Security challenges in cloud computing for small and medium enterprises

Cloud computing is a model of leveraging IT resources offered by providers via the Internet. In this model, small and medium-sized enterprises are able to transfer the costs of building and maintaining IT infrastructure to third parties. The IT resources are available on demand, and the consumers pay merely for the resources actually used. A key factor limiting the adoption of cloud computing are security concerns. However, these concerns should be collated with the security benefits possible to achieve thanks to the cloud’s characteristics. This paper presents an analysis of the risks and benefits in the area of security related to cloud computing implementation in companies and an overview of initiatives aimed at increasing the awareness in this area.