22 Mar 2010

Cloud computing 'will be data security issue in 2010'

Businesses have been advised that the popularity of the cloud computing IT model could pose a serious problem for data security this year.

Simon Heron, internet security analyst at Network Box, said the ongoing push to cloud computing could see many firms falling foul of the Information Commissioner's Office in the months ahead.

He noted the third-party aspect of the cloud could make it increasingly difficult to ensure adequate precautions are taken for confidentiality.

Mr Heron commented: "This is going to become a major issue in 2010 and the reason why I think it really is quite significant is obviously the push towards cloud computing."

According to the ICO, when considering whether to employ its new powers of fining businesses up to £500,000 for data loss incidents, the organisation will take into account a number of factors.

These include the seriousness of the data breach, the likelihood of substantial damage and distress to individuals, whether the breach was deliberate or negligent, and what reasonable steps the organisation has taken to prevent breaches.