Security in Mobile Cloud Computing

Abstract

Cloud computing is a new and promising technology that is transforming the paradigm of traditional Internet computing and probably the whole IT industry. Cloud computing is predicted to expand in the mobile environment leveraging on the rapid advances in wireless access technologies. These mobile applications are built around mobile cloud computing techniques and models. In the Mobile Cloud environment, users can remotely store their data as well as enjoy high quality on-demand cloud applications without the limitations of having to purchase and maintain their own local hardware and software. However, data security is still a major concern and is the main obstacle preventing cloud computing from being more widely adopted. This concern originates from the fact that sensitive data stored in the public clouds is managed by commercial service providers who might not be totally trustworthy. As such, there are several security and privacy issues that need to be addressed. This chapter gives an overview on the cloud computing concept followed by a description on mobile cloud computing and the different security issues pertinent to the mobile cloud computing environment.