The advantages of cloud computing are obvious. Not only can you free up needed space on your servers and computers, you can backup priceless data and effortlessly share it within your company. But when it comes to data sharing and storage for your business, you might have some doubts about cloud security, particularly if your business requires you to protect consumer data in a manner that is compliant with HIPAA, PCI or Sarbanes-Oxley regulations.

Do cloud storage solutions adhere to these regulations? Are they required to? If they haven’t spelled it out in their privacy policies, it is safest to assume they are not compliant. We’ll explore this more below.

Compliance

Security has long been an important issue and as increasingly more companies utilize the cloud for storage solutions the question arises: How secure is the cloud? Storing information in the cloud can be quite economical, yet the cost for improperly handling customer data can be quite high. If your organization needs to comply with regulations like HIPAA, your primary dilemma is what regulations do cloud services comply with.

Who is responsible

Whose responsibility is the security of the cloud? It is not currently required that a service provider be explicit about their compliance with these regulations. While the safest option is to assume that if they haven’t clearly stated that they’re in compliance in their privacy policy, they are not. This might mean that cloud computing is not for you. However, if your business doesn’t require tight regulations, then the advantages of cloud computing could be a great solution for you. 

In the end, as cloud computing service providers are not required by law to be transparent regarding their security, the responsibility rests in your hands. If you choose to use the cloud, it’s your responsibility to choose a service provider you trust. Weigh the pros and cons and make the best decision for your business.