Cloud Security

Cloud security addresses the unique challenges of protecting resources in cloud computing environments, where the shared responsibility model distributes security obligations between the cloud provider and the customer. In Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), the provider secures the physical infrastructure while the customer is responsible for operating systems, applications, and data. In Platform as a Service (PaaS), the provider additionally manages the runtime environment. In Software as a Service (SaaS), the provider handles most security layers, but the customer retains responsibility for access management, data classification, and configuration. Understanding and correctly implementing the shared responsibility model is fundamental to cloud security.

Cloud security is relevant across all compliance frameworks, even though most standards were written before cloud adoption became widespread. ISO 27001 applies fully to cloud environments, and ISO 27017 provides additional cloud-specific security controls. SOC 2 examinations frequently evaluate cloud infrastructure security, and cloud providers often maintain their own SOC 2 reports that customers can leverage. GDPR applies regardless of where data is processed — cloud deployments must meet the same data protection requirements as on-premises systems, with additional considerations for cross-border data transfers when cloud regions span jurisdictions. NIS2 explicitly addresses cloud computing services and requires appropriate security measures. In technology due diligence, cloud architecture, configuration security, and the use of cloud-native security services are key assessment areas.

Practical cloud security encompasses multiple domains: identity and access management (IAM policies, service accounts, least privilege), network security (VPCs, security groups, private endpoints), data protection (encryption at rest and in transit, key management), workload security (hardened images, container security, serverless security), configuration management (cloud security posture management, infrastructure as code), monitoring and logging (cloud-native logging services, SIEM integration), and compliance automation (continuous compliance checking against benchmarks like CIS). Organizations should implement cloud security baselines aligned with frameworks such as the CIS Benchmarks, use infrastructure as code to enforce consistent security configurations, and regularly assess their cloud security posture using automated scanning tools.