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"Given that cyber crime is dependent on data of some sort or another, clearly where that data is stored is going to make a difference to how cyber criminals operate. For example if all my data was stored on my laptop then they are going to try and get something onto that end point device in order to intercept that data," explains David Emm, senior research analyst at Kaspersky Labs.
"That will continue of course, but I guess data stored in the cloud adds an additional dimension," Emm adds. "My computer is only that big, and the data on it is only that much, but Google Docs is vast and it's a big pool. Potentially it's a single point of failure as opposed to many points of failure. If for any reason they get the security wrong, then the impact is much, much bigger than it is if my computer is compromised."
Attacks on Sony PlayStation network have shaken confidence
The past few months has seen a number of attacks on Sony, with its PlayStation network and other Sony websites being targeted. The hacking of the gaming network exposed the accounts of over 100 million users. The company announced that the attack was by highly professional criminals aiming to steal credit card numbers.
Emm believes these types of attacks will only increase as the cloud becomes more popular. "Over the last six months when you look at the stuff that's appeared in the news, whether it's RSA or Sony or Lush the cosmetics firm or whoever else, there's a bigger amount of incidents of compromises specifically focused on that company rather than whoever may fall into the net. And I think as use of the cloud grows, that sort of focus will grow," he said.
Cloud computing in Middle East seen as rising in popularity
Despite these concerns, cloud computing popularity continues apace. In this region the idea has proved popular, and widespread deployment is expected within two years. "We think cloud computing has a really large role to play as the Middle East expands into the era of converging of communications along with IT. Certainly we've seen the impact of social media and the interconnectivity of society as a whole and we think cloud computing can help expand the opportunities for all the people in the Middle East," says Ron Raffensperger, director, cloud computing marketing, Huawei.
Huawei is working with a number of telecoms operators in the Middle East with its cloud computing service, and unsurprisingly Raffensperger is assured of its safety.
"It's clearly an important topic and we have a joint venture with Symantec, so we bring a lot of technology from them as part of our cloud solution to help ensure the security. But it's also one of the areas where the operators have an advantage because people trust them. They already have lots of information about you that if they were not ethical organisations could give you trouble. I think the combination of the different layers of security that we have put in our cloud product along with the assurances that operators bring to it will help people become more comfortable," he explains.
Hactivism now new motivation for cyber attacks
Different motivations are now emerging for online attacks. Recently we have seen the emergence of 'hactivism', when a group of hackers attack a website or company with the purpose of making a stand or getting a point across. This has added to the concerns of those looking to make the internet a more secure environment.
"I think we're at the beginning with some other types of motivation. Industrial espionage is not a new concept but industrial espionage using the internet is fairly unusual. But I think as the internet becomes a more integral part of our lives, yes I think we will see it used for all types of purposes including making money and staging demos," says Emm.
Peter Ward, Reporter
