New EU cloud accreditation scheme to be launched
New EU cloud accreditation scheme to be launched
A new EU directive is set to ensure that cloud computing providers are held accountable for any data offences that occur through their services.
A report in IT Pro stated that the new EU draft Binding Safe Processor Rules (BSPR) are expected to be put together in November and will lead to cloud computing firms having to become legally liable for any data offences. This is intended to ensure that they can guarantee the security of their cloud-based services.
Vendors of cloud-based services will sign up to the accreditation scheme and will be able to promote themselves as being part responsible for data breaches, which should instill more confidence in users.
The move comes in response to building pressure from firms that use cloud computing services to bring in an accreditation system to help them to choose reliable vendors. The scheme is also likely to be welcomed by those who believe that such a scheme will help to prove that cloud computing is not risky in terms of security, as some people think.
Several of the legal experts questioned about the new legislation said they expected the move to benefit the cloud computing industry, offering a ‘bridge’ that could help it to become more mainstream.
The new scheme will form part of the regulations that will replace the Data Protection Act as of November 2011. It will require cloud computing vendors to report any data breaches, which is likely to lead to a higher number of private firms being reprimanded or prosecuted for their errors by the Information Commissioner’s Office.
In addition to applying for accreditation, 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.
