Cloud computing offers businesses a wide range of benefits, including the ability to store, share and back up large amounts of company data. However, many chief executives have resisted the technology because they fear data breaches.

Over the past few months, high-profile cyberattacks against bitcoin, Home Depot and Target have hit the news cycle and renewed the widespread fear of hackers. Perhaps the most heavily publicized cyberattack involved Sony Pictures. The U.S. government alleged that North Korea attacked the film maker because of "The Interview," a movie that makes fun of political leader Kim Jong-un.

Meanwhile, tech innovators and policy makers have spent plenty of time working on cybersecurity efforts to ease the trepidations of cloud computing and any other kind of centralized database.

US government announces cybersecurity investment in budget plan
The Obama administration aims to spend almost $14 billion on its federal government cybersecurity initiative, according to The Washington Times. The figure marks an approximate $1 billion increase from previous budgets.

"Cyber resources will expand digital forensic expertise, provide training on cyber crime and digital evidence prosecutors and bolster cyber crime prosecutorial efforts nationwide," the Justice Department said in a statement, according to the news outlet.

Massachusetts cybersecurity firms appreciate the focus
Cybersecurity firms throughout Massachusetts commended the government's budget proposal, which would lead to more prevention capabilities and diagnostics, among other advancements, according to the Boston Business Journal.

"Federal spending on cybersecurity will definitely have an impact on Boston area cybersecurity companies," Patrick Morley, CEO of Bit9 + Carbon Black, a cybersecurity firm based in Burlington, Massachusetts, told the news outlet. "The adversary is relentless and always evolving. Government spending needs to be focused on both the basics as well as advanced security, which matches where the adversary is now."

Policy makers should consider biometrics
Chief executives and policy makers who are focusing on different cybersecurity efforts should talk openly about biometric data centers as a feasible and effective option for information storage. Biometric security uses only the most advanced systems that call for unique physical traits such as a fingerprint. This form of data center security is one of the most surefire ways to ensure that only the right people with the right fingerprints have access control to valuable company data.

Research shows that dual-access systems are the most effective kind of biometric data center in regards to cyber crime prevention. This strategy requires two separate identifications from two individuals at the same time.