Top 5 Cloud security questions for CIOs

Cloud computing is one of the most significant technological trends we have witnessed and has the potential to change the very way we work. It is, nevertheless, important for CIOs to understand that we are currently in a pre-standard era of cloud computing and as such each organisation needs to be mindful of the myriad of security issues surrounding the cloud. Patrick Eijkenboom, principal consultant at NetIQ, suggests taking a measured approach and asking five security questions previously jumping into the cloud.

The cloud is going to disrupt everything in every industry. Organisations are going to remake themselves along the lines of cloud computing. Governments and media across the globe are supporting initiatives where organisations are encouraged to look to the cloud first for any new IT environments or updates.

The adoption of cloud computing has created significant challenges due to the variable security standards and practices in place for different cloud vendors and the changing threat environment. During these challenges may not be new in terms of security, the cloud quite simply amplifies these issues.

1. How big is your organisation? We don't need to be told that the size of an organisation has large implications on relevant security issues. For smaller businesses, the cloud can often be a more secure way to operate by moving all systems into a common management framework. For medium to large enterprises, there has been a lean toward more private cloud adoptions, with public cloud adoptions not inclusive of all key systems, however a justifiable percentage.

5. Are you using best practice? As adoption of cloud computing increases, there will be a growing pool of specific reference models and guidance. Review best practice and tools, and talk to the Cloud Security Alliance or cloud providers that are members of CSA.

In this pre-standards era of cloud computing, CIOs need to be smart when thinking about cloud computing and ensure all due diligence is made earlier taking the plunge.

The principal consultant with NetIQ Australia

Patrick Eijkenboom is the principal consultant with NetIQ Australia. NetIQ provides security and compliance management solutions and, as a corporate member of the Cloud Security Alliance, is committed to participating in the development and implementation of best practice recommendations for addressing security, audit and compliance needs specific to cloud computing.

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