Critical.
Authoritative.
Strategic.
Subscribe to CIO Magazine »

Cloud Security: Danger (and Opportunity) Ahead

In the first in his series of "Clearing the Cloud" columns, security expert Ariel Silverstone explores the dangers of cloud computing and outlines security best practices to make it work.
Page:

The dramatic change in the rate of adoption and the amount of discussion taking place regarding cloud computing demands that this technology, or rather a set of related technologies, continue to evolve utilizing a security-sensitive design.

We approach quickly the point in which the amount of data and of processing in the cloud will be not only unmanageable but also pose a security and related privacy risk to the users of the data, and to people who the data concerns. [Related: Cloud Computing: Making the Right Choices] Cisco CEO: Cloud Computing a 'Security Nightmare']

In this series of articles, I do not intend to solve the problem of security in the cloud. My intent is to define the problem and propose several salient ways to address it. As always, comments are welcome. [Related: Cloud Computing: Making the Right Choices]

TerminologyWhile the term "cloud computing" may be new, the idea certainly is not. Just look at the greatly varying definitions I found while researching this article. These include all of the following technologies:

  • 1. The grid
  • 2. VMWare and Xen-type virtual machines
  • 3. IBM-type mainframes
  • 4. Amazon-type flexible storage
  • 5. Intel VTX-type hypervisors
  • 6. Page files
  • And many, many others

Instead of focusing on a specific technology, I propose we define the salient characteristics of cloud computing. For the purposes of this article series, I will define cloud computing as the technology having the characteristics of:

"Service-based data processing and storage capability which is flexible, extensible and virtual"

Some may add the following:

"and available via the Internet"

Page:

Join the CIO Australia group on LinkedIn. The group is open to CIOs, IT Directors, COOs, CTOs and senior IT managers.

More about: Amazon, Ariel, C2, Cisco, Citibank, Ford Motor, General Motors, GTE, IBM, Intel, ISO, Manhattan, Silverstone, Symantec, Teleglobe
References show all

Comments

Post new comment

The content of this field is kept private and will not be shown publicly.
Users posting comments agree to the CIO comments policy.
Login or register to link comments to your user profile, or you may also post a comment without being logged in.
Related Coverage
Related Whitepapers
Latest Stories
Community Comments
Tags: cloud, security
Latest Blog Posts
Whitepapers
  • Justifying Business Intelligence Applications
    This white paper explores the decision criteria used in a build vs. buy scenario when considering the Oracle BI Applications. The major benefits of the BI Applications will be discussed in the framework of an overall buy vs. build argument.
    Learn more »
  • No Bull - What Customers Should Expect from Cloud Services
    This paper describes how a cloud Services User achieves the true benefits of cloud services and sends warning messages to the providers, hosting companies and telecommunications firms. It also provides clues on how a customer can gain better value from services offered by the new cloud companies and Hosting businesses.
    Learn more »
  • Leveraging the Service Catalog to Scale Your MSP Business
    When assessing an MSP’s maturity and prospects, one question provides more insights than any other: “What’s in your service catalog?” A well-defined service catalog can set the framework for growth. The lack of a service catalog can significantly impede an MSP’s ability to scale. This paper explores why the service catalog is so vital, and provides some practical guidelines MSPs can apply in order to ensure their service catalog provides maximum utility and benefit.
    Learn more »
All whitepapers
rhs_login_lockGet exclusive access to Invitation only events CIO, reports & analysis.
Recent comments