Monday, September 20, 2010

Protecting Data in a Cloud Computing Environment

One of the most important elements of cloud computing is protecting the information or data that is stored in the cloud. When IT departments lack the intimate knowledge necessary to make good decisions regarding the identification of sensitive data, it can cost a company millions in lost revenue and legal costs.

In a recent Technology news report, the battle between encryption and tokenization was explored. As securing data in the cloud becomes an increasingly important topic, the merits of both methodologies are being considered. And, while the debate rages on over which solution is the best, the fact that protection in cloud computing is available is ultimately the good news.

In today’s business climate, it is essential that data is secure while in storage or in transit – both inherent in cloud computing. This protection is necessary in industries from retail processing to accessing personal medical records, managing financial activity to government information. Implementing the right data security method to protect sensitive information is a must.

Tokenization is a method to secure specific data by replacing it with a non-sensitive and non-descript value set. It is most common for the actual sensitive data to be stored locally in a protected location or a third-party service provider. Unauthorized access is prevented by tokens to protect information such as social security numbers, medical records, financial transactions and more.


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Source: it.tmcnet.com
By: Susan J. Campbell

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