The ins and outs of SaaS security
Thursday, October 13, 2011 5:28:04 PM
Software-as-a-Service has proved to be among the most popular cloud computing options, especially for companies just beginning to consider adopting new IT services. SaaS security has been of growing importance since the outset of the technology, and many businesses are beginning to find methods of ensuring secure use of the service.
Help Net Security recently published an article explaining that cloud computing comes with unique security challenges, many of which can be handled by savvy IT workers. According to the source, Software-as-a-Service security comes with relatively complex challenges, especially in regard to encryption and compliance auditing.
As the SaaS vendor is almost always in control of the actual services, as well as hosting a variety of company data off-site, the website stresses the importance of ironing out a comprehensive contract for security responsibilities. Since the company is still responsible for meeting compliance and keeping data secure, this is paramount in any corporate-cloud provider relationship.
According to Gartner Research, SaaS revenues are projected to reach $12 billion internationally this year, a 20 percent increase from 2011. Additionally, the company notes that North American companies are projected to hold more than 60 percent of SaaS revenue worldwide.
-McAfee Cloud Security
