The increasing advancement in technology has placed a high demand on scalable and secure cloud-based applications. Various companies of different sizes are utilizing the power of the cloud services to build as well as deliver cloud-based applications. The apps are able to accommodate growing numbers of users as well as provide the maximum level of security. You should also make sure your software develops alongside your business.
This article discusses the right way to create robust cloud-hosted apps that are safe and scalable.
What are Cloud-Based Applications?
Unlike traditional software, which is installed on a local device or a company’s own servers, cloud-based applications are accessed via a web browser or a trustworthy client application. SaaS software as a service application is also called a cloud-based application.
Read Also: Cloud Computing Challenges and Opportunities
Building Scalable and Secure Cloud-based Applications
To build a successful cloud-based application, you must find the right balance between scalability and security.
These practices will help you build scalable and secure cloud-based applications:
- Utilize a Microservices Architecture
- Serverless Computing
- Load Balancing and Auto-Scaling
- Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment
- Secure Data at Rest and in Transit
- Identity and Access Management (IAM)
- Regularly Penetration Test and Audit
Utilize a Microservices Architecture
A microservices architecture breaks down your application into more minor, independently deployable services. This method makes it easier to scale specific parts of your application based on requirements. It also enables you to boost development and deployment, enhancing aptitude.
By dividing your application into smaller services, you allocate resources to the parts of your application that require them most. This makes it easier to scale horizontally, adding more instances of service when needed. Moreover, it ensures that any issues in one service do not bring down the whole application.
Plus, a microservices architecture is able to improve security by limiting the attack surface. Each service has its own defined responsibilities and API, reducing the impact of a security breach on that specific service.
Serverless Computing
Serverless computing is a cloud service model that abstracts server management. This authorizes developers to focus on code without troubling the infrastructure of the application. Services like AWS Lambda, Azure Functions, and Google Cloud Functions are popular options. This approach is highly scalable and will handle the allocation of resources as needed automatically.
By using serverless architecture, you will have the capacity to eliminate the need to manage and scale servers manually. The cloud provider takes care of this for you, making sure that your application remains responsive during traffic strikes. This approach can also save costs because you only pay for the resources your functions consume during execution.
In addition, serverless functions are able to be secured with fine-grained access control policies. It helps you to add an extra layer of security to your application to enhance its protection.
Load Balancing and Auto-Scaling
Load balancing and auto-scaling are important for ensuring that your application can handle variations in traffic. Load balancers distribute incoming traffic across multiple instances of your application ensuring that no single server is overwhelmed. When traffic increases, auto-scaling automatically adds more resources to handle the load of the traffic on the site.
Further, this practice is vital for achieving both scalability and reliability in your applications. Cloud providers offer load balancing and auto-scaling services that will be configured to meet your application’s specific needs.
Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment
CI/CD refers to processes and tools that are used for automated code integration, running tests, and deployment. Employing this strategy guarantees that your application gets refreshed with new attributes, rectifications, and updates on security.
By automating the deployment process, you are able to respond quickly to changes in traffic and user demands. It enables you to frequent updates and reduces the risk of deploying insecure or unoptimized code in your applications.
Moreover, CI/CD enables swift change rollback in case of issues, minimizing downtime, and maintaining a smooth user experience.
Read Also: Benefits of Providing Cyber Security Training to Your Team
Secure Data at Rest and in Transit
Securing your data is a top priority when developing cloud-based applications. You should make sure that data is being protected both at rest and in transit.
- Data at rest: You are allowed to utilize encryption to secure data stored in databases and other repositories. Most cloud providers offer services that make it easy to encrypt your data. It confirms that even if unauthorized access occurs, the data remains protected.
- Data in transit: There is no restriction on your part on using secure communication protocols such as HTTPS for web traffic and VPN for private network connections. Additionally, you can use end-to-end encryption for data security when moving through different services in your app.
Identity and Access Management (IAM)
Identity and Access Management (IAM) is a fundamental component of securing your cloud-based application. With IAM, you may control who can access your application and what actions they can perform. It helps prevent unauthorized access and minimizes the risk of data breaches.
Use strong authentication measures, e.g., MFA & follow the principle of least privilege. However, in such scenarios, users/services get permissions limited and only for what is needed for performing functions. Regularly review and update access controls to adapt to changes in your application to make it better globally.
Regularly Penetration Test and Audit
Periodically conducting penetration tests and security audits is crucial to identifying vulnerabilities in your application. Penetration testing involves simulating cyberattacks to assess your system’s security, while audits involve reviewing your security policies and access controls.
By addressing the identified vulnerabilities, you can continuously improve the security of your application and stay ahead of potential threats.
Conclusion
The development of highly resilient and reliable cloud-based applications will never end, and it will consist of both technological knowledge and permanent optimization. Adhering to these guidelines will make you enable to develop scalable applications that are capable of accommodating an increased number of users. Moreover, you are also enabled to protect your users’ data from potential cybersecurity threats. It would be best if you remembered that the cloud environment is dynamic, so stay vigilant and proactive in monitoring and enhancing the security and scalability of your applications. In doing so, you may ensure the long-term success of your cloud-based ventures in the market to thrive and acquire success.
