Guiding Lights for Cloud Accountability

Security concerns are often cited as the most prominent reason for not using cloud computing [1]. At the same time, customers of cloud users, especially end-users, frequently do not understand the need to control access to personal information. This is particularly evident in the context of social media, where the users are not the customers, but the product (being sold to marketers). On the other hand, some users might understand the risk, and yet have inadequate means to address it [2]. In order to make the Cloud a viable alternative for all, accountability of the service providers is key.