Who's in your cloud? Learning about cloud computing and security

It’s all about the cloud. 

That’s what most people are saying these days about the present and future of computing. Need to access your files when on a client site? No problem – just pull them down off the cloud. In charge of security for your company’s IT systems and/or data centres? The cloud is your friend, but can also be your enemy.

Not surprisingly, there’s no end of cloud chatter these days. But where do you turn for snapshots of the topic and/or more depth when you really want to dive in?

A good primer is found in Backbone Magazine’s recent special section on cloud computing and security. In it you’ll read about five ways to increase your company’s data security, several IT-security tips for small business, and ways maximize the many benefits of  cloud computing while minimizing the risks.

PC World ran a similar story earlier this month [assuming this blog goes out in November], highlighting the strengths of the cloud trend and the importance of proper data security. Those looking for more depth on the topic can go to any number of excellent resources.

Security Matters has a series of articles, found here on IT security issues such as network firewall management and the implications of cloud computing on mobile businesses. This site also features a 35-minute video on securing the cloud. As well, Security Week ran a piece this past summer on securing data centres – a reminder that physical threats are every bit as serious and potentially damaging as cyber threats. A few blogs of note include www.cloudsecurityalliance.org, the website of a non-profit organization comprising many leading IT industry companies, and Trend Cloud Security, found at http://cloudsecurity.trendmicro.com.

Veridin will be writing more about these security topics over the coming months.

Until then, see you in the cloud.