Cloud Computing, Data Security and Information Privacy.

Do you remember software protection dongles or hardlocks? I do, in late 80’s and 90’s they helped to protect software vendors’ intellectual property from malicious customers. Later with widespread internet access, online license managers pushed out dongles. The situation is significantly changing in today’s Cloud Computing era. Vendors are happy with no dongles, no complicated license managers. There are new buzz words such as subscription or multitenant. But what about customers, are they happy and satisfied as well?

Cloud computing represents one of the most significant shifts in information technology. Customers are both excited and nervous at the prospect of cloud computing. They are excited by the opportunities to reduce capital cost, divest infrastructure management and focus on core competencies. However customers also are very concerned about security and privacy risks of cloud computing.

Cloud computing vendors claim that storing your data in the cloud is more secure than leaving it on your devices. It’s true in most cases. Your data are transmitted into cloud through secure channel, stored and archived on encrypted disk in guarded data centers. So, security is not the issue, unless you have a crappy cloud computing provider.

Let’s take a close look at information privacy. When enterprises and individuals move their data to the Cloud, protection of their confidential information (e.g. financial data, company secrets, intellectual properties) and sensitive information (e.g. personal identifiable information, sensitive personal information) is critical. Inappropriate information disclosure could cost a data owner’s reputation, financial standing, and regulatory and legal compliances. Be aware of it, especially businesses could never turn a blind eye to it.

Conclusion: Cloud computing and data security meet very well, but information privacy in cloud computing is a real issue.