Exploring security issues in cloud computing

Cloud computing has promised to transform the ways in which we use and interact with information technology (IT). The claims of significant benefits for businesses by using cloud systems are being overshadowed with the increased concerns about security, particularly privacy. This paper explores the unresolved concerns that businesses and users are still facing in terms of ensuring their data remains secure within a cloud environment. Through illustrating these issues with recent security breaches, the evidence clearly suggests they are hindering cloud adoption. Unless more focus is placed on security then cloud platforms are unable achieve cost saving benefits, improved efficiency or performance for a business. This paper argues that rather than cloud computing reaching its potential there are still remaining issues that must be addressed.