Security remains a key inhibitor to cloud adoption, according to a global IT risk study.
According to the study, cloud computing is raising serious concerns about protecting privacy, data breach or loss, and the overall weakening of corporate network security.
Chris Mahlakwane, executive director for IT Services for IBM sub-Saharan Africa, explains that social networking, mobile platforms and cloud computing are the highest causes for concern with CIOs and IT managers.
“Most of the risks have to do with the accessibility, use and control of data, and the danger of having unauthorised access to confidential, proprietary information,” he says.
“Many organisations have just not yet established processes and methods to integrate cloud computing.”
IBM introduced an initiative providing managed security services aiming to educate organisations on how to improve risk management in cloud computing environments.
Mahlakwane notes that IT risk management is no longer viewed as a technical function, but also as a tool to provide business benefits to an organisation.
“From a business perspective, the IT infrastructure plays an increasingly critical role in not only supporting and safeguarding a company's key assets an assuring proper governance and compliance, but also in driving business growth.”
A one-size-fits-all approach to a cloud security strategy will not work, indicates Mahlakwane. He points out that companies should look to tailored solutions that provide the right mix of security consulting services and IT infrastructure will allow them to get the most out of cloud environments.
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