What is a common drawback of cloud computing concerning data management?

One significant drawback of cloud computing regarding data management is the loss of physical control. When organizations utilize cloud services, they often store their data in remote servers managed by third-party providers. This means they do not have direct access to the physical hardware where their data resides, which can raise concerns about data security and compliance. Organizations may struggle with ensuring that their data is stored securely and is accessed only by authorized personnel, as the physical controls are out of their hands.

This shift can complicate audits and regulatory compliance obligations, as the data is subject to the policies and protections of the cloud provider. Additionally, in instances of data breach or loss, the affected organization may have limited recourse because they lack direct oversight of the environment housing their information. This factor is crucial for businesses that handle sensitive information and must maintain strict data governance standards.