Almost nine in ten IT decision-makers are changing their cloud buying behaviour following the revelations about Government surveillance.
A survey of 1,000 decision makers by NTT Communications found that 88 per cent were changing their cloud buying behaviour, while only five per cent of respondents believe location does not matter at all when it comes to storing company data.
In its report, named “NSA after-shocks: how Snowden has changed it decision-makers’ approach to the cloud”, 82 per cent of respondents agreed with proposals by Angela Merkel for separating data networks. Also 84 per cent felt that they need more training on data protection laws, and while 52 per cent were carrying out greater due diligence on cloud providers than ever before, only one in six (16 per cent) were delaying or cancelling contracts with cloud service providers.
Len Padilla, vice president product strategy at NTT Communications in Europe, said: “Our findings show that the NSA allegations have hardened ICT decision-makers’ attitudes towards cloud computing, whether it is modifying procurement policies, scrutinising potential suppliers or taking a heightened interest in where their data is stored.”
“Despite the scandal and global security threat, business executives need to remember that cloud platforms do help firms become more agile, and do help foster technology innovation, even in the most risk-averse organisations. ICT decision-makers are working hard to find ways to retain those benefits and protect the organisation against being compromised in any way. There is optimism that the industry can solve these issues through restricting data movement and encryption of data.”
Research released by Lieberman Software last week found that fear of Government snooping discouraged 33 per cent of IT professionals from the cloud, while 80 per cent prefer to keep more sensitive data stored within their company’s own network.
