Ensuring Cloud Compliance to Streamline Business Processes
Posted by Stephen Zhang on August 17th, 2014
Cloud compliance is increasingly grabbing the attention of companies worldwide. With such a high level of reliance on cloud computing prevalent in the enterprise and consumer sector, governments are enforcing harsh laws that require cloud compliance. Consequently, it’s important that enterprises involved in data transfers via the cloud remain compliant with both local and international regulations that apply.
According to Nextbridge Partners research analyst Jared Ferriss, “Cloud compliance is a critical issues that should be paid more attention to. Its found that more countries are creating proprietary cloud compliance regulations, and if broken, the consequences could entail considerable fines and potentially imprisonment, if found necessary. In addition, it’s significant that organizations are aware and concerned about which applications regarding the cloud are being used by their workforce. Upon finding out those services and applications, companies should sift through the specific data transfers that go through these cloud applications. It’s important for an organization to be sure no important data is being transferred to unauthorized locations. Furthermore, data that is transferred to authorized locations should be appropriately secured, and best if encrypted. Encryption in particular plays a pivotal role for cloud compliance, as highly sensitive data should be incomprehensible, if intercepted or hacked for any reason. Thus, its also important that companies know what and where data is being sent to pre-emptively block a data leak or breach.
In addition, if users are using cloud applications, your company should look at the regulations the providers are in compliance with. Furthermore, its crucial that companies know what specific information is being stored via the cloud. This way, enterprises can be more prepared in terms of data protection, and blocking unauthorized access to confidential data. Consequently, taking proper data protection procedures will help companies comply with government regulations. On top of the aforementioned measures, it’s best if companies initiate incident response procedures, in case of worst situations. According to a report published by the RRT group, more than forty percent of the top companies in the world will resort to storing private data on the cloud within 3 years. If this statistic stays true, companies should be highly aware of the contents of their private information. For example, if a company is holding private data that can be tracked down to a specific individuals’ identity, companies must employ better data privacy and security implications.
Regulations centered on identity tracing can be harsh. Worldwide, there are already many penalties for enterprises that disappoint in shielding this delicate information. Thus, its crucial that companies consider data protection and privacy as one of their top concerns. This can prove particularly helpful in the realms of cloud compliance.
Finally, its best if organizations initiate cloud compliance strategies immediately. If organizations are caught without compliant procedures, the penalties can span fines and imprisonment.
All in all, it’s crucial that information technology professionals worldwide focus on cloud compliance. Establishing cloud compliance when dealing with international data transfer and business is an absolute must. In addition, careful analysis of cloud providers and services is important, to avoid any penalties on your end.
Author:
Stephen Zhang is a principal security analyst and writer focused on the emerging markets of Cloud Computing, Cloud Security and Cloud Compliance.
