Is your Data really safe in a Cloud?

Posted By: Technology Staff Editor In: Uncategorized

Cloud Computing, according to Wikipedia, is the delivery of computing as a service rather than a product, whereby shared resources, software and information are provided to computers and other devises as a metered service over a network (typically the Internet).  It provides data access and storage without requiring the user to know the location and other details of the computing infrastructure.  Users access cloud based applications through a web browser or mobile app.  The idea behind cloud computing was to assist enterprises to get their applications up and running faster with easier manageability and less maintenance.  In addition it was supposed to require fewer IT resources such as servers, storage and networking.

On the surface, cloud computing sounds like the answer to many IT department’s wish lists.  However, what about privacy?  What about security?  What about hackers?  How safe is your information anyhow?

Security:  By using cloud computing, you are actually putting your data into the hands of a third party service.  So the question to ask is – do you trust them to keep your information safe?  What about hackers?  Are you they able to get to your information through a cloud service?  According to the experts, cloud services have many measures in place to protect your data including data encryption along with layers of security.  In many cases, the security measures that the cloud computing service has in place are probably better than those you have on your local server.

Backups:  What happens if the data center storing your data goes up in flames?  Cloud services have backup routines in place so that if this should happen, you will not lost any of your data.

Connectivity:  What happens if there is a connection issue?  Well, in your own workplace, you can usually just report the issue and the IT department can get right on it.  But, if you are using cloud technology, you might have a longer wait.  Since there are many points between your company and the cloud computing service where problems and failures could occur, it is going to take them longer to resolve connectivity issues.  Can you afford to wait?

Another issue that must be considered before transferring all of your data to a cloud computing service is the cost.  How much data will you be sending?  For example, for a small user, if they used LiveDrive, they could store 2TB of data for $7.95 and be guaranteed 93% reliability and speed.  That’s not bad for a small user but what about a large corporation?  Is it really cheaper to use Cloud than it is to maintain and backup all of your data on your own servers?

Cloud computer services is an option for today’s users and corporations.  If you are willing to give up the control of your data to a third party and are willing to pay the costs associated with it, then maybe it’s for you.  As for me, I will just continue to use my local backup and save my money.