The Cloud has changed the way businesses and consumers interact with technology. Cloud storage is cost-effective and allows users to store information while also making it easier to access and removes the need for hardware from users.

Organizations no longer need to host large local servers, and also invest huge sums of money into computers. They can simply purchase what they require without having to manage maintenance or maintenance. Cloud technology is currently widespread in many fields.

Although the AWS Nitro Enclaves gives access to information that is extremely useful and makes life easier however, it could also increase vulnerability to security breaches and theft of data. Even though large Cloud providers spend a lot on security and encryption, it doesn't necessarily mean data cannot be accessible.

Data can be encrypted through the use of VPNs or other services, which safeguards the data during transfer. It is also possible to secure data when stored on a hard drive. This means that data is well protected throughout storage and transport. But what happens when it's processed? To allow servers and computers to process information that is encrypted, it must be encrypted. This leaves vulnerable even the most secure servers and in a time where data theft is rampant, it is a hole which must be closed. In reality, data breach are responsible for the disclosure of over 36 billion records in 2020 which is just within the first quarter of the year. (Source)

That is where confidential computing comes into play. The technology works by creating an independent "enclave" inside the CPU. The enclave is comprised of all the necessary data and processing methods. When data is stored in this enclave, only authorized programming code has access to it. It is completely secret from other programs and users and even cloud service providers.

Confidential computing is a solution so that important information can be secured throughout the life cycle of use. When data is in transit in transit, in storage or being processed it will be secure and safe from threats from adversaries or partners, as well as internal/insider threats. What are the advantages of secure computing for Cloud users?

Complete Protection

Data is secure at all stages of its lifecycle, which is one of the biggest and most obvious advantages. Cloud providers have adopted rigorous security standards when concerns the protection of data in its rest. They have multiple layers of security to get through, as well as encryption of the stored data.

The transfer of data can be secured by encryption software and encrypted tunnels and protocols as well as from the cloud service provider. In a confidential cloud the processes and the data are secured from the snoopers and other prying eyes. This new technology can provide organizations with the confidence that they require to transfer more sensitive data to the cloud with the assurance that it is safe and secure, even from the cloud provider itself.

Better Protection Against Third-Parties

Many businesses face the challenge of not being aware of who is able to access their data when they think about shifting to cloud storage. Cloud storage is secure and ensures that only the user has access to encrypted data, regardless of how it is used. Cloud providers are secure and private so organizations do not have to worry about third-party access.

The enclaves are completely isolated from the data to ensure that the user is protected by security. Since cloud providers are unable to see the information, they are prevented from being put in vulnerable situations by subpoenas or strongarms.

Secure Collaboration

The Cloud's ability to give access to users from all over the world is one of its strengths. This has strengthened the relationship between businesses and partners however it has also become an issue of contention when it comes to security. Confidential computing helps partnerships develop and expand through collaboration and shared data by safeguarding sensitive or confidential data.

Companies can ensure that certain data is secure and out of reach of their partners through the use of enclaves while still providing access to various aspects they might require to complete their work. This tool can be extremely beneficial when working with other businesses and handling sensitive data.

Fully protects all intellectual Property

Confidential computing is not simply an instrument for protecting data. It can be used to protect a wide range of things, including machine learning algorithms and proprietary business logic. Using confidential computing ensures that business and trade secrets remain as secure as possible even when used in the cloud.

Advanced Hardware-Based Security

The majority of encryption takes place on the software side, but confidential computing can be done with hardware. Both AMD and Intel processors include specific technology confidential cloud. Intel uses technology labeled SGX, or Software Guard Extensions. AMD's EPYC series of processors employs SEV-SNP technology, which extends private computing to virtual machines.

Secure Encrypted Virtualization-Secure Nested Paging (SEV-SNP) is the newest release in confidential computing technology and has enabled Azure to become the first major cloud provider to offer confidential virtual machines.

Microsoft is always an innovator in the field of security. It is also one of the original members of the Confidential Computing Consortium, which is responsible for the development of secure computing. This has given them solid foundations in an industry that is highly dependent on security and protection and the SEV-SNP partnership with AMD strengthens the foundation.