Report: Awareness is key to improving data security in the cloud

According to a representative from Ernst & Young, businesses looking to adopt and implement cloud computing need to be aware of certain risks it poses in relation to data security in order to fully utilize the managed IT service.

During his speech at DC's Cloud for Business Conference 2011, Pieter Danhieu, the company's senior manager, told audience members businesses need to be aware of data leakage, loss of visibility or control of data and unauthorized access to data when dealing with the cloud.

While these problems are by no means commonplace, a company needs to prepare for all potential scenarios when storing sensitive information on a managed network. Many providers have introduced heightened security features that make these worries almost obsolete. However, it is up to the adopting companies to seek such security measures and include security provisions in their service level agreements with cloud providers.

According to Sean Glynn, the vice president of product development at Credant Technologies, companies need to classify information, as it allows businesses to better control access to different levels of sensitive data.