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SOLUTION BRIEF

Stepping Into the Fog

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Setting the SceneIn simpler times, large volumes of big data were best handled through the cloud. Sure, the cloud is still a major player but the massive amount of data created by the Internet of Things (IoT) has generated considerable strains on bandwidth and network availability for organizations across industries. This kind of pressure can cause things like infrastructure failure and unacceptable time delays on urgent data.

Enter fog computing. This decentralized cloud computing model allows organizations to circumvent the problems with storage capacity traditionally associated with centralized cloud computing approaches. At the same time, businesses can still reap the traditional benefits of the cloud as a whole: cost savings, flexibility, etc.

Fogging’s FinestThe fogging model has some pretty clear advantages – hence the rapid adoption of this model across organizations. But where does fog computing really shine? We’ve boiled it down to three major benefits:

Saves You Time: An estimated 90 percent of data transmitted through fog cloud computing requires no movement and can be processed at the source. The remaining 10 percent accounts for malfunctioning assets and is sent to the right server for maintenance. Put simply, fog computing proposes that devices handle much of your computational tasks on their own via direct communication. This cuts down maintenance work for your team.

Saves You Space: Considering the sheer volume of data, it is inefficient for all the information to filter through the cloud for processing and analysis. These practices take up massive amounts of bandwidth and the communication required between the sensors and the cloud can have a poor effect on performance. Fog computing’s decentralized nature allows for a more distributed approach that frees up space for more data.

Saves You Money: With fog computing, businesses no longer need to worry about increases in storage capacities or physical infrastructures. The model is better suited for flexibility. The fog computing model can save organizations money that would have otherwise been spent on infrastructure.

Conservative Estimates Anticipate

22 Billion Connected Devices by 2020 –

All of Which will be Generating Data in Real Time

SOLUTION BRIEF Stepping Into the Fog (continued)

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Sources:http://www.cio.com/article/2380182/cloud-security/5-tips-to-keep-your-data-secure-on-the-cloud.htmlhttp://internetofthingsagenda.techtarget.com/definition/fog-computing-fogginghttp://www.networkworld.com/article/2913595/internet-of-things/security-for-the-internet-of-everything-turning-the-network-into-a-giant-sensor.html http://data-informed.com/the-internet-of-things-and-the-necessity-of-fog-computing/

Securing the FogThere is a pretty persuasive argument in place for fog computing. In theory, this model checks off all the ideal business boxes. However, as with anything in the realm of IT, fogging does not come without a distinct set of problems. The most pressing of these concerns is (unsurprisingly) cyber security. While the system opens up the doors for more versatile and flexible computing, there is no fully vetted fogging system in place. This is the major case in favor of a more centralized system.

Centralized systems allow business leaders to better understand where data is and which parties have access to that information. This level of control puts organizations in a better position to protect their data effectively. While fog computing is a solid option for data solely requiring network availability, highly complex and sensitive information is safer and generally better suited for centralized models of cloud computing.

Currently, cloud security solutions are not mindful enough of endpoint devices to effectively safeguard data through the fog computing process. In essence, centralized computing has fog computing beat when it comes to cyber security – a major pain point of the majority of global organizations.

Plugging the HolesDespite the cyber security hiccup, fog computing is still an appealing model to many business leaders. The efficiency of this method is undeniable and the cost-saving potential is enticing. So, for those who do decide the rewards are mightier than the risks, what are some ways to help improve cyber security for fog computing processes?

1 Define Your Data: Organizational leaders need to take the time to prioritize their data. What

information is taking up server space? What is critical? What isn’t? The answers to these questions will determine what data goes where.

2 Keep Your Critical Data Away: Now that your data has been defined, take the high-level

information and move it away from your fog computing processes. Generally, critical data should not be stored in the cloud. This advice is especially true for fog computing considering the cyber security threats.

3 Test It Out: Leaders should test out the systems themselves. Can your IT team hack into the data

via your fogging model? Can a professional? These test runs can help reveal vulnerabilities and better prepare you to combat them.

4 Leverage Network-Connected Devices: IT professionals can use the sources within

their full control as sensors to detect potential threats during fog computing processes. The network sensor can capture data to highlight the methods of cyber attackers and help IT teams detect and mitigate problems faster.

The TakeawayFog computing is a legitimate model to speed up processes and deal with the gargantuan amounts of data produced as a result of IoT. However, cyber security needs to take a top spot on executive priority lists when choosing this model. Organizations that are equipped to handle potential threats associated with breaches via fogging are well-suited to reap the benefits of this efficient model. To learn more about available courses and training for your team, visit LearningTree.com