Data security in the cloud

A majority of IT organisations are kept in the dark when it comes to protecting corporate data in the cloud, putting confidential information at risk, according to a recent Ponemon Institute study commissioned by SafeNet. The research indicates that while organisations are increasingly using cloud computing resources, IT staff is having trouble controlling the management and security of data in the cloud. The survey found that only 38 per cent of organisations have clearly defined roles for safeguarding sensitive information in the cloud. Adding to the confusion, 44 per cent of corporate data stored in cloud environments is not even managed by the IT.

As the role of the IT in organisations is changing, they need to adapt to the new realities of cloud by educating employees on security. The report suggests implementing data security measures such as "encryption-as-a-service" to protect data in the cloud in a centralised fashion.