The Potential Dark Cloud on Apple’s Horizon: Security

Grazed from InvestorPlace. Author: Brad Moon.

Many of those who know me think I’m a bit paranoid when it comes to computer security. I appreciate the benefits of the cloud and take full advantage of what cloud computing offers, but I’m wary. All of my data — everything from documents to digital photos, music, e-books and movies — is backed up on physical media, multiple times and in multiple locations. I shop online (taking whatever precautions I can) and, as someone who’s invested heavily in the Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) ecosystem, I buy much of my digital content through Apple’s iTunes.

But I’m a little uneasy about the growing importance of the cloud compared to its vulnerabilities. Apple has become a leading online retailer of digital media and has focused considerable energy and resources on the cloud — not just its iCloud service, but also cloud-based functions like Siri and iMessage. A whole lot of integrated Mac and mobile functions are now tied up in the cloud, not to mention loads of personal information and financial data…

Apple customers increasingly buy, store and share stuff online. Threats to Apple’s continued dominance in the consumer electronics industry include consumer indifference, missing the boat in China or being beaten to the market for a new device category like a smartwatch. Any of these problems can cause damage over the long-term, but they are nothing compared to what could happen if Apple’s cloud were to suffer a security breach…

Read more from the source @ http://investorplace.com/2013/04/the-potential-dark-cloud-on-apples-horizon-security/