Cloud privacy and security issues beyond technology: championing the cause of accountability

Abstract

Cloud computing provides IT service providers increased efficiency of resource utilization while enabling consumers to benefit from innovative advantages like access to up-to-date IT resources and low upfront investment. A significant hindrance to adoption of cloud computing is the lack of trust arising from worries over privacy and security when data resources of cloud service consumers are handled by third parties. A key factor in fostering cloud privacy and security is accountability, which increases trust by obligating an entity to be answerable for its actions. This paper uses a hermeneutic literature review to investigate (i) the prevailing methods and strategies of fostering privacy and security through accountability, (ii) the key actors in championing cloud accountability and (iii) the key barriers to cloud accountability. This literature review provides insight into current practices associated with championing cloud accountability and contributes to cloud service provider awareness of ways to improve cloud computing trustworthiness