As companies move from on-premises data storage to the cloud, it is critical that they prioritize security for their customers. Consumers, in particular, are increasingly concerned about cloud security in light of breaches this year, from those affecting International Dairy Queen, Inc. and JPMorgan Chase & Co. to Staples, Inc. and United Parcel Service Inc. (UPS).

CENTRI Technology is a Seattle, Wash.-based provider of mobile bandwidth optimization and bandwidth management products and services. We recently asked CENTRI CEO Vaughan Emery about the state of cloud security today. Here, he discusses why the cloud is still not secure, and the top ways that consumers can protect their data when using their mobile phones (and/or cloud-based file sharing services and other cloud-based services).

SiliconANGLE (SA): What products or services does CENTRI Technology provide to consumers or small-to-midsize businesses (SMBs)?

Vaughan Emery (VE): CENTRI’s BitCloud solutions provides SMBs (and enterprises of all sizes) that use cloud services with unmatched network data optimization, security and acceleration, which slashes bandwidth and data transfer costs while also minimizing latency. The technology also solidifies application security in the cloud through an embedded encryption engine, which helps keep data secure as it is transported along the network.

SA: In 200 words or less, why do you think the cloud is still not secure?

CENTRI Technology CEO Vaughan Emery

VE: By definition, cloud is a shared computing resource accessed remotely through generally unsecured connections. It’s a new method for just-in-time computer needs, and neither the providers nor the consumers have enough experience to know all of the potential security related issues. Cloud is much more than modern-day timeshare. When sufficient steps are not taken to secure information that travel through cloud networks or information saved on cloud storage, data loss will eventually occur.

SA: Can you name the Top 5 most common misconceptions consumers still have around cloud security?

VE: One, using a “strong” account password is good enough. Two, cyber theft is a small-time crime or between governments. Three, security best practices are the responsibility of the service provider. Four, service providers are doing enough to secure user data. And five, cyber theft is something that happens to someone else.

SA: Consumers are increasingly using their smartphones for Web-based applications. How does this affect the security of mobile networks?

VE: Mobile data networks are generally as secure as we think. Applications that transmit or save data without the use of encryption are at risk. The growth of mobile payment options increases the potential economic gain for hackers to find ways to compromise mobile devices and mobile networks.

SA: What are the Top 5 ways that consumers can protect their data in the cloud? Especially, for example, when using their mobile phones (or when using popular cloud-based file sharing services and other cloud-based services)?

VE: One, use a strong account password. Two, use data encryption whenever possible. Three, change passwords as often as possible. Four, use different passwords for each cloud service. And five, apply software security patches often.

SA: Who is responsible for data security in the cloud—consumers or service providers?

VE: Good security is a shared responsibility; both consumers and service providers should follow best practices even when it’s not convenient or more expensive. Data loss has real economic impacts for the both the consumer and the service provider—credit card theft cuts both ways.

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Personality Q&A

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SA: Everyone has habits, hobbies or interests that make them smarter. What are 5 things that make you a smarter individual?

VE: I read biographies of interesting people in my spare time. Exercise has been a regular routine through my professional career. Persistence is one of my traits that has helped me the most. Knowing that it’s okay to fail is essential in any startup. Life is short and it’s your party, invite the people you want to be with.

SA: What’s the last book you read?

VE: Startup CEO: A Field Guide to Scaling Up Your Business by Matt Blumberg

SA: What are the 5 mobile apps you use most often?

VE: LinkedIn mobile, Flipboard, ESPN SportsCenter, DocuSign, and Amazon Mobile

SA: Favorite food?

VE: Italian

SA: Least favorite food?

VE: German

SA: What or who inspires you, and why?

VE: Lincoln inspires so many people for difference reasons; mine is because of his leadership.

SA: On Linkedin, you list scuba, snow skiing and sailing as a few of your interests. Where are your favorite places to do all three?

VE: I have dove in the Cayman Islands on a sunken Cuban naval frigate. My kids learned to ski on Mt. Bachelor—one of my favor ski resorts.  My family has a sailboat, and when I was growing up, we raced and vacationed on it often; experiencing British Columbia on a boat is awesome.

SA: I see from LinkedIn that your birthday is today, November 18. Happy Birthday!

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Photo credit: perspec_photo88 via photopin cc

Photo of Vaughan Emery courtesy of CENTRI Technology