Advo IT Expert, Colin Middleton, continues with his series on Cyber Security, this month focussing on Cloud Security.
What is Cloud Security?
Cloud Security refers to the set of policies, technologies, and controls used to protect data, applications, and services hosted in the cloud. As more organisations move to platforms like Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Google Cloud, keeping cloud environments secure is critical.
Why It Matters
Cloud computing offers flexibility, scalability, and cost savings—but it also introduces unique security challenges. Misconfigured settings, weak access controls, and shared responsibility can lead to data breaches and compliance risks.
Key Components of Cloud Security:
- Identity and Access Management (IAM): Ensures that only authorised users and services can access specific cloud resources.
- Cloud Firewalls: Protect cloud-based applications from unauthorised traffic.
- Data Encryption: Protects data at rest and in transit.
- Security Monitoring & Logging: Tracks activity to detect anomalies or potential breaches.
- Cloud Access Security Brokers (CASBs): Provide visibility and control over data movement between cloud services.
Tips for Better Cloud Security:
- Use strong IAM policies and implement multi-factor authentication (MFA).
- Regularly audit and review user permissions.
- Encrypt sensitive data before uploading it to the cloud.
- Monitor cloud services for suspicious behaviour or unauthorised access.
- Understand your cloud provider’s shared responsibility model—know what you secure vs what they secure.
Did You Know?
Nearly 45% of cloud security breaches are due to misconfiguration. Regular audits and automated tools can help catch and correct these issues before they’re exploited.
Next Issue: We’ll focus on Identity and Access Management (IAM) and how it forms the backbone of a secure digital environment.