Ernst & Young LLP Joins Cloud Security Alliance

NEW YORK, Feb. 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Ernst & Young LLP announced today that it has become a corporate member of the Cloud Security Alliance (CSA), a non-profit organization formed to promote the use of best practices for providing security assurance within cloud computing and provide education on the uses of cloud computing in connection with all other forms of computing.

Through the firm's Information Technology Risk and Assurance practice, Ernst & Young works with companies across industries to help them manage IT risk and improve their information frameworks.  As cloud computing is of high interest on the corporate agenda, senior level management and the C-suite are focusing on it.

"We're excited to join the CSA and look forward to working with the other member organizations to help shape policy and develop cloud security and assurance guidelines," says Bernie Wedge, Americas Information Technology Risk and Assurance leader at Ernst & Young LLP. "The existence of the CSA and its mission speaks volumes about the evolution of cloud computing and its future. We decided to join the CSA not only to have a seat at the table, but also to provide our clients with leading edge insight on technology and risk management so they may move to the cloud safely and securely."

According to Ernst & Young's Global Information Security Survey, released in late 2010, 45% of companies are expected to use cloud computing in the next 12 months. Although cloud computing services are gaining greater acceptance, organizations must still address the potential risks before they move their business applications to the cloud. The survey shows that nearly half of all respondents are currently engaging in, evaluating, or planning to use cloud-based solutions. However, the top risks most concerning businesses about the cloud are data leakage and loss of visibility of corporate data.

The CSA, by promoting the use of best practices, education and research, is working to help cloud computing users and service providers understand security requirements.

"Cloud computing makes an IT investment more efficient, flexible and faster, and allows access to data anytime, anywhere, any place and with any electronic device," says Jose Granado, Ernst & Young LLP's Americas Information Security Services leader. "The more connected we become, the more exposed we are. Instant access to information presents critical security risks and the CSA is helping address those risks through education, research, and by developing guidelines for operating in the cloud."

About Cloud Security Alliance

The Cloud Security Alliance is a not-for-profit organization with a mission to promote the use of best practices for providing security assurance within cloud computing, and to provide education on the uses of cloud computing to help secure all other forms of computing. The Cloud Security Alliance is led by a broad coalition of industry practitioners, corporations, associations and other key stakeholders. For further information, the Cloud Security Alliance Web site is www.cloudsecurityalliance.org, and follow us on Twitter @cloudsa.

About Ernst & Young's Advisory Services

The relationship between risk and performance improvement is an increasingly complex and central business challenge, with business performance directly connected to the recognition and effective management of risk. Whether your focus is on business transformation or sustaining achievement, having the right advisors on your side can make all the difference. Our 20,000 advisory professionals form one of the broadest global advisory networks of any professional organization, delivering seasoned multidisciplinary teams that work with our clients to deliver a powerful and superior client experience. We use proven, integrated methodologies to help you achieve your strategic priorities and make improvements that are sustainable for the longer term. We understand that, to achieve your potential as an organization, you require services that respond to your specific issues, so we bring our broad sector experience and deep subject matter knowledge to bear in a proactive and objective way. Above all, we are committed to measuring the gains and identifying where the strategy is delivering the value your business needs. It's how Ernst & Young makes a difference.

About Ernst & Young

Ernst & Young is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. Worldwide, our 141,000 people are united by our shared values and an unwavering commitment to quality. We make a difference by helping our people, our clients and our wider communities achieve their potential.

For a copy of the report, please visit www.ey.com.

Ernst & Young refers to the global organization of member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity.

This news release has been issued by Ernst & Young LLP, a client-serving member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited located in the US.

SOURCE Ernst & Young