🤖 AI Summary
This study addresses the widespread adoption of cloud computing by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in critical infrastructure, where deployment models and associated security and reliability risks remain poorly understood. Focusing specifically on multi-cloud strategies in this context, the research employs a systematic review of academic, industry, governmental, and online sources, complemented by content analysis, to holistically assess current deployment practices and risk characteristics. Findings reveal that while SMEs exhibit high levels of cloud adoption, their risk management practices significantly lag behind, highlighting an urgent need for targeted policy guidance and practical frameworks. The results provide empirical evidence and actionable insights for both regulatory bodies and enterprise decision-makers to better navigate the complexities of secure and resilient cloud deployment in critical sectors.
📝 Abstract
Cloud computing enables cost-effective on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources. The purpose of this paper is to examine and identifying the use of Cloud computing in the critical infrastructure domain among small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). The data for this study were gathered from a survey of different academic, industry, governmental and online literature related to the use of Cloud computing in SMEs. The result revealed that there are risks involved in the use of Cloud computing, SMEs are deploying Cloud computing using different deployment models and reaching a high level of deployment within the critical infrastructure. The research findings are useful for SMEs that are planning or are in the use of Cloud computing, as well as for SMEs policymakers and business support community that engaged with Cloud computing initiatives.