What Is Cloud Cyber Security and Why Is It Better?

Introduction to Cloud Cyber Security

Many small businesses and enterprises are investing in cloud technology to optimize their operations. According to reports, organizations leverage about 5 different types of cloud platforms on average. A study from Forbes also revealed that 30% of all IT budgets were allocated towards cloud computing in 2018. With the rise of Internet technology, businesses must also safeguard their cloud cyber security. This is crucial for protecting data privacy and ensuring regulatory compliance.

What is Cloud Security?

Cloud security, also referred to as cloud computing security, refers to policies, protocols, and controls that protect cloud based systems. These technologies are developed to protect cloud data, secure customers' privacy, and guarantee compliance to federal and industry laws. Cloud security measures will vary, depending on a business's cloud provider and platform. However, a common security technique is establishing authentication rules for user access.

Both the cloud provider and organization have a joint responsibility in ensuring that their platforms and data are secured. Business owners should work with the provider to make sure the following elements are protected.

• Physical networks, such as routers and cabling

• Data storage and hard drives

• Data servers

• Operating systems

• Middleware, such as application programming interfaces (API)

• Software applications, such as accounting systems, email platforms, and employee management tools

• End-user devices, such as computers, tablets, and phones

What Makes Cyber Security Different?

Compared to traditional IT security systems, cloud security is much more convenient and reliable. The following are elements that make cloud security solutions different from legacy IT programs.

Data Storage

Cloud based security systems do not require costly, on-premise data storage or frequent maintenance. This is in contrast with traditional models, in which these systems rely on onsite storage to operate.

Increased Scalability

Cloud security can be quickly scaled as new business demands grow and accumulate. This, however, requires management teams to regularly check if the system needs to be updated.

End-User Interfaces

Unlike legacy platforms, the cloud is compatible with many different end-user devices and systems. Therefore, organizations and users must ensure that these other interfaces are secured, as well. It is also important to take note of and monitor different security vulnerabilities due to multiple setups and system processes.

Large Network of Data and Systems

Cloud systems are connected to its provider and the provider's various users. This large network can easily be affected if one device or system experiences a security threat. For example, if one end-user in the network is exposed to a breach, then the provider and its other clients' data will be at risk, as well. Therefore, both parties must collaborate and maintain transparency to ensure security.

How Does Cloud Cyber Security Work?

Cloud computing security can help organizations ensure the following.

• Minimize any threats and negative impacts to data and cloud systems

• Safeguard data storage and software networks from theft, hackers, cybercriminals, and breaches

• Allow teams and users to process data recovery in the case of data loss

• Prevent human error and carelessness that could have resulted in information leaks

Modern Internet-based security measures can also work to protect the following.

Data Security

To protect data security, cloud tools enable users and providers to develop barriers between confidential information and access. For example, individuals can use two-factor authentication. This security measure requires those seeking access to an account or application to enter in two forms of identification. This can be multiple passwords, emails, phone numbers, or answers to security questions.

Encryption is another popular method for data security. This refers to the act of rearranging data so that it is only legible by an authorized user who has an encryption key. Therefore, if data is lost or a cybercriminal steals it, the information will be unintelligible and unusable.

Identity and Access Management (IAM)

Identity and access management refers to the process of controlling a user's access to technical resources. This encompasses authentication techniques and authorization methods. Some examples of IAM include password management and multi-factor authentication. Access controls in cloud cyber security are crucial because it ensures that only vetted users have visibility into confidential information.

Governance

This feature of cloud security emphasizes threat prevention, identification, and mitigation. This includes methods such as establishing safe user behavior and training clients on how to use the cloud infrastructure. By implementing governance rules, the cloud platform can track cyber threats proactively. Additionally, it ensures preventative practices are in place to lessen the impact of a potential data breach.

Legal Compliance

Legal compliance entails protecting all cloud users' privacy. Government agencies have laws to ensure the general public's information is not used or exploited for profit. Therefore, businesses must make sure they are following these policies to prevent penalties and lawsuits. To guarantee compliance with cloud security, companies often use data masking. This is the process of concealing a person's identity in data through the use of encryption.

Key Takeaways - Cloud Cyber Security

• Cloud security, or cloud computing security, refers to policies, protocols, and controls that protect cloud based systems and user privacy.

• This is becoming increasingly important as more people and organizations are turning to the cloud to process and store information.

• Cloud computing security is different, compared to traditional IT security, because it uses less storage, has improved scalability, and can be connected with multiple interfaces.

• By implementing cloud security, organizations can prevent threats to their information, minimize the impact of a breach, and reduce errors in databases.

• Cloud security works to protect data security, manage users, and ensure governance and legal compliance.