Which of the following is NOT a risk related to cloud computing?

The correct answer, which states that the maintenance of physical infrastructure is not a risk related to cloud computing, is accurate because cloud service providers (CSPs) handle the physical infrastructure required for cloud services. This means that organizations using cloud services are not responsible for managing, maintaining, or securing the physical servers and data centers where their data is stored. The operational duties and associated risks tied to physical hardware, such as equipment failures or physical security breaches, are transferred to the provider.

In contrast, the other options highlight risks that users still face when utilizing cloud services. Theft or loss of intellectual property, for instance, can occur if proper access controls and data protection measures are not implemented. Loss of data can happen through various means, including service outages, accidental deletion, or inadequate backup procedures, emphasizing the necessity for robust data management strategies even in the cloud. Compliance violations are also a significant concern, as businesses must ensure that their cloud services meet industry regulations and standards, which can be complicated by data residency and jurisdictional issues with cloud providers. Understanding these risks is vital for organizations as they navigate their cloud computing strategies.