For all the things that the cloud-computing phenomenon is touted for, there are a few problems associated with it, whatsoever. One of the leading concerns when it comes to cloud computing is security. Ponemon Research reveals striking numbers in a survey conducted for Thales e-Security involving more than 4,000 businesses across the western belt.
That’s a lot of businesses in question. What do you think the general response was?
At least of the businesses surveyed already transfer, use, or store sensitive business information – even the confidential and proprietary kind of data – on the cloud. About 44% of the businesses stated that the security risk did not change their stance on cloud computing. While the security concern is indeed real, it doesn’t seem to dampen the festive vigor with which companies flock to cloud computing solutions.
The reason, we think, is simple: The cost benefits, efficiency, and ease of use advantage that cloud computing far outweighs the concerns over security.
Thanks to vendors who put in a humongous amount of effort on security best practices, the concern for security has to fade away over time. In reality, it can never vanish (just like the security for personal computers never did what with the anti-virus software still battling with one new wave of virus and malware after the other).
With systems in place, security can be managed. The survey also reveals a few more interesting facts: 64% of the organizations surveyed assume that the “sensitive” data that they host on the cloud are the responsibility of the cloud vendor – is this a myth that needs to be addressed? Another half of the respondents also had no idea what cloud vendors do to protect sensitive data hosted on behalf of these companies.
Some businesses, however, are smarter. Encryption is the iron curtain most of these businesses hope to take cover under. At least 38% of these companies surveyed rely on encryption in various stages of using cloud services for maximum security. While 35% of them apply persistent encryption practices before transferring data, 27% depend on encryption provided by cloud vendors.
Yet, cloud computing is not without its share of problems. In a feature article published on techtarget.com another research study called the Security of Cloud Computing Users study by Ponemon Institute reveals that more than 50% of the businesses feel that users could be using some of their subscribed cloud services without their consent. Data security in the cloud is a reason for angst, anxiety, and fear. More than 68% of the respondents feel that moving financial and other sensitive data – next only to health records and credit card information (55% and 43% respectively) -- to the cloud could be a risky affair.
Just as it is for everything else, Cloud computing is certainly mainstream but is still going through a natural evolution cycle. We can see the progression already. There’ll be a time when it’ll mature addressing most of the security concerns. So, do these security concerns dampen the wild ride for cloud computing?
In a word: no.
What do you think?