What is Cloud Security?

What is Cloud Security?

Cloud security is a combination of processes, technologies, controls, and services that are used to protect cloud applications, data, and infrastructure against emerging threats. Cloud security is a shared responsibility that is shared between the customer and cloud provider. It involves preventing unauthorized access, encrypting and protecting cloud-based assets, compliance, and managing the cloud security posture of organizations.

Understanding Cloud Computing

Cloud computing is a business and tech service model that delivers on-demand cloud computing services. These services include storage, databases, servers, and software, all over the internet. Businesses can scale quickly, reduce IT costs, and increase flexibility. The increased adoption of cloud computing services also means that organizations need to maintain data privacy across evolving hybrid and multi-cloud environments.

The main goals of cloud computing security solutions are:

• Make sure that sensitive data stays secure, both in-transit and at rest
• Manage multi-cloud security challenges posed by multiple cloud service providers and address them
• Ensure that only authorized devices, users, and apps interact with cloud environments; cloud computing services can restrict access to these environments for others.

Why is Cloud Security Important?

• Data accessibility is one of the top reasons. Cloud security ensures a safer remote work environment.  How your employees access your cloud infrastructure will define how safe your organization is. Cloud security solutions can prevent malware, Trojans, and other malicious entities from invading your systems. It prevents your employees from accidentally exposing sensitive data to malicious software and guards your organization against insider threats.
• Strong cloud security software can keep your data secure. It streamlines compliance, prevents serious legal consequences like lawsuits, and improves customers’ trust in your organization. Cloud security helps you meet the latest regulatory standards like GDPR laws, HIPAA, PCI-DSS, and more.
• All your data stores can be kept secure. A strong cloud security architecture makes it easy to organize your files and keeps networks running smoothly. Nobody downloads the wrong files and there is less chance of data getting corrupted.

For detailed information, read Importance of Cloud Security

What Makes Cloud Security Different?

Every cloud security solution works to prevent data loss and provides data protection. They enable data recovery and work towards reducing human error margins and any negligence that could potentially lead to sensitive data exposure or data breaches. Cloud security solutions are different from on-premises solutions because they provide continuous monitoring, visibility, and regular vulnerability assessments.

How Does Cloud Security Work?

A cloud security architecture consists of identity and access management (IAM) solutions, segmentation, encryption, and firewalls. It protects more than just your perimeter, it defends your resources and data as well.  Cloud security adopts a granular approach to cloud security posture management, data security, and data protection. A cloud security strategy includes disaster recovery, compliance tools, multi-factor authentication, access controls, and configuration management.

Cloud Security Deployment Models

• Public cloud security services make all shared resources public. They follow a pay-as-you-go model and are designed to be public. Public cloud deployment models are easy to access from anywhere and have multiple data centres spread across different locations around the world. When adequately managed by the user, public clouds are generally more secure than self-managed data centers. Top cloud security companies are motivated to address cloud security because their profits depend on it.
• Private cloud security services don’t make all resources available to the public. It requires connecting to a private network to access them. The main benefits of private clouds are their exclusivity, high degree of customization, performance optimization, and efficiency. Private clouds are more secure than public clouds since they are accessible to authorized users only.
• Hybrid cloud combines both public and private clouds and allows organizations to scale up their operations, without compromising cloud workload security. However, strong encryption practices have to be applied when moving data across these environments since they are complex and difficult to manage.
• Multi-cloud security involves deploying multiple public cloud security services from different providers. It reduces vendor lock-in risks but involves managing multiple security policies and enforcing their consistency across multiple cloud platforms. A multi-cloud security deployment strategy will use Cloud access security brokers (CASBs), cloud infrastructure entitlement management (CIEM) tools, and unified security management platforms that integrate all cloud providers.

Cloud Security Service Models

Here’s what you need to know about different cloud security service business models:

• Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): IaaS offers on‑demand access to raw infrastructure — virtual machines, storage, networking — via the cloud. Users are responsible for installing and managing the operating system, middleware, runtime, applications, and data. You don’t need to maintain physical data centers. The model is very scalable and you only pay for the resources you use.
• Platform as a Service (PaaS): PaaS offers a managed platform that includes OS, runtime, middleware, and development tools. Developers focus solely on writing code and managing data, while the cloud provider handles underlying infrastructure provisioning, scaling, and maintenance . PaaS streamlines app deployment and supports integration, versioning, and workflow management flows.
• Software as a Service (SaaS): Saas is fully hosted, ready‑to‑use cloud security services that are accessible via web browsers or thin clients. Customers don’t manage any infrastructure or platform components — the provider handles everything including updates, maintenance, and security. The model is subscription-based usually, with many apps built on multi‑tenant cloud security architectures.
• Function as a Service (FaaS): FaaS model enables execution of individual functions or event‑driven code without provisioning servers. Developers deploy modular pieces of code, and the provider automatically handles scaling, runtime, and availability.  It’s a great service model that offers fine‑grained cost efficiency and reduces operational overheads.

Cloud Security Risks & Challenges

There are many risks and challenges associated with poor cloud security. They are as follows:

• Data breaches and fines – Negligent cloud security measures can lead to exposure of sensitive data. This equates to a lack of compliance followed by regulatory lawsuits. And lawsuits also decrease customer trust.
• Compliance policy violations – As stated previously, compliance policy violations lead to loss of business credibility over time. There are financial and non-operational impacts associated with these problems.
• Misconfigured cloud resources – Multi-cloud or complex hybrid environments come with multiple configurations. These settings can be tough to manage which may potentially lead to misconfiguring cloud resources.
• Insecure APIs and interfaces – APIs and interfaces are not set up properly in complex cloud ecosystems. Insecure APIs and interfaces are an ongoing challenge among various cloud security risks.
• Lack of visibility and monitoring – There is a lack of centralized visibility and 24/7 monitoring solutions. Organizations don’t get real-time threat monitoring and detection, depending on the vendor they onboard.
• DevOps and CI/CD pipeline vulnerabilities – DevOps and CI/CD pipeline vulnerabilities are common. Leaked secrets and credentials (and a lack of rotation) are constant ongoing issues associated with these pipelines. Enterprises don’t adopt the best DevSecOps practices as well.
• Data losses – Poor cloud security involves not frequently backing up your data. Organizations lack information integrity and they can’t trace back their data to its origins. Systems can fail due to poor data security and optimization, and there is a risk of failing to ensure business continuity as a result.

Benefits of Cloud Security

Here are the key benefits of cloud security for organizations:

• Robust Data Protection– Cloud security can protect your sensitive data and employ advanced encryption. It secures access to networks, controls, and monitors services. You also minimize business downtimes, automate backups, and ensure faster disaster recovery.
• Regulatory Compliance and Support – Cloud security can help organizations meet various compliance standards. They can help adhere to frameworks like the NIST, CIS Benchmark, PCI-DSS, and others.
• Centralized Security Management – Cloud security can offer a single-pane-of-glass view to organizations. Centralized security management and dashboard can give holistic visibility.
• Real-time Threat Detection and Response – Cloud security solutions can detect threats in real-time and respond quickly thanks to AI. They can provide 24/7 monitoring and protection.
• Reliable Disaster Recovery – Organizations can recover from security incidents and disasters much faster. Cloud security solutions provide reliable disaster recovery and ensure business continuity.
• Scalability, Cost Efficiency, and Agility – Businesses can become more agile and no longer worry about scalability issues. Cloud security is scalable and can adapt to changing business requirements. Organizations can modify their cloud security posture to accommodate new users, data volumes, applications, and services. Cloud security solutions are not subjected to any vendor lock-ins. Many vendors offer customized quotes and subscription-based pricing models.
• Increases Data Reliability and Visibility – Cloud security offers high levels of data reliability and assurance. It provides DDoS protection and also comprehensive visibility and reporting capabilities.

To know more, read: Benefits of Cloud Security .

Cloud Security Types

Here are the different types of cloud security for enterprises:

• CSPM – Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM) solutions improve the cloud security posture of your organization. They scan cloud configurations for misconfigurations and remediate vulnerabilities. CSPM also does attack path analysis, risk prioritization, and comes with various automated remediation workflows.
• CWPP – Cloud Workload Protection Platforms (CWPP) are heavily invested in safeguarding all workloads like virtual machines, containers, and serverless functions in hybrid and multi-cloud ecosystems. CWPP solutions offer runtime protection that monitors workload activity and detects threats 24/7. CWPP platforms solve the ephemeral nature of cloud workloads where traditional endpoint security products cannot offer persistent protection.
• CIEM – Cloud Infrastructure Entitlement Management (CIEM) manages identities and automates the process of handling user entitlements and privileges in cloud environments. Teams can enforce the principle of least-privileged access across cloud infrastructure and resources by using CIEM solutions. They can also mitigate identity access risks and reduce cloud attack surfaces by eliminating excessive permissions.
• KSPM – Kubernetes Security Posture Management (KSPM) continuously scans Kubernetes clusters, manifests, RBAC, and runtime settings to detect misconfigurations and compliance drift. KSPM enforces best practices across pods, nodes, and namespaces—automating remediation workflows and improving visibility. It helps teams secure container orchestration from development through production.
• DSPM –  Data Security Posture Management (DSPM) sensitive data across cloud storage, databases, data lakes, and pipelines to uncover misconfigurations, exposed datasets, and unencrypted assets. DSPM classifies data, assesses access policies, and reveals information sharing risks and compliance policy gaps. It helps teams reduce data exposure, automate protection controls, and track data integrity and health continuously.
• CDR – Cloud Detection and Response (CDR) delivers 24/7 threat detection, investigation, and response across cloud workloads, APIs, identities, and networks. CDR ingests logs, events, and telemetry across multi‑cloud environments to detect anomalous behavior and insider threats. It enables security teams to triage alerts, investigate incidents, and automate response actions—all within a unified cloud‑centric SOC.
• CNAPP – Cloud Native Application Protection Platforms (CNAPP) consolidate multiple security tools into a single solution addressing all cloud-native application lifecycle stages from development through production. You can natively integrate CNAPP solutions into CI/CD pipelines so security vulnerabilities are found before they are introduced into the production environment. CNAPP comes with container security, serverless security, and infrastructure-as-code scanning.

Cloud Security Best Practices

There’s a lot of cloud security best practices out there in 2025. But here’s a brief overview of each:

• Employee training and awareness – Teaching your employees how to use the latest security technologies. They should be aware of cloud security best practices, understand how to use various tools, and know their limitations. Data breaches happen due to human error and by educating your employees, you can step many steps ahead.
• Adopt Zero Trust Security – Trust nobody, verify everyone. Build a zero trust cloud security architecture and revolve hiring cloud security services around it. This will help create a safe and secure infrastructure. Plus, you will be able to deal with emerging threats much more effectively.
• Audit and monitor continuously – Run periodic audits and don’t wait until the last minute. Use 24/7 threat monitoring solutions and AI detection tools for round-the-clock security. Close blindspots, ensure vigilance, and make use of SIEM tools for cloud-native logging.
• Use VPNs and network access controls – To regulate traffic flows. Limit lateral movements within networks and enforce least-privilege access policies. Also enforce shift-left security and exercise network segmentation. Conduct regular penetration tests and vulnerability assessments as well.

Types of Cloud Security Tools

Cloud users can utilize a myriad of cloud security tools. They all have the potential to impede cyberattackers and strengthen cloud security, but these are the fundamental types of cloud security tools:

Cloud Infrastructure Security Tools

Comprehensive cloud security begins with infrastructure and architecture. This includes physical hardware, like workstations, servers, and storage devices, along with the various switches, wires, and routers, required to maintain an active network connection and software for connecting to access points.

The tools needed to secure this type of hardware include:

• Cloud web security scanners
• Cloud vulnerability detection
• Cloud penetration testing
• Cloud antivirus and firewalls

Cloud Regulatory Compliance Tools

Regulatory compliance is an integral part of any cloud security strategy. Depending on the type of data being stored or processed in the cloud, there may be several compliance regulations that organizations must meet.

Some common regulatory compliance requirements for cloud storage include:

• The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
• The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS)
• The Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX)
• The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

Zero-trust and Its Role in Cloud Security

Embracing zero trust security is crucial for organizations because it helps them mitigate risks. It improves compliance despite the interconnected nature of the cloud landscape. Zero trust security can help organizations verify identities, enforce strict access controls, and minimize attack surfaces. It reduces risks, limits access to only what’s necessary, and constantly monitors cloud environments for threats.

Organizations also become more agile and secure as a result and effective when combating advanced threats like phishing, malware, and insider attacks. The core principle of zero trust is that it operates on the assumption of trusting nobody and authenticating everyone, granting minimum necessary access to authorized users where required, on a need-to-know basis.

Choose the Right Cloud Security Provider

Cloud security requires a different approach to endpoint security, especially given the shared burden of protecting both the devices organizations control – and those they don’t. Servers outside of a user’s control can be running a software stack with vulnerabilities that they cannot see or patch, and these servers may be managed by an unknown number of people who are equally outside of their control.

Organizations can expect reputable cloud service providers to take their security responsibilities seriously, but the issue’s core is that a threat surface inevitably increases when dealing with third-party devices and staff. Moreover, the containers can contain topics themselves. These details should help organizations keep cloud security plans comprehensive and up-to-date. Ready to see how SentinelOne can improve its cloud security strategy?

How SentinelOne Helps Securing Your Cloud Environment

SentinelOne Singularity™ Platform can help secure your cloud environment by providing unfettered visibility. It enables industry-leading detection, autonomous response, and helps organizations build the right foundation for enterprise-wide security. SentinelOne’s cloud security services can provide unrivaled coverage and protect every surface.

Singularity™ for Cloud simplifies VM and container security, no matter what the location. Singularity™ for Endpoint protects all endpoints and you can use Singularity™ XDR to extend endpoint protection.

Here’s how SentinelOne helps:

• Blocks and quarantines malware across cloud instances, containers, and Kubernetes clusters.
• Stops threats such as crypto miners and ransomware.
• Secures cloud workloads and can fix cloud misconfigurations
• Preserves immutability of containerized workloads.
• Can fight against insider threats, DDoS attacks, and do exploit proofing
• Protects data, prevents data breaches, and enforces shift-left security
• And more!

Conclusion

Cloud security requires a proactive and multi-layered approach since you’re dealing with multiple users, components, services, and environments. The key to good cloud security is to always stay ahead and ensure you build upon previous measures. Yes, cloud security is a shared responsibility but the technologies, tools, and workflows you use matter. It makes a big difference to your organization what policies you enforce and streamlines compliance as well.

You can build a strong cloud security foundation with SentinelOne today. Contact us to get started.