A Prototype Set of Cloud Adoption Risk Factors

The adoption of cloud services as a virtual replacement for on-premises information technology (IT) assets requires a cultural shift within an organization. A key aspect of a cloud environment is the use of third-party cloud service providers (CSPs) that are responsible for managing part or all of the organizations technology environment. The move to a cloud environment provides significant benefits. For example, cloud resources can be scaled quickly, updated frequently, and widely accessed without geographic limitations. However, realizing these benefits requires organizations to adapt their risk management processes to a new operational reality.