Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
b) Cloud Computing
Cloud computing is basically the use of remote servers to host, administer, and process
data. The service is provided by cloud service providers using the Internet. Cloud
services include hosting application systems, data, and recovery services. Cloud ser-
vices have become popular with many enterprises as they relieve the enterprise from
administering and managing locally hosted application systems, data, and servers.
The overall running costs are much lower because most of the key IT services are
provided by cloud service providers.
Some enterprises point to security and privacy issues as reasons why they are reluctant to
use cloud services. There are many examples of breaches of security littered every-
where, such as large customer databases being hacked into. But these security weak-
nesses should not definitely deter enterprises from using cloud computing services,
which are playing a big role in ensuring that enterprises provide high-quality services
to their customers.
Major considerations for the auditor include:
1. security of data
2. availability of services
3. access controls to application systems
4. mobility of users
5. recovery of data and application systems
6. service-level agreement with service providers.
c) Social Media
Social media is the interaction of users on the Internet to create, share, and communicate
using social media sites and applications. Virtual groups are normally created and
used as a base for social communication. Membership to these virtual groups is based
on common interest. Business enterprises have opened accounts on social media sites
to promote their businesses, market their products, or merely establishing their pres-
ence on social media sites. It is common to see individuals creating accounts and
invite friends with common interests to follow them. Common examples of social
media sites include Facebook and Twitter.
There are various ways in which social media is conducted such as through the use of In-
ternet forums, blogs, podcasts, wikis, etc. Mobile social media has seen fast growth
due to the use of mobile phones. Examples of mobile social media sites also in-
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