Cloud security encompasses the technologies, policies, and controls designed to protect data, applications, and infrastructure hosted in cloud computing environments. It protects data, applications, and infrastructure in cloud environments through shared responsibility models, encryption, access controls, and continuous monitoring across public, private, and hybrid deployments.
The comprehensive framework addresses unique challenges of cloud deployments including multi-tenancy, distributed resources, and shared responsibility between providers and customers.
Key Components of Cloud Security
Shared Responsibility Model: Cloud providers secure the physical infrastructure, networking, and virtualization layer, while customers are responsible for protecting their data, applications, and user access. Understanding this boundary is essential for ensuring no security gaps exist.
Identity and Access Management (IAM): Centralized systems control resource access through multi-factor authentication, role-based permissions, and single sign-on. Strong IAM prevents unauthorized access even when network perimeter controls are bypassed.
Data Protection: Encryption secures information at rest and in transit, with key management systems controlling decryption access. Data loss prevention (DLP) tools monitor for unauthorized data movement.
Continuous Monitoring: SIEM platforms aggregate logs across cloud services, detecting anomalies and security incidents in real time. Cloud security posture management (CSPM) tools continuously assess cloud configurations against security best practices.
Network Security Controls: Virtual private clouds, security groups, network access control lists, and web application firewalls restrict traffic and segment cloud workloads.
Cloud-Specific Threats: Cloud environments face unique threats including misconfiguration exploits, insecure APIs, account hijacking, insider threats, and supply chain attacks through compromised cloud services.
Pangratis provides cloud-native email security built specifically for cloud email platforms like Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace, protecting organizations against the email-based threats that target cloud environments.