Cloud Providers Downplay Security

According to a recent study by the Ponemon Institute, and sponsored by CA, cloud computing clients and venders may not be paying enough attention to cloud security issues.

The study, "Security of Cloud Computing Providers," found security to be a low priority for cloud service providers - and, to all appearances, their clients. A whopping 73 percent of U.S. service providers and 75 percent of European providers responding to the survey said their cloud services did not substantially protect and secure confidential or sensitive information. Two-thirds of U.S. providers and 61 percent of European providers were unsure whether their solutions are meeting clients' security requirements.

Last year, Ponemon released a similar study on cloud users. Comparing results from the two studies the firm concluded in the recent report that "neither the company that provides the services nor the company that uses cloud computing seem willing to assume responsibility for security in the cloud. Should the contingency arise, cloud computing users admit they are not vigilant in conducting audits or assessments of cloud computing providers previously deployment."