software, and productivity suites. All of these must be kept secure to prevent data breaches and ensure safe usage.

End-User Hardware: Lastly, the hardware used by individuals such as computers, mobile devices, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices also have cloud storage. This means it is essential to protect these devices as well to cover up any potential entry points for cyber threats.

Common Cloud Security Challenges

While cloud security can simplify security management and enhance visibility, it also brings about several challenges. These include:

Identity and Access Control

Cloud providers are constantly expanding their services, resulting in an average of over 5,000 distinct entitlements per service. Managing this volume with traditional identity and access management (IAM) approaches can be overwhelming and complex.

Logging, Monitoring, and Incident Response

Effective incident response relies on comprehensive and accurate logs. Many organizations struggle to handle the large volume of data generated by cloud computing. Due to this companies usually feel their existing solutions are inadequate for collecting reliable logs, which is actually true.

Storage and Encryption

Queueing and notification services often temporarily store sensitive information before security measures can be applied. This step is frequently overlooked, and many services lack essential server-side encryption, which means the data being transferred is left vulnerable.

Cloud Ransomware

Cloud environments are most susceptible to cyberattacks because they are hosted online. Attackers typically exploit misconfigurations or weak security practices, such as excessive permissions or weak passwords to infiltrate these environments.

Supply Chain Attacks in the Cloud

Sharing data and access with third parties, like suppliers and contractors, increases the risk of supply chain attacks. This makes it crucial for security teams to prioritize the monitoring and management of third-party access to protect cloud environments effectively.

9 Cloud Security Best Practices in 2024

Here are the 9 best practices for cloud security which you might have been waiting for to read.

#1. Understand Your Shared Responsibility Model

Firstly, it is important to clearly define which security tasks are managed by your cloud provider and which tasks are to be handled by you. This understanding will help you implement effective security measures for your data, applications, and configurations.

Having well-defined roles ensures that all aspects of cloud security are covered. It also reduces the risk of security breaches due to overlooked responsibilities.

#2. Ask Detailed Security Questions

You need to ask all the right questions. Make sure to regularly check in with your cloud provider and update yourself about their security protocols, disaster recovery plans, and compliance measures. This ensures their security processes align with your organization’s requirements and helps identify any potential weaknesses in their system.

Asking these questions provides clarity on the provider’s capabilities and readiness to handle security incidents, enabling you to make informed decisions about your cloud security strategy.

#3. Train Your Staff

Employees are the backbone for any company that wants to do well in the market. So, it is important to provide comprehensive cybersecurity training to all employees. Educate them on identifying threats, using strong passwords, recognizing phishing attacks, and understanding the importance of following security policies.

Well-trained staff are essential for maintaining a secure cloud environment, as human error is a common cause of security breaches. Continuous training keeps employees updated on the latest threats and best practices.

#4. Establish and Enforce Cloud Security Policies

Now, you need to have clear cloud security policies outlining who can use cloud services, how they should be used, and what data can be stored. Also, ensure all employees adhere to these guidelines to maintain consistent security practices across the organization.

Effective policies reduce the risk of data breaches and unauthorized access by providing clear instructions and standards for handling cloud resources securely.

#5. Integrate Additional Cloud Security Tools

You can’t manually strengthen your cloud security. For that you need to use additional tools like Identity and Access Management (IAM), Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS), and Cloud Access Security Brokers (CASB). These tools will help enhance your security posture and defend against various threats.

These tools provide additional layers of protection by managing access, detecting malicious activities, and enforcing security policies. Which means they are more than capable of strengthening your cloud environment’s overall security framework.

#6. Conduct Penetration Testing and Audits

Now, if you want to check how strong your defenses are you’ll need to perform penetration testing and security audits on a regular basis. This proactive approach helps strengthen your defenses and ensures your security measures are effective.

Penetration testing simulates cyberattacks to find weaknesses, while audits evaluate your overall security posture. Both of these provide insights and action plans to mitigate risks and enhance protection.

#7. Enable and Monitor Security Logs

It is critical to have a detailed log of all the activities happening on the cloud environment. By doing so, you can quickly detect any security issues and respond to them before anything bad happens.

Effective logging and monitoring provides visibility into your cloud operations. It also enables you to identify anomalies, track user actions, and ensure compliance with security policies.

#8. Understand and Mitigate Misconfigurations

One of the most necessary practices to improve cloud security is to regularly review and correct configuration settings in your cloud environment. Misconfigurations can create vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit, so make sure your system configurations are on-point.

Automated tools can help detect and fix misconfigurations. They assist in reducing the risk of human error and enhancing the security of your cloud infrastructure by maintaining optimal configuration standards.

#9. Manage Unnecessary and Unauthorized Access

Last but not the least, implement strict access controls and regularly review user permissions. When you limit the access to only those who need it, it reduces the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive data.

Access management includes using role-based access control (RBAC) and the principle of least privilege. This ensures that users have the minimum necessary permissions to perform their tasks, thereby minimizing security risks.

Also Read: How to Implement AI-Powered Fraud Detection in Financial Services

Conclusion

It is important to secure your cloud environment to keep your data safe and maintain trust. When you understand your responsibilities, ask all the right questions, train your staff, and use effective security tools, you can reduce any potential risks and keep your information safe. If you don’t know how to keep your cloud security top-notch, just read the best practices again and you’ll know what to do.