It’s funny that when we talk about cloud computing and the major players, we mention Google, Amazon, Rackspace and others.  Recently, though, cloud experts are pointing out that another agent claims a large chunk of real estate in the cloud.  This real estate is actually a widespread network of computers infected and controlled by viruses and botnets.

Some call it the dark cloud and others a black cloud; and like spring thunderstorms, it looms.

The many benefits that the cloud boasts – scalability, availability, cost effectiveness and mobility  – are the same traits the dark cloud is exploiting.

New illegitimate websites, phishing scams, and denial of service attacks prey on vulnerabilities in software and operating systems daily.  There’s obviously money to be made in the cloud – both the dark and fluffy white – but there’s also money to be made off your cloud if you aren’t cautious.