What Is Cloud Security?
Cloud Security is a set of policies, controls and technologies that protect cloud-based systems, data and infrastructure. It includes network security, which safeguards communication and data transfer within the cloud environment. It focuses on authenticating access, filtering traffic and protecting the network infrastructure from potential threats. It also covers data protection, which is the process of encrypting and securing data in transit and at rest.
The cloud security landscape is constantly changing, and new challenges are emerging as organizations move to the cloud. These challenges include:
Security incidents involving sensitive information: These could be anything from stolen passwords to data theft, ransomware or other targeted attacks. Cloud infrastructure vulnerabilities: These could be a result of misconfigurations or software bugs. Data breaches: Any data that leaves the company’s physical network can be intercepted and exploited by hackers. Unsanctioned access to the public or private cloud: This could be a result of bring your own device (BYOD) policies, poor password practices or other issues that could give hackers unauthorized access.
Sharing responsibility: Cloud service providers handle securing the underlying infrastructure, but that doesn’t mean organizations don’t have responsibilities when it comes to cloud security.
Getting cloud security right requires strong governance. For example, healthcare organizations must comply with HIPAA and secure patient health information (PHI), while retailers must follow PCI DSS and ensure customer payment data is always protected. This involves using a private or hybrid cloud model and implementing strict access controls, encryption and monitoring. It’s also important to use a unified security management platform, such as Zscaler Workload Communications (ZWC), to help prevent lateral movement of malware and maintain consistent protection across multicloud environments.