Cloud computing held back by security fears, expert says

Posted by Paul Sells

IT outsourcing users are reluctant to use cloud computing because they have to give up control of data but are still responsible for its security, an expert has claimed.

A recent poll by the Information Systems Audit and Control Association discovered that a quarter of firms using cloud computing believes its benefits are outweighed by the risks, but use it anyway.

Trend Micro senior security advisor Rik Ferguson, speaking at the Westminster eForum Keynote Seminar on cloud computing, said research by his firm found three-quarters of chief information officers do not want to use the innovation because of its security problems.

"When we consume cloud services we outsource a substantial amount of control but we don't outsource any accountability; we can't outsource any accountability," he added.

However, Mr Ferguson pointed out that security is cited by many IT outsourcing users as one of cloud computing's main benefits and claimed this contradiction demonstrates a "disconnect" in how firms perceive the technology.