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Perceptions of Cloud Computing Risks in the Public Sector

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Innovations in Bio-Inspired Computing and Applications (IBICA 2021)

Abstract

The transformation of public services through the adoption of cloud computing has shown greater advancement with service delivery efficiencies and reduction of costs. Cloud computing has been in existence for some time. However, the adoption has been seemingly low and stagnant in the South African (SA) government context. This study investigates the stakeholders’ perceptions in the SA public sector regarding the risks associated with cloud computing adoption. The study was exploratory, qualitative and interpretative in nature. Data was collected via semi-structured interviews and a questionnaire with IT representatives within government departments. The findings highlight that the perceived risks include security breaches, lack of supporting network infrastructure and concerns on redundancy. Additionally, poor skills and contract management were noted. This was coupled with concerns about compliance with relevant legislation and risks associated with transborder information flows. The study contributes to the literature on cloud computing in government.

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Acknowledgements

This work is based on the research supported in part by the National Research Foundation of South Africa (Grant Numbers 127495).

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Correspondence to Tendani Mawela .

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Mkhatshwa, B., Mawela, T. (2022). Perceptions of Cloud Computing Risks in the Public Sector. In: Abraham, A., et al. Innovations in Bio-Inspired Computing and Applications. IBICA 2021. Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems, vol 419. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-96299-9_57

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