Tech Lover 9

Privacy is the main concern holding many cloud computing companies back from prosperity and success. Even the massively influential Google is facing concerns of privacy. Sweden’s Risk Assessment Board has disallowed Swedish public companies from using Google’s cloud-based service, Google Apps, according to Datainspectionen.se. They have determined that the Google contract has given the search giant too much power over data usage, and a lack of concrete knowledge over what subcontractors are storing or using this data. This begs a harrowing question—if Google cannot be trusted for privacy, who can be?

The Big Privacy Hack

Many large companies do not have the capacity to store data in-house. Tablets and laptops have extremely limited internal storage capabilities, enhancing the overall drive for cloud computing. Evernote is a glorified note-taking resource that stores data through multiple devices. A recent security breach of the resource opened up 50 million encrypted passwords, usernames and accompanying email addresses were leaked. According to Evernote, this caused forced them to restart everyone’s accounts with new passwords.

The Value of General Protection

These security concerns are influencing users to seek identity protection through services like LifeLock Identity Guard. Through credit alerts, address monitoring and advanced Internet-monitoring techniques, these types of services bridge the gap between general security and public comfort. Their features help facilitate comfort in dealing almost solely though the Internet, amidst growing concerns of privacy.

Microsoft, the largest computer provider, offers detailed tips for protection. The company reports confirming that any cloud provider has a detailed privacy policy and the means to support it. The policy should not be a direct copy of someone else’s, but a policy that is adjusted and conducive to the company. This confirms that the company has taken the effort to provide something relevant and specific.

Cloud Computing: Hackers Great Big Target in the Sky

Hackers target cloud services because they store so much data. Seagate’s smaller cloud storage features offer between 500 gigabytes to 1 terabyte, reports Computer World. The latter data is equivalent to about 1,100 movies.

The huge Apple cloud is in North Carolina and spans acres. It is specifically designed for the iCloud service, notes ABC News and consists of an undocumented quantity of data storage. More speculation has the service providing anywhere up to 10,000 terabytes.

Of course, much larger cloud services such Dropbox and Google Drive are highly regarded. Technet reports that the free Cloud Security Readiness Tool from Microsoft is pushing privacy focus for cloud companies looking to realistically compete. The resource offers insight into very detailed cloud constructs and how to maximize safety. It also allows a firm to determine their readiness for moving to the cloud.

Paving the Road to Enhanced Protection

Microsoft is paving the road for future cloud computing services with 1 billion customers, 20 million major businesses and 76 global markets being serviced through them, Technet further reports. Detailed trust center security documents are available online to maximize cloud privacy and effectiveness. This is relevant for companies considering opening themselves up to cloud computing and for increasing their privacy efforts.