Hybrid Cloud Computing in E-Governance: Related Security Risks and Solutions

This study gives insights on security issues and related solutions in hybrid cloud computing especially in e-governance. Cloud computing is rapidly picking its speed and popularity in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) world. The main factors behind its popularity and universal acceptability are pay per use, rapid elasticity, on demand self service, economical etc. Public cloud services, where all controls remain with the provider are provided by Google.com, Amazon.com, Microsoft, Oracle/Sun, Canonical/Eucalyptus and many other vendors. Private cloud services, where all controls remain in house and software loaded on local servers are provided by VMware, Eucalyptus, Citrix, Microsoft and many other vendors. Governments around the world have adapted or planning to adapt cloud computing as a means to increasing efficiency and reducing cost of their IT infrastructure and services. On the track of successful journey of cloud computing, there are several security issues that can retard its speed during adaptation in government sector. The study and conclusions of this paper is based on review of selected literature confined to security and solutions in current era.