Put simply, cloud computing enables a person to outsource their computing storage and processing to a third-party. The third-party will manage all of the technical details, of server maintenance and data redundancy, leaving the user to simply access and use their data. As the data is stored on the internet, access can be gained from anywhere, the user only need log in.  A number of companies offer cloud storage directly to consumers; services such as Apple’s iCloud, Google Drive, Amazon’s Cloud Drive, DropBox or Box OneCloud.

You may even find that you are already using the cloud in your everyday life. Platforms such as Apple’s iOS (iPhone/iPad) and Google’s Android integrate their cloud services into their mobile devices. This automatically synchronizes photos, documents and contacts between any of these devices you own.

As the world moves forward to meet these technological advances, the demand for companies to put their own data in the cloud grows. We, at CS Law, have become aware of the growing need to address the issues around privacy and security of client information on these cloud platforms. It is important that we begin to think about these issues, especially as we see more and more breaches of client privacy in the media.

“Benefits of storing data in the cloud”:

• No need to maintain and store information on site, such as paper storage or on-site servers
• As your company grows you are able to simply buy more cloud storage space without the need of buying any more hardware.
• Your company can access data from anywhere, both on-site and off-site.

“Privacy and Security Concerns”

In the rush to move with the times it is important we stop and think about our client’s security and privacy before we rush headlong into committing ourselves to something we do not yet fully understand. The Law Society of British Colombia and the New Zealand Privacy Commissioner have published excellent guidelines and checklists to help guide you through the process of moving your business into the clouds.

We recommend you have a read of the reposts and if you would like to discuss this topic further please feel free to post a comment.

Links

http://www.slaw.ca/2013/02/26/law-society-of-bcs-cloud-computing-checklist/

http://www.privacy.org.nz/news-and-publications/guidance-notes/cloud-computing-a-guide-to-making-the-right-choices/