Cloud Deployments Grow Despite Security Concerns

Trust in and adoption of cloud computing continues to grow despite persistent cloud-related security and compliance concerns. Such is the overarching takeaway of Intel Security's recent report, "Blue Skies Ahead? The State of Cloud Adoption." The report, which was based on a survey Vanson Bourne did of 1,200 IT decision-makers with responsibility for cloud security, illustrates just how much impact security concerns still have over cloud decisions. "We are at the tipping point of investment and adoption, expanding rapidly as trust in cloud computing and cloud providers grows," said Raj Samani, chief technology officer, Intel Security EMEA. "As we enter a phase of wide-scale adoption of cloud computing to support critical applications and services, the question of trust within the cloud becomes imperative." Still, the lingering security concerns don't seem to be slowing the cloud's momentum, as the survey findings indicate that organizations intend to plow ahead into cloud deployments even though they often don't fully understand the risks. That contradiction puts extra pressure on vendors to get it right. "Security vendors and cloud providers must arm customers with education and tools, and cultivate strong relationships built on trust, in order to continue the adoption of cloud computing platforms," said Jim Reavis, CEO of the Cloud Security Alliance. "Only then can we completely benefit from the advantages of the cloud."