Cloud Security Predictions for 2014

The cloud is being adopted rapidly by companies, with employees leading the way andusing a myriad of different cloud apps. IT departments are struggling to maintain thesecurity of data as employees upload it to the cloud, and with stories like NSA PRISM,2013 was a year that highlighted the vulnerability of data when it leaves the firewall. Somany enterprises are left wondering if the cloud enterprise-ready. In 2014 we expect anumber of things will converge to improve data security in the cloud so companies canmaintain security and compliance.

1. SaaS becomes the default option

Over the last several years, many SaaS applications have emerged that rival traditionalenterprise software. Salesforce has gone from being the best cloud-based CRM to simplybeing the best CRM, on-premise or in the cloud. In 2014 this trend will accelerate ascorporate IT departments and lines of business look to the cloud as the default option inmost major IT investments.

2. IT embraces the cloud

The IT department has traditionally been the gatekeeper of technology and in the case ofcloud has been the voice of “no” to many projects and cloud usage. As more employeesare relying on cloud apps to do their jobs, this position is becoming increasinglyunpopular. Instead of saying “no” to the cloud, IT is searching for ways to allow the useof cloud but in a responsible way. New tools and technologies will allow them to say yesand embrace the use of cloud.

3. The network edge moves to the cloud

Until a few years ago, the enterprise edge was the firewall. IT security teams had a handleon the security of data on the network and could secure it from malicious third parties.Now, employees freely upload data to the cloud. The network edge needs to move intothe cloud, as companies build a perimeter around their data no matter where it lives.

4. Enterprise-controlled encryption

Regulated companies operating under HIPAA and other regulations have looked toencryption to meet their compliance requirements. In 2013, after details of the NSAPRISM program were leaked companies in all verticals are looking to encryption tosecure their sensitive data when it leaves the network. The essential requirement is to

encrypt data before it ever leaves the company and goes into the cloud and maintaincontrol over the encryption keys so not even a cloud provider can decrypt the data anddisclose it to third parties.

Companies, which are already embracing the cloud at the employee and department level,are poised to increase their adoption in 2014. A range of new Cloud Securitytechnology is enabling this shift, so IT departments can allow popular cloud serviceswhile ensuring that corporate data in the cloud is secure and compliant. As cloud appsbecome the default option, these technologies will allow a new era of IT in whichemployees can grow the business using new cloud services.

Author :

Lauren Ellis is a research analyst covering the technology industry’s top trends & topics,focusing on Cloud Security, Cloud Computing, Data Loss Prevention etc.,