In researching the information for this article, it occurred to me that quite a few folks still had a limited understanding of what "The Cloud" or "Cloud Computing" really was. So we'll start off with a basic definition...
In the simplest terms, "Cloud Computing" means storing and accessing data and programs over the Internet instead of your computer's hard drive.
I am often surprised how the smallest of technological troubles often times create quite an issue with time management and of course, with stress management...I.E. non efficiency. None of us have time to waste...yet, I confess, I am one of those people who get caught up trying to figure out a minor problem and waste an inordinate amount of time doing so, or plug along executing a procedure, when there exists a more efficient way of accomplishment.
It would be hard pressed to substantiate an argument that vocalized the important advancements that “Information Technology” has brought to the world in the last thirty years. BUT…there is a “ying” and a “yang”. There is a “good” and a “bad”. There is a dark side…
“Ransomware” is a type of malicious software designed to block access to a computer system until a sum of money is paid.
Recently, a friend sent me the following E-mail from Senator Barbara Boxer (D) California...
Dear Friend:
We recently learned of a major data breach at the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) that may have put the personal information of millions of current and former federal employees at risk.
Hitting the road with your computer opens the doors to a whole world of potential security problems, both physical and software-based, but don't worry. They're all manageable. Remember, the weakest link in your security will usually be you—as long as you don't put yourself, your computer, or its data at undue risk, you should be just fine even if you have to work from a library or a coffee shop, or connect to whatever Wi-Fi you find to get some work done.
They’re everywhere: in cars, shopping malls, and restaurants, even at family and professional sporting events. They are so common place these days, I'm not sure I know anyone who doesn't own one...the "attached at the hip" CELL PHONE!! Have you noticed, though, how often a wireless phone isn’t being used to actually talk to another person.
Unless you're a hermit, you are out and about every day, sometimes several time a day. And each time you venture outdoors, whether it's to a meeting, the grocery store, a concert, sporting event, or on vacation, it's an occasion for something to happen to your mobile phone or the information in it.
"Cloud Computing" is definitely the buzzword "De Jour"...but there are very few of us who really understand what this is and how it works. So here is a little "Cloud 101" to hopefully allow a little better understanding of this phenomenon.
"Cloud Computing" means that instead of all the computer hardware and software you're using sitting on your desktop, or somewhere inside your company's network, it's provided for you as a service by another company and accessed over the Internet, usually in a completely seamless way.
Internet usage is growing dramatically, but the vast majority of internet users don’t have any security backgrounds. Neither do a large majority of companies care about information security and the severity of any attack that could harm the valuable assets of these companies.
In the news recently, it seems there have been more natural disaster phenomenons globally, occurring almost daily. Earthquakes, Tornadoes, Floods, Fires. We are all warned and drilled on the importance of preparing for and keeping a "disaster kit"...in our case in Southern California, it is known as an "Earthquake Kit". The essentials are packed in the kit.