- Cloud security and cyber security are closely related, but they address different facets of protecting digital assets.
- With the two technologies, users can better protect their data and systems, ensuring a robust and comprehensive security strategy.
In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, the terms “cloud security” and “cyber security” are often used interchangeably. Cyber security is the overarching discipline, encompassing all aspects of defending against cyber threats. Cloud security, on the other hand, zeroes in on the unique challenges posed by cloud computing. While they share similarities, they address different aspects of protecting digital assets.
What is cyber security
Cyber security encompasses the protection of internet-connected systems, including hardware, software, and data, from cyber attacks. It involves various practices and technologies designed to guard against data breaches, malware, phishing, and other malicious activities. The primary goal is to safeguard the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information.
Cyber security covers a broad range of areas, including networks, information, operations, and applications, with each focusing on the traveling of infrastructure information, software and devices, data in transit and at rest, and data processing and storage, respectively. These components work together to create a comprehensive defence strategy against cyber threats.
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What is cloud security
Cloud security, slightly different, is a subset of cyber security focused specifically on protecting data, applications, and services within cloud environments. As more organisations migrate to cloud services, ensuring the security of these environments becomes paramount. Cloud security addresses the unique challenges posed by cloud computing, including the shared responsibility model between cloud service providers and users.
Key aspects of cloud security include data protection, which involves encrypting data and managing access controls, and identity and access management (IAM), which ensures that only authorised users can access cloud resources. Compliance with industry regulations and standards is another critical area, as is threat detection and response. These aspects highlight the specialised nature of cloud security within the broader field of cyber security.
Differences between cloud security and cyber security
While cloud security is a part of cyber security, there are distinct differences between the two.
1. Scope: Cyber security covers a broad range of technologies and practices to protect all types of IT infrastructure, whereas cloud security is focused solely on cloud environments. This distinction in scope means that the tools and methods used in cloud security often differ from those in general cyber security. For instance, cloud security might involve specific services and configurations provided by cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud.
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2. Responsibility: In traditional IT environments, the organisation typically bears full responsibility for security. In the cloud, security responsibilities are shared between the cloud service provider and the user, making it crucial to understand the shared responsibility model. This model delineates which security tasks are managed by the provider and which are the user’s responsibility, thus ensuring comprehensive protection.
The two items are essential for protecting digital assets, with specific focuses on different facets. Properly identifying and managing risks specific to cloud environments can prevent data breaches and loss. Many industries have stringent regulations that apply differently to cloud and on-premises environments, thus compliance is an important factor. Besides, knowing where to focus resources and investments can enhance overall security posture, ensuring that both cloud and traditional IT infrastructures are adequately protected.
