Cloud is providing web-based
software, middle-ware and computing resources on demand. By deploying this
technology, users are given access to the resources which are needed by them.
This prevents us from paying for idle computing resources.
Every now and then the term- “cloud consumers”
comes across us and seriously it is a great time for us to avail our digital
information wherever we are- whether by a an iPad, laptops or any other gadget.
Privacy in the cloud may be an illusion, given the
known cyber security risks, not to mention the laws around the world that
permit government agencies relatively easy access to remote data including data stored in the cloud.
But despite this, one can have several questions
about it, such as
Cloud computing
has significant implications for the privacy of personal information as well as
for the confidentiality of business and governmental information. A principal
goal of this analysis is to identify privacy and confidentiality issues that
may be of interest or concern to cloud computing participants.
Data or
information like PowerPoint presentations, videos, audios, spreadsheets,
photographs, name it and it can be uploaded on the cloud. Whenever an
individual, or other entity shares Information in the cloud, privacy or
confidentiality questions may arise. Most consumer cloud services recognize
that the user retains ownership of the data once it is uploaded.
Our government still lacks comprehensive data
privacy laws or cloud regulations. Not only India, but other countries like USA
too are far from providing the best possible policies for it. But recent
enforcement actions by the FTC (in USA) demonstrate that regulators have the
consumer protection authority to take action against companies that don’t live
up to their privacy terms of service. Lawsuits consider whether the cloud user
has adequate notice of how the service was appropriating his data.
So we all know, “We are not alone.”
So why not be reasonable, and do our own bit.
Such as
Think then
uploading
Whenever we are uploading any personal
information to a remote server, note the privacy risk involved. Cloud storage
is great for some applications – email, photos or entertainment; however, for
storing confidential data – birth certificates, tax returns and other important
documents. We must think twice.
Back Up the data
Once you’ve decided on a cloud provider, always
back up your personal data before you upload. This is especially true for those
nostalgic files: family photos, home movies, etc.
Confidentiality is first
It’s a good idea to treat your cloud services account
like you would your email account. User names and passwords should be kept
confidential and changed often. Don’t share these passwords with anyone unless
necessary.
From the providers too, there should be more
efforts in this area, like, having some some kind of identification system to
look for copyrighted material, similar to what Google already does on YouTube.
Here by,
concluding- Cloud computing is still evolving and the privacy concerns still
remains. A Client Service Provider needs to be capable of provisioning this
demand. This can bring many doubts with respect to the fulfillment of this
service with privacy regulations. More advanced awareness is required about
both the subject and about the existing policies in future.
