How Secure Is Serverless Computing?

Serverless computing is a popular term among developers, it’s what led to the creation of cloud services like AWS Lambda. However, there are some concerns about the security of serverless computing. In this article, we’ll find out how secure serverless computing really is, and who will be responsible for securing it.

What is Serverless Computing?

Serverless computing is a new way of building applications that uses a cloud-based platform and does not require a server. Serverless computing can be done on any platform, including web, mobile, and IoT.

Why is Serverless Computing Secure?

Serverless computing is a newer form of computing that relies on the cloud to manage resources and run applications. This means that the applications are not on your own server but instead are run by a remote service. Serverless Computing is touted as being more secure because it eliminates the need for a central point of attack. Additionally, because the application is run in the cloud, there is no need to worry about security updates and patches.

Serverless Computing also has other advantages over traditional server-based computing. For example, serverless applications can be deployed quickly and easily without having to worry about hardware or software requirements. They can also scale up or down as needed without affecting performance.

Security Risks of Serverless Computing

Serverless computing is a cloud-based computing model in which applications are run on servers that are not physically present. This model has many benefits, such as decreased costs and increased agility, but it also raises security concerns. Here we explore some of the key risks associated with serverless computing and how to mitigate them.

First, serverless computing can lead to security vulnerabilities if the underlying platform is not properly secured. For example, in February 2018, it was revealed that a vulnerability in Amazon Web Services’ (AWS) Lambda function platform could be exploited to allow unauthorized access to data stored by AWS customers. AWS quickly released a patch for the vulnerability, but this demonstrates just how susceptible serverless platforms can be to attack.

Second, serverless architectures can make it harder to detect and investigate cyberattacks. For example, if an attacker launches a cyberattack using an API call that is executed on a server, they will likely be detected quickly due to the logging and monitoring features of most modern application servers. By contrast, if an attacker launches a cyberattack using a function executed on a serverless platform, there is no way to track down the source of the attack or determine who was impacted. This makes it much more difficult for organizations to find, investigate and remediate attacks.

Third, serverless architectures can make it easier for attackers to evade security controls by providing a black box into which the attacker can introduce malicious code without the ability to detect whether or not the application is running malicious code. In this scenario, cyberattacks are able to evade antivirus and intrusion detection systems – creating an environment where vulnerabilities in self-hosted applications go undetected.

In conclusion, Serverless architectures make data very accessible and easy for cybercriminals to exploit. The risk of cyberthreats such as ransomware, phishing attacks, and hacking incidents will continue to grow as a result of these architectures.

Solutions to the Security Risks of Serverless Computing

Serverless computing is a new approach to computing that allows applications to be run without a centralized server. This raises concerns about the security of these applications, as there is no one point of control or access.

There are several solutions to the security risks of serverless computing. First, it is important to remember that serverless applications are just software programs. As such, they are just as susceptible to attacks as any other software program. Second, it is important to understand the security risks associated with the underlying technologies. For example, cloud services can be vulnerable to attack if they are not properly protected. Third, it is important to ensure that all servers and applications running in serverless environments are properly secured. This includes ensuring that data is encrypted and that passwords are secure. Fourth, it is important to ensure that all code running in serverless environments is reviewed for potential security vulnerabilities. Finally, it is necessary to have a plan for responding to security incidents in serverless environments. This includes establishing an incident response plan and ensuring that appropriate resources are available when an attack occurs.

Conclusion

Serverless computing is a Computing Model in which the functions that used to be executed on a server are now executed by software running on an infrastructure of machines that do not have a dedicated purpose. This opens up new possibilities for developing applications without worrying about the underlying infrastructure, making it popular with startups and larger businesses who want to avoid the costs and headaches of managing servers. However, there are some security risks associated with serverless computing, so it is important to understand them before deciding whether this model is right for your application.