Information Security Risk Assessment in Cloud

This research addresses the issue of information security risk assessment (ISRA) on cloud solutions implemented for large companies. Four companies were studied, of which three used cloud services and conducted ISRA, while one provided cloud services and consultancy to customers on ISRA. Data were gathered qualitatively to (1) analyze the cloud using companies’ practices and (2) to identify regularities observed by the cloud providing company. The COAT-hanger model, which focuses on theorizing the practices, was used to study the practices. The results showed that the companies aimed to follow the guidelines, in the form of frameworks or their own experience, to conduct ISRA; furthermore, the frameworks were altered to fit the companies’ needs. The results further indicated that one of the main concerns with the cloud ISRA was the absence of a culture that integrates risk management. In addition, the companies’ boards lacked interest in and/or awareness of risks associated with the cloud solutions. Finally, the finding also stressed the importance of a good understanding and a well written legal contract between the cloud providers and the companies utilizing the cloud services