Higher Nationals in Computing

Unit 16: Cloud Computing

ASSIGNMENT 2

Assessor name: NGUYEN NGOC TU

Learner’s name: PHAM NGOC CUONG

ID: GCS18568

Class: GCS0703B

Subject code: 1644

Assignment due: Assignment submitted:

 ASSIGNMENT 2 FRONT SHEET
Qualification TEC Level 5 HND Diploma in Computing

Unit number and title Unit 16: Cloud computing

Submission date Date Received 1st submission

Re-submission Date Date Received 2nd submission

Student Name Pham Ngoc Cuong Student ID GCS18568

Class GCS0703B Assessor name Nguyen Ngoc Tu

Student declaration

I certify that the assignment submission is entirely my own work and I fully understand the consequences of plagiarism. I understand that
making a false declaration is a form of malpractice.
Student’s signature

Grading grid

P5 P6 P7 P8 M3 M4 D2 D3
❒ Summative Feedback: ❒ Resubmission Feedback:

Grade: Assessor Signature: Date:

Signature & Date:
 ASSIGNMENT 2 BRIEF
Qualification BTEC Level 5 HND Diploma in Computing

Unit number Unit 9: Cloud computing

Assignment title Cloud’s implementation and security threats

Academic Year 2018 – 2019

Unit Tutor DO Quoc Binh

Issue date Submission date

IV name and date

Submission Format:

Format: This assignment is an Individual assignment and specifically including 1 document:

You must use font Calibri size 12, set number of the pages and use multiple line spacing at
1.3. Margins must be: left: 1.25 cm; right: 1 cm; top: 1 cm and bottom: 1 cm. The reference
follows Harvard referencing system. The recommended word limit is 2.000-2.500 words.
You will not be penalized for exceeding the total word limit. The cover page of the report
has to be the Assignment front sheet 1.

Submission Students are compulsory to submit the assignment in due date and in a way requested by
the Tutors. The form of submission will be a soft copy posted on http://cms.greenwich.edu.vn/

Note: The Assignment must be your own work, and not copied by or from another student or from

books etc. If you use ideas, quotes or data (such as diagrams) from books, journals or other sources, you
must reference your sources, using the Harvard style. Make sure that you know how to reference
properly, and that understand the guidelines on plagiarism. If you do not, you definitely get fail
Unit Learning Outcomes:

LO3 Develop Cloud Computing solutions using service provider’s frameworks and open source tools.

LO4 Analyze the technical challenges for cloud applications and assess their risks.

Assignment Brief and Guidance:

Task 1

Base on the scenario and architecture design in the first assignment provide the implementation.
Because of the time constraint of the assignment, the implementation just provides some demo
functions of the scenario. The implementation includes two parts:

 A presentation (about 25 pages)

o which shows which functions are implemented
o How to config, deploy and test the services (Web application, Database Server, Source
code management, server logs...) using service provider’s frameworks and open source
tools.
o Images for the built functions
 The source code for the built application

Task 2

The table of contents in your security manual (which should be 500–700 words) should be as follows:

1. Analysis of the most common problems of a cloud computing platform.

2. Possible solutions to these problems.
3. Analysis of the most common security issues in the cloud environment.
4. Discussion on how to overcome these issues.

Summary.

Learning Outcomes and Assessment Criteria

Pass Merit Distinction

LO3 Develop Cloud Computing solutions using service provider’s

frameworks and open source tools
D2 Critically discuss how one
P5 Configure a Cloud Computing M3 Discuss the issues and can overcome these issues and
platform with a cloud service constraints one can face during constraints.
provider’s framework. the development process.
P6 Implement a cloud platform
using open source tools.

LO4 Analyze the technical challenges for cloud applications and assess

their risks
P7 Analyze the most common M4 Discuss how to overcome D3 Critically discuss how an
problems which arise in a Cloud these security issues when organization should protect
their data when they migrate to
Computing platform and discuss building a secure cloud platform. a cloud solution.
appropriate solutions to these
problems.
P8 Assess the most common
security issues in cloud
environments.

CONTENTS

P5 Configure a Cloud Computing platform with a cloud service provider’s framework ..……………1

P6 Implement a cloud platform using open source tools………………………………………………….………..1

P7 Analyze the most common problems which arise in a Cloud Computing platform and discuss
appropriate solutions to these problems…………………………………….…………………………………………….1

P8 Assess the most common security issues in cloud environments ………………………….……………..5

References………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………10
 ANSWER ASSIGMENT 2
P5 Configure a Cloud Computing platform with a cloud service provider’s framework.

P6 Implement a cloud platform using open source tools.

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P7 Analyze the most common problems which arise in a Cloud Computing platform and discuss
appropriate solutions to these problems.

Cloud Computing, although only recently developed, is becoming more and more popular day by
day. You are even using form of this technology without even realizing it. From small start-up to
international corporations, from government agencies to non-profit organizations, all are using
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cloud services for a variety of reasons.

Using cloud services brings businesses many benefits. Whether you are an individual using online
banking or your organization running a photo sharing app with millions of users over the phone,
cloud services can satisfy all you need, demand at a low cost.

Diversity of cloud computing technology:

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is one of the most representative on-demand cloud services
providers, with services such as data storage, application operations, and provision of other IT
resources through internet (platform of Cloud services) with flexible rates, suitable for both small
and medium businesses.

Basically, cloud computing allows you to access data anytime, anywhere, as long as you have a
connection to the Internet.

Email services, online banking, online shopping or Skype chat are just a few of the applications
that Cloud services can do.

1. Cloud database

Your business needs to run very large databases but your budget is tight or your company is not
qualified to do it. In that case, the cloud database is a better alternative.

Cloud computing technology provides IT teams with a powerful database without the company
having to actually own the infrastructure servers. Your service provider not only supports bit also
is responsible for all maintenance and operation of the database system, your sole responsibility
is to process your own data.

Moreover, cloud database provides endless scalability for businesses. For example, the peak sale
seasons is coming and there is a high probability that your company is website visits will increase
10 times more normally. Therefore, your company needs one or more databases. Cloud database
can be expanded or scaled in seconds. Meanwhile, with the traditional installation, it will take
weeks or months to install servers, repositories and other necessary equipment.

2. Testing and development

Testing and testing for development are important steps to ensure that your application can run
smoothly, without errors and can be used. To successfully test your application, you need a
simulation environment capable of replicating real business operation to validate the results
obtained after the simulation.

Taking advantage of the available resources of cloud computing, you will not waste time and
effort to build your own simulation environment for businesses. You will be provided with a
variety of available environments, tailored to your specific needs and within the reach of your
business.

Once your programming staff thinks the application is ready, it can be put into a test environment
for analysis. Moreover, this platform can also be used for training purposes.
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3. Archive for the website

Hosting your website in the cloud is essential of the current system cannot cope with the
continued growth of your business. If you have built a stable website, you will know that web
hosting accounts for the majority of IT resources.

Hosting your website on the cloud provides the company with scalability. In case of a problem,
your company website simply needs to switch to the nearest available server, or many other
servers can be added in case your needs change.

The most important thing is that you only need to pay according to the actual needs of the web
hosting service in the cloud, the security is guaranteed by your service provider. This frees up
time and effort throughout the company to focus on other more important aspects such as
content development.

4. Big Data Analysis

Any data we see today such as folders on desks, files, or digital data like your Facebook messages,
is collectively referred to as “Big data”.

Data analysis with cloud computing technology. As we mentioned in previous blog posts about
the importance of data management as well as the challenges that data can bring due to the
enormous volume.

Putting your data in the cloud may not shrink the size of the data, but it will certainly make it
easier and more manageable and when combined with analytics, enterprises can draw valuable
information to exploit and use.

One of the big challenges of data is its handling. How to extract only the most useful information
from a multitude of disorderly data? Many Big Data Analysis platforms are adopting cloud
computing technology that allows businesses the ability to process data from structured to
unstructured.

5. Store and share data

This is one of the most basic forms of cloud computing. The data is stored in the cloud, making
sharing, retrieving and storing extremely easy. Google Drive, Dropbox, Shutter stock are the most
popular examples of this service.

Performance will be boosted quickly with virtual offices where you and your colleagues can easily
update project status, get feedback or simply edit/evaluate budgets while on the go, move. Gone
are the days when you had to spend budget plans in various formats.

6. Backup and restore data

Data should be backed up regularly, but many businesses do not follow the process. Today, we
still copy data manually via storage devices, both time-consuming and costly.

Disaster recovery is a strategic plan to effectively backup and restore business data in the event
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of a natural disaster or a human accident Implementing a disaster recovery plan through cloud
services can bring many benefits to businesses in addition to operating cost savings.

In the event of a natural disaster, where a part of the whole of an enterprise is affected, because
company data is kept separate in the cloud, the recovery process can be carried out in a timely
and completely automatic manner. Dynamic disks, so the use of disks, tapes or other storage
media is eliminated.

7. Enterprise management application

Currently, there are many cloud-based applications that process an intuitive interface, ease to
use and suitable for each specific industry.

You need better methods to build and maintain relationships with customer? Cloud CRM with
features such as common office application, email, information of past and present activities
integrated in the same system.

From tracking resources, drawing information for decision making to reviewing and updating
budget plans… all available in one place and easily accessible. Just one click with Cloud ERP.

Cloud ERP is suitable for both multinational corporations and small and medium enterprise due
to its ability to pay on demand and without paying fees for hardware and software licenses.

All activities taking place in the cloud are closely monitored and regularly checked by third
parties. There are standards that service providers must meet to keep up with fierce competition
and avoid cyber threats.

The demand for Cloud Computing is not just for multimillion dollar businesses, it is born of the
community with the desire for a service that enhances cooperation and transparency for
businesses even if you are on the go, move or stay at home.

Cloud Computing is certainly not a temporary trend but is gradually asserting an indispensable
position in the modern business.

Conclusion

Cloud computing has some amazing advantages: infinite memory, fast computing energy entry
and the capacity to readily communicate and manage data, but has several problems and most of
them relate to safety. Before it is commonly embraced, cloud devices have to conquer many
barriers, but can now be used in certain compromised and under appropriate circumstances.

And I choose backup and restore data because in case that when we accidentally delete it, the
system will have a problem or many risk, data backup and data recovery will help us save more
time and be able to complete it become early before your appointment. And the other case is a
natural disaster, when a part or the whole of an enterprise is affected, because the company has
data is kept confidential in the cloud, the recovery process can be carried out promptly and
completely, automatic. Dynamic disks, thus the use of disks, tapes or other storage media are
eliminated.

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P8 Assess the most common security issues in cloud environments.

Cloud computing is matter of great interest to the technology world. This article provides some
basic information about security and safety, as well as deployment of cloud computing
technology for organizations and businesses. General introduction about cloud computing

The term Cloud Computing has only appeared in recent years. In mid-2007, Amazon promoted
research and deployment of Cloud Computing. Shortly thereafter, with the participation of large
companies such as Microsoft, Google, IBM or Amazon… pushed cloud computing to grow
stronger and stronger.

The strong development of cloud computing has attracted many scientists, universities and
information technology companies to invest in research. Many experts and organizations have
come up with their own definition of cloud computing. According to the statistic of “Could
Magazine”, there are currently more than 200 different definitions of cloud computing. Each
research group has its own definition and approach so it is very difficult to find the most general
definition of cloud computing. Here are some definitions of cloud computing.

Cloud computing provides scalable and scalable IT resources, which are provided as a service to a
wide range of users via the Internet (Gartner).

More and more companies are involved in the development of cloud computing applications such
as Microsoft, Google, Intel, IBM, etc. That has created a vast market of applications. Cloud
computing, giving more choices to individuals and organizations who wish to “cloud” their
applications and data. According to experts, the development of cloud computing in the future
will focus on three main issues, including: interoperability (federated), automation (automated)
and terminal identification client (aware ware). These are also new approaches to information
technology automation that allows users to respond to user requests in a new, more efficient and
cost-effective way. Linked clouds will allow faster arrangement of resources, while endpoint-
aware clouds will take advantage of the unique features of each device in an optimal way.

Several service models of cloud computing

In cloud computing, all possibilities related to information technology are provided in the form of
“Services”, users access technology services from a certain provider. “In the cloud” without being
concerned about the infrastructure that servers the technology. There are three most basic
models commonly used in cloud computing are Software as a Service (SaaS); Infrastructure as a
Service (IaaS); and Platform as a Service (PaaS).

Some advantages and obstacles when deployment cloud computing

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Advantages:

 Low investment costs: according to the traditional model, to get infrastructure, machinery
and human resources, users need time and money to build plans, invest in infrastructure,
invest machines and administrators…. This cost is not small and sometimes it is not used
effectively, for example, does not meet the demand or does not use the full capacity after
putting into use… These difficulties will be solved in the cloud computing model with the
motto “Pay as you use” (users only have to pay for what they have used).

 Fast processing speed, no longer dependent on the device and geographic location: allows
users to access and use the system via web browser anywhere and on any device the use
(such as a PC or mobile device…).

 Easy to expand and upgrade: instead of having to invest in new or upgraded hardware,
software, management team… to expand or upgrade the system, with cloud computing,
users just need to send a request to the service provider.

Some obstacles:

 Privacy: the information about users and data stored on the cloud is not guaranteed to be
private and that information may also be used for a different purpose.

 Availability: cloud computing centers or network infrastructure may have problems,

causing cloud services to “Hang” unexpectedly, so users cannot access their services and
data in certain time periods.

 Data loss capability: some online data storage services in the cloud unexpectedly stop
working or stop providing services, even in some case, for some reason, data. The user is
lost and cannot be restored

 Security ability: the problem of concentrating data on the cloud is an affected wat to
enhance security, but on the other hand is the concern of users of cloud computing
services because Once the cloud is attacked or hacked, all data will be taken over.

Cloud computing classification:

Basically cloud computing can be classified as follows:

Public Cloud: the applications, storage and other resources of the public cloud are made available
to the public by an available service provider. These services are free or paid for by use (pay-per-
use). In general, user data in the public cloud will be saved in the cloud and authorized for the
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service provider to manage.

Private Cloud: a cloud computing infrastructure that operates only for a single organization,
whether managed, stored internally (internal) or by a third party (external). With private cloud,
users will be assured of higher data security, which is suitable for users who have sensitive data
and require high privacy.

Hybrid Cloud: a component of two or more clouds (private and public cloud) that remain the only
entities but unite them together, providing the benefits of many deployment models. By using
the “Hybrid cloud” architecture, companies and individuals can handle errors, combined with
immediate on-site usability without relying on an internet connection.

Safety, data security in cloud computing:

Security is vital to the development of cloud computing in practice. Currently, many organizations
and businesses have researched and offered many secure solutions for cloud computing. Below is
a brief overview of some of the most recently published security models and cryptographic
algorithms.

Three-layer model of data protection on cloud computing

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Layer 1 (Layer 1): An authentication layer for users accessing cloud computing, with the
commonly applied solution is to use one-time password (One Time Password - OTP). Highly
secure systems will require both user and provider authentication, but with free cloud providers,
only one-way authentication (Figure 3).

Layer 2 (Layer 2): This layer ensures data encryption (Data Encryption), data integrity (Data
Integrity) and user privacy protection (Private User Protection) through an encryption algorithm
for worthy.

Layer 3 (Layer 3): User data layer for fast recovery of data according to decryption speed.

Data protection model uses VPN Cloud to ensure the data on the channel is safe, people use VPN
cloud (VPN Cloud) to encrypt the path between private clouds with each other and between
users. with cloud. For organizations with high data security needs, when deploying, they often
choose the private cloud computing model (Private Cloud Computing). VPN Cloud will make the
connection between users and the cloud, as well as the connection between private clouds safe
and secure through the IPS standard.

Development trend of cloud computing:

Recently in addition to providing cloud computing models and services to businesses, vendors are
trying to introduce their cloud solutions and services to administrative agencies, state for
developing countries. Popular cloud services such as Amazon EC2, Microsoft Azure, IBM provide
Smart Cloud Enterprise, Google provides App Engine, Redhat provides Redhat’s Openshift,
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VMware has Cloud Foundry, Software and Digital Content Industry Institute Vietnam has iDragon
Clouds… Google Cloud, Redhat’s Openshift, VMware Cloud Foundry, and NISCI iDragon Clouds are
open source PaaS, allowing for implementation on a low-cost, easy to replace infrastructure.

According to many experts, the number of people using the public cloud will reach 1 billion by
2020. It is thought that in 2012 in the world, about 1 billion people are using traditionally such as
Microsoft Office, OpenOffice or LibreOffice, Microsoft Exchange or Sharepoint, IBM Lotus Notes,
everyone will move to the public cloud by 2020.

Conclusion

Cloud computing is developing and expanding at a fast pace and this technology will gradually
replace traditional technologies in the near future. The application of cloud computing is not only
for small and medium enterprises, or single users but it has been deployed for large enterprises
and state agencies. The issue is whether using cloud computing is really safe for user’s privacy,
data integrity, confidentiality…. This is also a problem that needs to be researched in the furture.

References

[1] Book – Cloud Computing Concepts, Technology & Architecture – Cloud Computing 2020,
University of Greenwich (Alliance with Vietnam FPT Education), United Kingdom.

[2] Heroku.com. (2020). Platform as a Service | Heroku. [online] Available at:

https://www.heroku.com/platform [Accessed 5 March. 2020].

[3] Jaysonmicronet.weebly.com. (2020). [online] Available at:

http://jaysonmicronet.weebly.com/uploads/4/3/2/4/43244245/task_guidelines_cloud_computin
g.pdf [Accessed 5 March. 2020].

[4] SearchCloudComputing. (2020). Five open source tools for building and managing clouds.
[online] Available at: https://searchcloudcomputing.techtarget.com/tip/Five-open-source-tools-
for-building-and-managing-clouds [Accessed 5 March. 2020].

[5] SearchCloudComputing. (2020). What is Google Cloud Platform (GCP)? - Definition from
WhatIs.com. [online] Available at:
https://searchcloudcomputing.techtarget.com/definition/Google-Cloud-Platform [Accessed 5
March. 2020].
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