Perceived Security for the Cloud

Cloud Computing:

1. "the practice of using a network of remote servers hosted on the Internet to store, manage, and process data, rather than a local server or a personal computer"

   - Google 

   
   

This software as a service is being used by many companies around the globe to help run their businesses. Companies such as Salesforce, Oracle, SAP, and even Apple and Google are putting out software that is easily accessible by everyone and anyone so long as you have the internet and (more times than not) an identity. Optimistically, as the cloud computing trend continues to rise, the perceived connotation that cloud is not secure is slowly being transformed.

Once upon a time (not too long ago) you would not have seen any company consider moving all their confidential files and client/consumer information to a "cloud". Through the internet, people believe anything and everything is accessible. Now, while this may be true, so is the fact that software exists to prevent such security breaches from happening. So the question is, is your information REALLY secure?
The answer is both yes, and no.

There are multiple measures one can take to ensure that their system is secure such as encryption, password changes, firewalls, and other security systems to prevent such issues from arising. However, one must be particularly vigilant when it comes to such sensitive information. One security breach could be categories as a disaster, and ultimately be a detriment to a brand. Yet, while it seems like the cloud imposes risk, it is true that the cloud is truly useful. Using the cloud at work is beneficial because it allows employees to work from where ever and whenever they want. For example, my work often allows me to work from home so long as I have my computer and good internet access. I am able to access Salesforce and Sharepoint through the internet and work from just about anywhere. This really makes employees happy, because they do not have to take the day off or hire a babysitter if, for example, their child has a pedagogical day. I have personally enjoyed using the cloud, for more than just work purposes. Systems such as the iCloud, Dropbox and GoogleDrive have enabled me to go about my daily activities with ease!