What is cloud hosting?¶
Cloud hosting means a website or service uses computing infrastructure supplied through a cloud platform. The visible infrastructure identifies the cloud provider, not automatically the end customer or website operator.
A customer may use virtual machines, storage, databases, networking and managed services that can be created, changed or removed quickly.
Why attribution is layered¶
The direct cloud customer may be:
- a business;
- a developer;
- a reseller;
- a website platform; or
- another service provider.
A further enquiry may be needed to identify the end user.
A single website may also use several cloud services, regions or resources at once.
Potential records¶
Depending on the service and timing, records may include:
- account-registration details;
- payment information;
- assigned resources;
- administrative access;
- configuration changes; and
- support communications.
Cloud resources can be short-lived and addresses may be reassigned. Preservation may therefore be important where relevant data is at risk.
Key takeaway
Cloud hosting identifies a flexible infrastructure layer. Trace the customer and service chain, preserve time-sensitive records and prove control through wider evidence.