Cloud Compliant Services and Applications Win Enterprise Accounts
Posted by Tomas Cohen on August 17th, 2014
Traditionally, cloud computing has been received with slight vacillation and slight precaution. The reason behind this is the concern of the cloud storing information off a given company’s physical borders. The idea of off-premise data hosting can seem daunting to some businesses, as its seemingly more susceptible to outside threats. In addition, even the progressive early adopters of technology are often deterred by the many regulations regarding data privacy and security that the cloud entails. Cloud Compliance is an absolute must for cloud services and providers, who aim to win customers over with the benefits of cloud computing.
According to Peter Button, a principal research analyst at Westminster Associates, “Simple cloud service provider security measures aren’t sufficient when data protection concerns are raised. Cracks and leeway for concealed risks can leave one’s data defenseless in the cloud. Therefore, its crucial businesses leverage data protection tools to prevent data breaches or leaks.” In addition, Stacey Martinez, a junior analyst, at the Delancey Group, states that, “Enterprises nowadays should deploy several levels of security, including data encryption measures, security access controls, and also data loss prevention software.” Martinez also notes “in todays age, cloud service and storage providers are more customer-centric, as they cater to specific customized needs and requirements of customers. However, end-to-end solutions are rarer.” Martinez says, “Enterprises should make an effort to emphasize the extra cloud compliance aspect of their security products to clients and customers. These factors can sway a decision to conversion based on previous data.”
Ed Anderson, research vice president at Garter, notices that even though the predominant regulations, such as PCI and HIPAA, are the most well-documented and prevalent in the cloud, this same generalization might not be factual in other sectors and markets. “HIPAA is one that’s mainstream now, but if you worked in a smaller industry, you may have trouble finding that similar sort of support for your compliance requirements,” Anderson says.
Furthermore, there are several similar threads that exist in present-day cloud compliance regulations. To begin, promising that customer and client data is adequately protected, in order to prevent unauthorized access from insiders and outsiders. Secondly customers and clients should be informed about the ways their confidential data is stored and handled, and should always be immediately informed if their information has been accessed without authorization. Finally, companies should keep sensitive data with the highest security precautions, and look through the terms of cloud service providers they use themselves.
All in all, enterprises nowadays must be concerned with being compliant with local, federal and international regulations when it comes to data privacy and security. Cloud compliance must be adhered to; else companies can risk brand image, millions in fines, and/or imprisonment. As cloud computing continues to see a historic rise in this era, modern organizations must prepare for it via appropriate data privacy regulations and methods. Responsible businesses will prepare for breaches appropriately and react to breaches appropriately, for the larger benefit of the company, clients, and most importantly, those subjects of sensitive data.
Author:
Tomas Cohen is a security enthusiast and analyst covering the most significant security topics and trends prevalent worldwide. He also involves in the technology related to Cloud Security, Data Loss Prevention, Box Security etc.,
