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What is cloud security?
Cloud security is defined as a set of measures and technologies used to protect cloud data and infrastructure. Cloud security tools help secure data both in storage and in transit while ensuring its integrity, confidentiality, and accessibility. Security measures, if integrated well, protect the cloud infrastructure from data breaches, unauthorized access, and service disruptions.
How does cloud security work?
To explain how cloud security works, it is helpful to imagine the whole security infrastructure as a set of protective layers over your data. At each stage, different cloud security measures are implemented to prevent unauthorized access, protect data, and recover losses.
1. Governance
At the top we have policies for threat prevention, detection, and mitigation. This includes intelligence about threats at large, safe online behavior policies, and staff training in cybersecurity. Governance policies aim to neutralize attacks on the cloud before they even materialize.
Cloud security types
Cloud security requires using a combination of strategies and tools to ensure the cloud infrastructure is protected:
Identity and access management (IAM) ensures that the people and systems have access to the resources they need. IT departments use IAM systems to manage user identities and control their permissions through multi-factor authentication, role-based access control, and single sign-on. It also makes sure users can only access the assets they need for their tasks and don’t have excessive permissions that would compromise security.
Data loss prevention (DLP) includes strategies and tools that protect, monitor, and control data in cloud environments, tracking its usage and movement. DLP systems use rules based on the context, contents of the data, and the users to protect the information from deletion, exposure, and theft.
Public key infrastructure is a framework that uses cryptography to secure communications and data exchanges. PKI uses encryption, data verification, and authentication certificates to ensure that data integrity and authenticity are maintained.
Business continuity and disaster recovery (BCDR) focus on maintaining operations and protecting data during and after a critical event. BCDR strategies require business owners to plan and have processes in place to ensure their business can continue working in the face of natural disasters, cyberattacks, or system failures. It includes regular data backups and rapid recovery procedures to minimize downtime and data loss.
Security information and event management (SIEM) systems provide real-time analysis of security alerts generated by network software and hardware. SIEM tools collect and analyze the data and automatically respond to potential security threats as early as possible.
Explore the world of cybersecurity in detail
Everything cybersecurity, from A to Z. Check out our glossary for the most important cybersecurity terms and learn about common online threats from our Threat Center.
Common cloud computing security issues
More attack vectors
By migrating to the cloud, you’re opening a new front in the war for data. In addition to your network, staff, and internet service provider, malicious actors can now also target your cloud services to breach your defenses.
Breach by proximity
Public cloud service providers often host multiple client infrastructures on the same servers (a practice known as “multitenancy”) to save space and reduce costs. In this situation, you can become collateral damage in an attack on another entity.
Lack of visibility
Cloud service providers rarely expose their infrastructure and processes to clients. Being unable to see how the cloud environment is structured makes it difficult to keep track of who accesses data and identify weaknesses in security.
Provider negligence
Cloud computing service providers are not exempt from human error or lax security habits. By using weak administrative passwords or not following appropriate security policies, cloud services open themselves — and your data — to attack.
Shadow IT
Shadow IT refers to the practice of using devices, apps, and systems without the approval of the organization’s IT department. Cloud security needs to cover every access point to the cloud so that employees do not compromise the entire organization by logging in with private devices.
Access management
Just like in traditional cybersecurity systems, user access should be proportional to the demands of their function. Employees with excess privileges can cause damage to data through inexperience or by getting their accounts hacked.
How do you secure your data in the cloud?
Set strong passwords
Passwords are your cloud account’s first line of defense. Use a password manager like NordPass to generate and automatically fill in complex passwords.
Use MFA
Multi-factor authentication protects accounts with an extra security step. In addition to your password, attackers will need a code or device that only you have to log in.
Encrypt files
Use file encryption software or only store data in encrypted spaces (like NordLocker cloud storage.) Even if a breach occurs, attackers won’t be able to access your encrypted files.
Use a VPN
A VPN, such as NordVPN, protects data in transit. It is particularly important to use a VPN to access the cloud from public Wi-Fi.
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