Cloud security is a form of cybersecurity that focuses on the protection of data stored online via cloud computing platforms from theft, leakage, and deletion.
Methods of providing cloud security include firewalls, penetration testing, obfuscation, tokenization, virtual private networks (VPN), and avoiding public internet connections.
High-level security concerns—like unauthorized data exposure and leaks, weak access controls, susceptibility to attacks, and availability disruptions—affect traditional IT and cloud systems alike.
Like any computing environment, cloud security involves maintaining adequate preventative protections so you:
- Know that the data and systems are safe
- Can see the current state of security
- Know immediately if anything unusual happens
- Can trace and respond to unexpected events
Cloud security is a key concern for cloud storage providers. They not only must satisfy their customers, they also must follow certain regulatory requirements for storing sensitive data such as credit card numbers and health information. Third-party audits of a cloud provider’s security systems and procedures help ensure that users’ data is safe.
Major threats to cloud security include data breaches, data loss, account hijacking, service traffic hijacking, insecure application program interfaces (APIs), poor choice of cloud storage providers, and shared technology that can compromise cloud security.
Distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks are another threat to cloud security. These attacks shut down a service by overwhelming it with data so that users cannot access their accounts, such as bank accounts or email accounts.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) defines cloud computing and identifies five essential characteristics: On-demand self-service, broad network access, resource pooling, rapid elasticity and measured service.
Want to learn more? Tonex offers Cloud Security Training Crash Course, a 3-day bootcamp style learning experiences that covers the essential elements of Cloud Security. This includes technical details on information, data, and storage security in the cloud. All aspects of authentication, confidentiality, integrity, availability and security risks and mitigations are also covered.
Bootcamps are ideal for busy professionals who want to stay current in their fields but have limited time to be away from the office.
Additionally, Tonex offers nearly three dozen more courses in Cybersecurity Foundation. This includes cutting edge courses like:
—Cybersecurity Fundamentals (2 days)
—Electric Grid Cybersecurity Master Certification (4 weeks)
—Network Security Training (2 days)