Maria Korolov » Archive
Cyber Security Review
As threats proliferate, here are five areas where companies need to strengthen and update their policies and practices. It’s particularly galling when a company specializing in security issues gets monumentally hacked. That was the case for Stratfor, which suffered a massive data breach just before the holidays that exposed thousands of client names, e-mail addresses and credit card numbers. Adding insult to injury, hacktivist group Anonymous revealed on Twitter that it was able to get at … Read more »
Manage Those User Privileges
In most companies, too many employees have too many privileges. After all, they are quick to speak up when they need access to data or applications, but they tend not to be as quick to speak up when they no longer need that access. As a result, most companies see privilege creep. Employees are collecting access credentials and hoarding them, just in case they need them later. This can have serious consequences for a company. For example, employees who move to different jobs within the company may retain access rights associated with their previous role. This may allow them to bypass the company’s checks-and-balances system. Or an employee might leave the company altogether. It’s hard to turn off all access if you do not have an up-to-date list of things that the … Read more »
Finally, Some Cloud Standards Emerge
There’s nothing worse — well, few things worse — than picking a technology, switching your company over to it at considerable effort and expense, and then discovering you’re locked into a dead end platform. It’s like betting your company on Beta right before VHS went big. Or betting on VHS right before everyone switched to DVDs. Or betting on… anyway, you get the idea. In a perfect world, we’d be able to accurately predict which technology will dominate, and make our investments accordingly. But, in practice, people just wait. They sit and watch other guys place their bets, and they continue to sit and watch until a clear winner emerges. But, what if there is no clear winner? What if you have a technology with multiple — and incompatible — approaches? That’s the … Read more »
Cloud Computing Buyers Lack Key Skills
Organizations lack critical cloud computing skills such as assessing the risks associated with cloud computing and managing cloud initiatives, according to a new KPMG Sourcing Advisory report. The data was based on a survey of more than 400 KPMG consultants working on cloud-related projects for customers, as well as from top executives at more than 20 other global business and IT service provider, said Stan Lepeak, research director in KPMG’s shared services and outsourcing advisory group. Read full article at Insurance Networking News. … Read more »
Cloud Computing Buyers Lack Key Skills
Organizations lack critical cloud computing skills such as assessing the risks associated with cloud computing and managing cloud initiatives, according to a new KPMG report. Organizations lack critical cloud computing skills such as assessing the risks associated with cloud computing and managing cloud initiatives, according to a new KPMG Sourcing Advisory report. The data was based on a survey of more than 400 KPMG consultants working on cloud-related projects for customers, as well as from top executives at more than 20 other global business and IT service provider, said Stan Lepeak, research director in KPMG’s shared services and outsourcing advisory group. Read full article at Cloud Computing Exchange. … Read more »
Open Cloud Initiative President Outlines Mission
Group will advocate for openness in cloud computing but isn’t looking to set standards The Open Cloud Initiative, a non-profit organization established to advocate for open standards in cloud computing, officially launched last week and announced a 30-day public comment period on its Open Cloud Principles, which are focused on interoperability, avoiding barriers to entry or exit, and ensuring technological neutrality. The principles, however, are not intended to point the way to specific cloud standards, according to organization president Sam Johnston. Read full article at Cloud Computing Exchange. … Read more »
Google’s Two-Factor Authentication More Widely Available
Google’s two-factor authentication system is now available in 150 countries and 40 languages, the company recently said. The service — which was previously available only in English — allows individual users to opt for a second login step, which sends an authorization code to an iPhone, Android or BlackBerry device. Enrolment is done by the individual users by registering a cell phone number, in a process that Google says takes about 15 minutes. After registration, users can have a confirmation code sent to their mobile device each time they log into Google Apps, or when they access it from a new device, or once every 30 days. Users also get back-up codes in case they can’t get service on their phones. Read full article at Cloud Computing Exchange. … Read more »
The Little Shop for Apps
To cut costs and ensure security, companies adopt a retail model for distributing apps for mobile devices to their employees. Enterprise use of smart phones and tablets is exploding, but letting employees buy applications on their own from the iTunes or Android app stores can become a logistical and security nightmare. Instead, companies are setting up their own stores so they can centralize app procurement; automatically provision and de-provision software; and even distribute their own custom-made … Read more »
Five 3D Virtual Environments For Business
These immersive virtual environments offer low-cost, easy-to-set-up, browser-based meeting spaces. Immersive virtual environments – such as Second Life and some enterprise-friendly alternatives – have traditionally required users to download special software and learn a difficult user interface. But several companies are working to change that, offering business-friendly virtual meeting platforms that work right in a Web browser, no software download required, with prices starting at around $50 a month. Read full article at PCWorld. (Reprinted from NetworkWorld.) … Read more »
3D conferencing hits the enterprise
Immersive virtual environments – such as Second Life and some enterprise-friendly alternatives – have traditionally required users to download special software and learn a difficult user interface. But several companies are working to change that, offering business-friendly virtual meeting platforms that work right in a Web browser, no software download required, with prices starting at around $50 a month. Read full article at Network World. … Read more »