
Cloud security refers to the set of policies, technologies, controls, and procedures used to protect cloud computing environments, applications, and data from cybersecurity threats. It ensures data privacy, regulatory compliance, and the security of cloud-based infrastructure, applications, and services.
Key Aspects of Cloud Security
1. Data Security
- Encryption: Protects data at rest, in transit, and in use.
- Access Control: Uses identity and access management (IAM) to restrict unauthorized access.
- Data Loss Prevention (DLP): Prevents unauthorized data transfers and leaks.
2. Identity and Access Management (IAM)
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Adds extra security layers beyond passwords.
- Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): Grants permissions based on job roles.
- Single Sign-On (SSO): Allows users to authenticate once for multiple services.
3. Threat Detection & Prevention
- Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS): Identifies and blocks cyber threats.
- Security Information and Event Management (SIEM): Monitors and analyzes security events.
- Endpoint Protection: Secures devices connected to the cloud.
4. Compliance & Regulatory Requirements
- GDPR, HIPAA, SOC 2, ISO 27001: Ensures cloud providers meet industry standards.
- Audit & Logging: Tracks access and modifications for compliance.
5. Network Security
- Firewalls & Virtual Private Networks (VPNs): Protects cloud networks from unauthorized access.
- DDoS Protection: Prevents Distributed Denial-of-Service attacks.
- Zero Trust Security Model: Assumes no entity is trusted by default.
6. Security in Cloud Models
- Shared Responsibility Model: Cloud providers secure infrastructure, while customers secure their applications and data.
- Security for IaaS, PaaS, SaaS: Each model has different security considerations.