Anthony Ricigliano Cloud Computing: Balancing Benefits and Security Concerns

May 24, 2012 - PRLog -- As excited as most companies and organizations are about cloud computing, security concerns continue to abound. Although cloud computing is hardly new, many companies have failed to put it to use because they are worried about security issues. To be sure, there are unique security concerns when it comes to cloud computing. However, there is also a broad array of exciting benefits. Is it possible to enjoy the top benefits of cloud computing while addressing and handling the most common security issues? In most instances, the answer is a resounding "yes." Learn more about the benefits of cloud computing and how to mitigate the most common security concerns below.

Top Advantages of Cloud Computing

One of the most compelling things about cloud storage is that data can be accessed from just about anywhere. This is an exciting advantage for most of today's businesses by removing the tether that typically exists between an employee and his desk at work. Thanks to cloud data storage, employees can access the data they need from wherever they happen to be. This also makes things simpler for organizations that have multiple branches.

Not surprisingly, many people are concerned about having their data floating around in the cloud. As nice as it may be to have easy access to data from just about anywhere, it seems all too easy for unauthorized users to gain access to it as well. The thing that companies need to keep in mind is that there is a plethora of additional ways to secure data beyond physical measures. In fact, physical measures don't do a whole lot for situations that involve traditional data storage either.

Another top benefit of cloud computing involves productivity and expense. In many cases, switching to the cloud allows a company to pare back on the number of IT professionals that it needs to have on staff. However, the companies that face the biggest security woes concerning cloud computing are generally the ones that expect the cloud to handle it all. While IT support requirements may be reduced with the cloud, IT personnel are still required. Furthermore, the personnel that are on staff need to be well-versed about cloud computing security issues.

Cloud computing is also regularly touted because it actually keeps data safer in many ways. If data is strictly stored on a local server, for example, it could be compromised more easily. Even with regular backups, a physical server has troublesome limitations. In the cloud, data is out of the fray. Even if something happens to a company's physical location, its data and computer resources should be as safe as can be.

Top Concerns about Cloud Computing

As you can see, the top advantages of cloud computing inherently have many security issues. However, there are also several additional security concerns that are regularly raised about cloud computing. A few key examples include:
•  Authorization and Authentication - The idea that a random person can pluck data out of thin air simply isn't valid. Cloud computing is being adopted by more companies than ever because newer and more effective authentication and authorization methods are being developed and implemented all the time. It is generally recommended that two or more authentication factors be used in cloud computing situations, and that is quickly becoming par for the course. Authentication and authorization need to be handled differently in this situation. They should be managed from the standpoint of services and systems as opposed to people.
•  Regulatory Compliance - Many companies have shied away from cloud computing due to concerns about maintaining regulatory compliance. The easiest way to handle this potential issue is by seeking out a cloud vendor that offers the right kind of compliance. It's just about impossible to achieve and maintain compliance when you use a vendor that doesn't comply in the right ways. Most companies can find vendors that suit their regulatory needs.
•  Encryption and Storage - Physical data security is pretty much a moot point with cloud computing. To be stored securely, data needs to be encrypted using keys. Those keys should not be stored in the cloud. Some of today's biggest companies are putting the cloud to use by implementing encrypted virtual machines and using distributed keys.
•  Location of Data and Users - Before signing up for cloud computing services, a company needs to know how and where its data will be stored. It also needs to have a clear understanding of who else could potentially gain access to it. Reputable cloud computing vendors will be able to address these issues readily and satisfactorily.

In addition to the points outlined above, clear methods for dealing with security breaches need to be in place ahead of time. At the end of the day, cloud computing can be perfectly safe. However, companies and cloud vendors need to do their own parts to make it happen.

Anthony Ricigliano