Ernst & Young has become a corporate member of the Cloud Security Alliance, making it the first of the Big Four firms to join the nonprofit organization.
The CSA formed in late 2008 to promote the use of best practices for providing security assurance within cloud computing and provide education on the uses of cloud computing to help secure all other forms of computing.
Through the firm’s Information Technology Risk and Assurance practice, Ernst & Young works with companies across industries to help them manage IT risk and improve their information frameworks.
“We’re excited to join the CSA and look forward to working with the other member organizations to help shape policy and develop cloud security and assurance guidelines,” said Bernie Wedge, who heads the Americas information technology risk and assurance practice at Ernst & Young. “The existence of the CSA and its mission speaks volumes about the evolution of cloud computing and its future. We decided to join the CSA not only to have a seat at the table, but also to provide our clients with leading edge insight on technology and risk management so they may move to the cloud safely and securely.”
According to Ernst & Young’s Global Information Security Survey, released in late 2010, 45 percent of companies are expected to use cloud computing in the next 12 months. The survey also showed that nearly half of all respondents are currently engaging in, evaluating or planning to use cloud-based technology. At the same time, the report found that the top risks of cloud technology most concerning to businesses are data leakage and loss of visibility of corporate data.
