Cloud security battle is being lost
New research conducted by the Ponemon Institute has found that IT professionals are losing the cloud security battle.
The new report, entitled Challenges of Cloud Information Governance: A Global Data Security Study, revealed that almost half (44 per cent) of all the corporate data that is currently being stored in cloud environments is not managed or controlled by the firm's IT department.
More than 1,800 IT and IT security professionals worldwide were polled for the SafeNet research, which found just over a third (38 per cent) of organisations have put in place clearly defined roles and accountability for safeguarding confidential or sensitive information that is stored in the cloud.
The research also found that close to three-quarters (71 per cent) of respondents believe that it is more difficult to protect sensitive data that is being held in the cloud using conventional security practices.
Commenting on the results of the study, Dr Larry Ponemon, chairman and founder of the Ponemon Institute, stated that it is clear a lack of critical governance and security practices in place is making it hard to keep data in the cloud safe and secure.
He said: "To create a more secure cloud environment, organisations can begin with simple steps such as including IT security in establishing security policies and procedures; increasing visibility into the use of cloud applications, platforms, and infrastructure; and protecting data with encryption and stronger access controls, such as multi-factor authentication."
While there are numerous benefits to adopting cloud technology, such as the low cost, flexibility and scalability, security concerns have put many organisations off from moving to the cloud.
Despite security worries, nearly three-quarters (71 per cent) of IT professionals surveyed for the Ponemon study confirmed that cloud computing is very important today, while over three-quarters (78 per cent) stated that they believe it will be over the next two years.
Businesses looking to move services into the cloud should evaluate the performance of their existing network and consider setting up a leased line or MPLS network.
