Many companies are outsourcing their information technology needs to cut costs in this difficult economy.However, some have security fears for their data when they plug into Internet-based services, often known as “cloud computing”.QuoVadis, one of Bermuda’s providers of managed hosted services, has helped to address this concern as its chief risk and compliance officer Barry Kilborn, has achieved a new certification from the Cloud Security Alliance.This is one of the first accreditations dealing with the security challenges of the fast evolving cloud computing model, the company said yesterday.Mr Kilborn oversees all security practices at QuoVadis, including enterprise risk management. He has more than 13 years’ experience in IT risk and assurance having previously served as a senior manager for Ernst & Young.“Cloud technologies offer exciting opportunities for companies to increase their flexibility and reduce costs,” Mr Kilborn said. “But the old responsibilities for data protection, compliance and security are even more important.“Internationally, QuoVadis has developed a strong reputation in the field of online security so it’s natural for us to focus on compliance and risk management as we expand our offerings in datacentre and cloud services, with our best practices verified by external experts in the field. ”In addition to the Certificate in Cloud Security Knowledge (CCSK), Mr Kilborn is a qualified Chartered Accountant, Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC), and Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP). He is president of the Bermuda Chapter of the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA).Gavin Dent, CEO of QuoVadis Services, said: “In these challenging economic times, companies are actively pursuing the increased agility and cost saving benefits of managed datacentre and ‘infrastructure on demand’ services. But as their sensitive data and transactions are outsourced, companies also need assurance that their hosting and cloud solution providers are skilled in the security controls used to increase reliability and trust.“With our corporate background in Internet security, QuoVadis has a long track record of operating to world class standards for security and availability, and for maintaining demanding external audits of its performance. This provides enhanced comfort for companies that are considering QuoVadis SecureCentre for their managed hosting and infrastructure on demand,”QuoVadis has provided extensive virtualisation and managed hosting services in Bermuda since 2003 from its SecureCentre data bunker. The company recently announced the addition of a new multimillion dollar hosting facility in downtown Hamilton, providing both dedicated hosting and ‘infrastructure on demand’ services.The new datacentre is tailored for the next generation of high density technologies such as cloud computing with an advanced architecture to support clients’ high standards for energy efficiency, resilience and uptime, the company said.Useful website: http://quovadisglobal.bm/