What Is Cloud Security?

In today's society, we are more connected than ever. Cloud security is a broad set of technologies, policies, and applications that are applied to defend online IP, services, applications, and other imperative data against cyber threats and malicious activity.

What are the main benefits of cloud security?

Cloud security helps you better manage security for the way the world works today. It shields users against threats anywhere they access the Internet, and it secures your data and applications in the cloud. Additional benefits of cloud security include:

  • Blocks threats earlier. Stop malware before it spreads to your network or endpoints and decrease the time spent remediating infections.
  • Enables more secure cloud use. Improve security without impacting end-user productivity.
  • Helps secure users, data, and apps. Protect apps, data, and users in the cloud against compromised accounts, malware, and data breaches. Better support policy compliance.
  • Extends protection. Eliminate blind spots and better secure users anywhere they go and anywhere they access the Internet.

Why is cloud application security important? 

In our multicloud world, we have the freedom to choose what stays on-premises and what lives on different private, public, or hybrid clouds. While connecting to all those clouds is easy, managing the different environments can get complicated--fast. Even if you are connecting directly, you don't usually own certain connections. Colocation connections complicate matters even more; this includes all of the devices your workforce uses to access cloud-based apps. 

How to secure the public cloud?

Securing the public cloud is an increasingly difficult challenge for businesses. As a result, IT departments are constantly seeking a cloud-delivered security solution that provides sufficient end-user security.

Cisco Cloud Security products extend protection to all aspects of your business. For instance, Cisco Umbrella secures cloud access and Cisco Cloudlock helps safeguard the use of SaaS applications. Additionally, Cisco Email Security blocks and remediates email threats, Stealthwatch Cloud monitors your SaaS instances and creates alerts for suspicious activities. Cisco Cloud Security products deliver a broad, effective security solution for your multicloud world.

Types of cloud security threats

Malware

Malware is a type of software designed to gain unauthorized access or cause damage to a computer. 

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Ransomware 

Ransomware is a type of malicious software designed to extort money by blocking access to files or the computer system until a ransom is paid. Paying the ransom does not guarantee that the files will be recovered or the system restored.

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Phishing

Phishing is the practice of sending fraudulent emails that resemble emails from reputable sources, with the aim to steal sensitive data like credit card numbers and login information. Phishing is the most common type of cyber attack. You can help protect yourself through education or a technology solution that filters malicious emails.

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Social engineering

Social engineering is a tactic that adversaries use to trick you into revealing sensitive information. It is used to solicit a monetary payment or gain access to your confidential data. Social engineering can be combined with any of the threats listed above to make you more likely to click on malicious links, download malware, or trust a malicious source.

Learn more about social engineering tactics >