Tackling widespread security concerns pertaining to the cloud
26 August 2011 16:29:56
Many experts project cloud computing to become a standard across industries within the next decade. The International Data Corporation, for example, projects the cloud to grow from 600,000 units in 2010 to 1.3 million in 2014. Security concerns, experts assert, continue to be the biggest factor impeding businesses from using the services.
According to ITBusinessEdge, the National Institutes of Standards and Technology recently released a report assessing the relationship between cloud vendors and subscribers with regard to security responsibilities. The website explains that companies with higher-risk electronically stored information should look for vendors with negotiable service agreements.
Additionally, the source notes that the NIST report found all cloud providers employ security specialists for in-house operations. While this might not be the most convincing fail-safe for some companies, it does decrease the risk of serious security breaches, especially when the company couples its cloud service with an internal IT department.
Assessing the practices of cloud vendors is expected to improve before the end of the year, as the Cloud Security Alliance announced they would release a Security, Trust and Assurance Registry for providers to fill out an supply to potential customers by December.
-McAfee Cloud Security
