In a report by Intel Security, Blue Skies Ahead? The State of Cloud Computing, they shared interesting facts on adoption of the cloud and cloud security. Intel’s report shows the recent rapid rate of adoption for cloud computing solutions. In just over a year, the data suggests many US enterprises will set aside 80% of their IT budgets for cloud computing solutions.

The data also showed:
· 13% of organizations trust security in the public cloud with their sensitive data.
· Companies are on average using 44 cloud service.
Data stored in the cloud includes:
o 52% business intelligence
o 52% financial accounting
o 48% employee records
o 40% personal information of customers
o 13% not sure

In addition, the report exposed a gap in board-level (CXO) awareness of possible security issues with storing sensitive data in the public cloud. In the US alone, only 38% fully understand the risk which means 62% only partially understand or do not understand the risks involved. Even with a high number of security breaches in recent years, the need for education and awareness is high regarding the risks of storing sensitive data in the public cloud versus private cloud computing.

In a similar report by JP Morgan, their results suggest the data running in the public cloud will grow from 16.2% to 41.3% within five years. With workloads tripling in the public cloud, an architectural shift in technology requirements will be needed to protect and manage sensitive data.

Organizations should plan for the future now by asking questions to develop a cloud computing policy for public and/or private cloud computing.

What external devices using company-approved software should be allowed on the network?
In which circumstances will they not be allowed?
What company data can be accessed on an external device or in the cloud?
Which cloud-based applications won’t be allowed?
Which authentication protocols or passwords will be required?
How will IT offer support for using cloud computing solutions and services?

As cloud adoption rates continue to accelerate each year, detailed cloud computing policies and private cloud computing are needed to help counter concerns. This includes the approved use of cloud services in an organization.