Understanding the Gartner 7 Cloud Computing Risks: Are You Prepared?
Cloud computing is a popular method for companies to store and process data and applications. While cloud computing is beneficial in many ways, it is crucial to understand the potential risks that come with it. In this article, we delve into the Gartner 7 Cloud Computing Risks and how you can prepare for them.
Risk 1: Privileged User Access
As companies move their data to the cloud, it becomes imperative to ensure that only authorized individuals have access to sensitive information. Cloud providers must have strict measures in place to limit privileged user access to critical data. As a customer, it is essential to ask the provider how they control privileged user access and ensure they follow strict protocols.
Risk 2: Regulatory Compliance
Cloud providers must comply with various regulations, such as HIPAA or PCI DSS, depending on the type of data they store and process. As a customer, it is essential to ensure that the provider is up-to-date on all compliance regulations and can provide you with proof of compliance.
Risk 3: Data Location
Cloud providers may store data in different locations worldwide. It is essential to understand where your data is stored, which country laws and regulations apply, and whether the provider adheres to those laws.
Risk 4: Data Segregation
Data segregation ensures that different customers’ data is stored separately, and there is no cross-contamination. As a customer, ask the provider how they ensure data segregation and whether they provide any documentation for validation.
Risk 5: Recovery
Cloud providers must have disaster recovery plans in place to ensure timely recovery in case of a data loss event. Ask the provider about their recovery strategies, how they ensure data backup, and whether they test their recovery plans regularly.
Risk 6: Long-term Viability
Cloud providers may face financial or operational difficulties, leading to their inability to provide services as agreed. As a customer, it is essential to consider the provider’s long-term viability and ask about their business stability.
Risk 7: Service Level Agreement (SLA)
While service-level agreements (SLAs) outline the provider’s responsibilities, they do not necessarily guarantee the service’s availability and reliability. It is crucial to ensure that the provider has realistic SLAs, and you have access to the necessary resources/tools to validate SLA adherence.
Conclusion
Cloud computing is here to stay, and companies must move towards new data processing solutions. However, it is essential to understand the potential risks and how cloud providers mitigate them. By familiarizing yourself with the Gartner 7 Cloud Computing Risks and ways to prepare for them, you can ensure that your data stays secure and your cloud provider delivers on their promises.
