All staff should also be encouraged to keep up with any changes in technology advancements within cloud computing. This will allow them to more effectively work with, and monitor, the service provider.

Whilst cloud computing is deemed to improve business processes and increase company competitiveness, security in the cloud remains a challenge for many organizations. In order to remain competitive, the IT function -- in partnership with management and providers -- needs to continue to work closely to identify, assess, monitor and mitigate these new and emerging risks appropriately.

Pallavi Anand is director at specialized recruitment firm Robert Half.