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Information Security Tips Series |
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Cloud Computing is a hot topic today. It has created a new trend and convenience by introducing a variety of cloud services, such as cloud printing, cloud storage, cloud games, and cloud desktop. Can the concept of cloud be sustained? Do those cloud services really work and provide the necessary information security behind the operations? Many users understand the benefits of cloud computing under the prevailing trend, but they are not sure whether it is secure. Regarding the security aspect of cloud services, consider the following points: (1) In addition to personal authority or your permission, who can access your information or data on the cloud? (2) Would the service access be denied or stored information be removed without notice whenever the regular service fees have not been settled? (3) Are backup services offered for your stored information? If so, is there any chance the information would be stolen or disclosed without your permission? (4) Where is your information being stored under the cloud services? If the legislation of the location for stored information were different from the local one, would the information be protected under similar law? (5) Is there any restriction for your subscribed cloud services? Are there any provisions to ascertain whether your information is being removed, open to public or leading to certain legal implications? (6) If e-mail services on cloud computing were available, would spam mails be barred? (7) If cloud services were not satisfactory, is there any provision under the service agreement to transfer securely the stored information to another service provider? (8) What mechanisms are in place to allow customers to regain their information or data? (9) Is there any redundant path between you and your cloud service provider? Above all, the practitioners of the cloud computing industry may even not able to offer you guaranteed words. Otherwise, you may still have doubt in mind. In addition, users should also bear in mind that: 1. Computer hackers will be more aggressive to get access to the information with high value when a huge volume of information has been stored in the cloud. 2. Users' privacy, such as behaviour, habits and favours, will also be collected by service providers during the usage of cloud applications. This means that users' privacy is now directly exposed on the Internet. In conclusion, cloud computing has become a market trend all over the world. You do not have to rush for it, but should know more about the service agreement before using their products. |
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