Cloud security
Cloud security is a set of technologies, policies and procedures for protecting cloud data, applications and infrastructure from unauthorized access, leaks and cyberattacks. It ensures the continuity of business processes and compliance with strict regulatory requirements.
Contents
- What is cloud security in simple words
- Main principles of cloud security
- 1. Data encryption
- 2. Access management (IAM)
- 3. Monitoring and audit
- 4. Backup
- Deployment models of cloud services
- 1. Public cloud
- 2. Private cloud
- 3. Hybrid cloud
- Main threats to cloud security
- 1. Data leak
- 2. Incorrect configuration
- 3. Account compromise
- 4. Insider threats
- How to choose a cloud provider
What is cloud security in simple words
Cloud security is the practice of protecting data, applications and services hosted in the cloud from threats and attacks such as data theft, information leaks or attacks on infrastructure. It includes controls, procedures and technologies for protecting data from external and internal threats.
With the growing popularity of cloud technologies, risks are also growing. In 2025, more than 80% of companies used cloud services, and almost half of them faced security incidents. Cloud security is becoming critically important for protecting business from financial losses and reputational risks.
The key difference between cloud security and traditional security is the shared responsibility model. Security in the cloud is distributed between the provider and the client. The provider is responsible for protecting the base infrastructure (hardware, physical security of data centers, virtualization), and the client is responsible for protecting what is hosted in the cloud (access configuration, operating systems, security of end devices, encryption and data management).
In Russia, the use of cloud services is regulated by Law No. 242-FZ on the localization of personal data, which requires storing the data of Russian citizens on servers located on the territory of the Russian Federation. About how to comply with the requirements of regulators, read the article Information security.
Main principles of cloud security
1. Data encryption
Using cryptography to protect information during its transmission (in transit) and storage (at rest). Even if an attacker gains access to the data, without the encryption key he will not be able to read it. About how encryption works, read the article Encryption.
2. Access management (IAM)
Implementing strict access control to resources. The policies of least privilege are used (the user receives only those rights that are necessary for work), multi-factor authentication (MFA) and regular access audits.
3. Monitoring and audit
Constant analysis of network traffic and system logs for timely detection of anomalies and prevention of threats. SIEM systems collect and analyze security events from all resources. About how SIEM systems work, read the article SIEM.
4. Backup
Regular creation of backups to prevent complete data loss in the event of attacks (for example, ransomware) or failures. It is recommended to use the 3-2-1 rule: 3 copies of data, 2 different types of media, 1 copy outside the cloud or office. About how backup works, read the article Data backup.
Deployment models of cloud services
1. Public cloud
Resources are provided via the internet and are available to any user. Examples: Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, Yandex Cloud. Advantages: scalability, savings, no maintenance costs. Disadvantages: shared infrastructure with other clients, data leak risks.
2. Private cloud
The infrastructure is used exclusively by one organization. It can be hosted in its own data center or with a provider. Advantages: full control, increased security. Disadvantages: high maintenance costs.
3. Hybrid cloud
A combination of public and private cloud. Critical data and applications are stored in a private cloud, and public resources are used for less sensitive tasks. Advantages: flexibility, optimal price and security ratio.
Main threats to cloud security
1. Data leak
The most common threat. Causes: configuration errors, application vulnerabilities, account compromise. A data leak can lead to financial losses, regulatory fines and loss of client trust.
2. Incorrect configuration
Errors in setting up cloud resources — open storage buckets, public access to databases, lack of encryption. This is one of the main causes of data leaks. According to research, more than 70% of cloud leaks are associated with configuration errors.
3. Account compromise
Attackers use phishing, password guessing and attacks on accounts to gain access to cloud resources. The use of weak passwords and the lack of MFA significantly increase the risks. About how to protect accounts, read the article Verification.
4. Insider threats
Threats from employees — both malicious (data theft) and accidental (errors, carelessness). To minimize risks, it is necessary to implement DLP systems and conduct regular staff training. About how DLP systems work, read the article DLP.
How to choose a cloud provider
When choosing a cloud provider, pay attention to the following criteria:
- Security certificates: the presence of compliance certificates (ISO 27001, PCI DSS, FSTEC, FSB). About what PCI DSS is, read the article PCI DSS.
- Encryption: support for data encryption in transit and at rest, encryption key management.
- Physical security: protection of data centers, access control, fire extinguishing systems.
- Data localization: the presence of data centers on the territory of Russia (requirement of 242-FZ).
- Support: round-the-clock technical support, the presence of an SLA (service level agreement).
Read more about choosing cloud solutions in the article Infrastructure.
Frequently asked questions
What is cloud security in simple words?
Cloud security is the protection of your data stored in the cloud (for example, in Yandex Disk, Google Drive or corporate cloud systems). It is like security for your digital files: encryption, access control, protection from hacking. Read more about encryption in the article Encryption.
What are the main threats to cloud security?
The main threats: data leaks (due to configuration errors), incorrect configuration of cloud resources (open buckets, public databases), account compromise (weak passwords, lack of two-factor authentication) and insider threats (errors or malicious actions of employees). About how to protect accounts, read the article Verification.
Who is responsible for security in the cloud?
Responsibility is divided between the provider and the client. The provider protects the infrastructure (data centers, equipment, networks). The client is responsible for access configuration, operating systems, data encryption and the security of end devices. This is called the shared responsibility model. Read more about the division of responsibility in the article Infrastructure.
What standards regulate cloud security?
The main standards: ISO 27001 (international information security management standard), PCI DSS (for processing payment data), FSTEC and FSB (Russian certificates for government organizations). Also in force is 242-FZ on data localization — the data of Russian citizens must be stored on servers in the Russian Federation. About what PCI DSS is, read the article PCI DSS.
How to choose a secure cloud provider?
When choosing, check: the presence of security certificates (ISO 27001, PCI DSS, FSTEC), support for data encryption, the presence of data centers in Russia (to comply with 242-FZ), round-the-clock technical support and SLA. Also study user reviews and the provider's security reports. About choosing cloud solutions, read the article Fintech.
What is the shared responsibility model in the cloud?
This is a principle according to which cloud security is divided between the provider and the client. The provider is responsible for the security of the infrastructure (physical servers, networks, hypervisors). The client is responsible for the security of what he places in the cloud (operating systems, applications, data, access settings). It is important to understand this in order not to allow gaps in protection. About data protection, read the article Information security.
What will happen if cloud security is not observed?
The consequences can be serious: leakage of confidential data, financial losses, regulatory fines (up to 6 million rubles under 152-FZ), loss of client trust, stoppage of business processes. In some cases — criminal liability for managers. About how to protect data and avoid fines, read the article Information security.
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