Cloud computing shift has potential for better national cyber security

While cloud computing has become a major trend among businesses and has even begun to reach the enterprise level, the managed IT service still offers plenty of opportunity for many different areas. A recent Network World article discussed how cloud computing could actually bolster better national cyber security.

The article's writer, Tim Greene, Network World senior editor covering network access control, argues that moving to the cloud offers government officials in charge of cyber security a better opportunity to secure the "digital infrastructure." These officials would then only have to govern a concentrated amount of services providers, rather than the thousands of current individual businesses.

The Center for Strategic and International Studies also touched upon this point in its recent report on securing cyberspace.

"The move to the cloud is not a silver bullet that will solve all cybersecurity, but it is part of a larger move to a more mature infrastructure that includes the automation of security practices and monitoring - such as the Security Content Automation Protocol - particularly if we find a better way for service providers to work more effectively with government agencies," the report stated.

While the article does point out that the U.S. is not engaged in any current cyberwars or battles, the possibility always looms, so being prepared is of the utmost importance.

Adoption of the cloud continues to see significant increases because of its cost-effectiveness and high potential with managed services. In fact, a recent Ipswitch report found that nearly 64 percent of all businesses are planning a move to the cloud in 2011.