"Cloud Computing " Identity Theft Storm Potential?

 It's the latest hi-tech buzz from computer and smart-phone makers. It's called the Cloud. And it's being built-right-in to some of the latest smartphone, tablets and home computers.

According to Bridget Carey, Senior Editor at CNET, "Your sites, the applications you use are not stored on your computers' hard drive, they are stored remotely on a server so you can access them on-line."

"Remotely on a server," means that you can run special  programs and back-up your data online thru a wireless network like a wi-fi connection or cell-phone service. 

"Oh it's real easy. There's nothing you have to do. It backs it up automatically," explained Hans Roller, an architect in Doral.

Roller has "cloud-service" on his phone and internet notebook. But he's not sure it's really safe to use.

"My concerns are that somebody could get into it really easy," said Roller.

"I would say it's not safe," said Edward Haletky of the Virtualization Practice.

Haletky is a security analyst who was a featured speaker at the recent "Hacker-Halted" Cyber Security conference held recently inMiami. 

He says "The Cloud" is only as secure as the networks we use. 
In most cases, he warns, it's easy to hack into.

"Honestly, it's easier than you think. Because I'm in a coffee shop, you're accessing your google email, for example, right now that's hackable because the coffee shop is hackable," said Haletky.

He cautioned, "You're going to have the possibility of identity theft, fraud perpetrated in your name because of identity theft. I mean that's prevalent".

Computer makers like apple and Microsoft have extensive information on their websites advising customers how to safely use cloud technology. Some of the ideas include:

1. Use Multiple Passwords
2. Double Check Automatic Encryption
3. Use Secure Browsers
4. Never Open Unknown Files
5. Install Anti-Viral Software

Still, some cyber-security specialists warn that hackers have broken into some of the most secure computer systems in the world. And they advise that "Cloud" computing, no matter how popular it seems to be... is still vulnerable.

"It's going to get worse. because connected devices are expanding, whether they are automobiles, appliances, medical devices... everything is connected," said Jeff Bardin of Treadstone 71. "Gigabytes of data have been stolen, terrabytes of information stolen, military plans, designs, absolutely."

I asked him "Leaking like a sieve?"

"Just like a sieve," said Bardin.

Just last week, German hackers reportedly exposed a vulnerability in Amazon's Cloud Service... allowing them to change customer accounts. That prompted Amazon to immediately tighten up its network security.

Cyber-safety is a growing issue that needs to be taken seriously by both "Cloud" operators and the consumers who use them.
Want more Information about Cloud Computing and making suire you keep your data as safe as possible?

Here are some questions I asked "Apple Computer" and where they suggested I look for the answers:

Hey Al - There are two links on apple.com that provide background information that will be useful to you for these questions. I've pasted them below.

Thanks,
Jen Martin, Apple PR

Apple Computer

Deploying iPhone and iPad: Security Overview - http://www.apple.com/iphone/business/docs/iOS_Security.pdf
iCloud Security and Privacy Overview: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4865

On Oct 27, 2011, at 11:10 PM, Al Sunshine wrote:

What top tips do you have for iCloud users to prevent their cloud data from being hacked?

What security do you have to prevent network hacking in the cloud?

What do you do to protect user data?

Where is the data stored and protected?

How do you answer critics who say Cloud computing is inherently less secure than keeping all the data in a secured environment that is not subject to network intrusions?

Does Apple guarantee the privacy of the data?

If the federal government can't keep Pentagon Computers safe from Hackers, how can Apple and other Cloud promoters?

And here's a link to "Microsoft's" Cloud Website 

http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/cloud/default.aspx?fbid=2mKtBw6tesP