What Are Cloud Security Tools?

Cloud security tools are vital components of cybersecurity for companies moving workloads, applications, or data to the cloud. Cloud computing is increasingly relevant for modern businesses as innovations like generative artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) drive the adoption of cloud services that companies can access without investing in their IT infrastructure. The cloud services market is projected to reach $476 billion by 2028, growing from $292 billion since 2024 [1]. 

The drive to implement cloud solutions will make it even more essential for companies to protect their cloud data from cyber threats. Depending on your organization’s needs, you can choose from various cloud security tools with different features and service models. 

Explore cloud security tools, their features, and how you can use them to help protect and secure your cloud data. 

What are cloud security tools?

Cloud security tools are resources you can use to ensure that your data and files stored in the cloud are safe and protected from cyberattacks. You’ll find cloud security tools in three different service models: 

• Infrastructure as a service (IaaS): IaaS allows you to access the cybersecurity infrastructure you need on a pay-as-you-go basis that scales with your organization. This can include computing power, storage, and other resources. 

• Software as a service (SaaS): SaaS offers the ability to access cloud security tools through software hosted on a company’s website. You may access those tools anywhere you can connect to the internet without downloading the cloud security program on your computer or network. 

• Platform as a service (PaaS): PaaS goes beyond the software and infrastructure you’ll need for cloud security tools and includes additional tools like business intelligence and database management tools, along with resources to help you develop your customized cloud security solutions. 

What can you use cloud security tools for?

You can use cloud security tools to protect your company’s data from cyberattacks, such as phishing, ransomware, and distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks. Some of the main reasons you might need cloud security tools include: 

• Monitoring data and managing access: Cloud security tools can help you control who has access to your data by managing permissions. You can use the tools to ensure individual users have the right level of access for their needs, detect potentially malicious actors, and ensure compliance. 

• Identifying security incidents and prompting a response: Cloud security tools constantly monitor your assets to identify and analyze security incidents in real time. When your cloud security tools watch out for potential cyber threats around the clock, your team can move faster when an incident occurs to minimize risk and contain the threat. 

• Protecting your data preventatively: Cloud security solutions, such as encryption, can help you create a robust framework that protects your data proactively. Encryption transforms the data you send to the cloud into an unreadable jumble while in transit, making it more difficult for someone to intercept it and rendering it useless if the data is lost or stolen. 

• Complying with privacy regulations and best practices: Cloud security tools can help you minimize the risks associated with noncompliance. Not only does following privacy regulations help protect you from cyber threats, but it also protects you from penalties and fees. 

Types of cloud security tools 

Different cloud security tools offer varying features. Considering the most important features for your organization can help you decide which tools will be best for your cloud data security. Some examples of cloud security tools include identity and access management, cloud security posture management, cloud workload protection, cloud access security brokers, and security information and event management. 

Identity and access management (IAM)

Identity and access management is a tool for ensuring that every user with access to your data is authorized to interact with it. These tools can also ensure that each user has the right amount of access for their needs, helping you keep sensitive information private. 

Cloud security posture management (CSPM)

Cloud security posture management tools help you monitor and correct errors in your cloud configuration. Risky configurations, improper uses of cloud entitlements, insecure interfaces, and other technical components of your cloud connection can pose a security risk. CSPM tools automatically detect and fix these errors. 

Cloud workload protection (CWP)

Cloud workload protection helps protect workflows and containers from cyberattacks while in transit to or from your cloud network. Working in a cloud application creates a workload of functions, capabilities, services, and applications that utilize cloud-based resources. A workload has a larger “attack surface,” increasing your risk of exposure as you increase cloud-based work. CWP helps you decrease your risk and monitor threats. 

Cloud access security broker (CASB)

A cloud access security broker is a type of cloud security tool that provides a wide range of protections against cyber threats and acts as an enforcement point between the cloud and your network. CASBs are similar to a security team guarding a door and checking the credentials and authorization of every user entering. They offer a range of enforcement policies, such as encryption and authentication. 

Security information and event management (SIEM)

Security information and event management (SIEM) is a tool that combines security information, such as managing cloud security posture, with security event management, such as identifying and responding when security events occur. SIEM tools allow you to consolidate data for better management and provide you with a central dashboard to monitor threats and see data visualizations in real time. 

Other types of cloud security tools

In addition, many other cloud security tools enable you to tailor your cloud security to your organization’s needs. These include the following: 

• Cloud infrastructure entitlement management (CIEM)

• API security 

• Data loss prevention (DLP)

• Static application security testing (SAST)

• Cloud object storage tools

• Endpoint detection and response (EDR)

Cloud security tool examples 

You can choose from various cloud security tools, including IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS models, each with different features to meet your organization’s needs. You can also find cloud security tools for your personal cloud computing needs. A few prominent companies that offer cloud security solutions include: 

• Cisco Cloudlock

• Palo Alto Networks

• SentinelOne

• Microsoft Defender

• AWS

What are the four types of cloud security controls?

While you can choose from different types of cloud security tools, it’s good practice to cover all four cloud security measures: these include preventative measures to stop security incidents before they occur, deterrents that make it less likely for bad-faith actors to access your data, and security measures that detect when cyberattacks arise so you can quickly implement your fourth type of cloud security control—corrective actions to repair damage and restore your data. 

How to choose the best cloud security tools 

Deciding on the best cloud security tools or suite of tools for your company’s needs depends on several factors, like how large your company is, the type of cloud services you use, and the importance of regulatory compliance in your industry. For example, suppose you have a website or network with many users who require personalized access levels. In that case, you may prioritize a cloud security tool that emphasizes identity access management. Or if you want a dashboard view of security monitoring and response, you may prefer a security information and event management tool. 

Another factor to consider is which service model works best for your company. A SaaS service model is a completely packaged cloud security tool that customers can access and manipulate using fewer technical skills. IaaS and PaaS models allow more customization to create cloud security tools that meet your exact needs, but they require higher skill levels to successfully implement in your system. 

The importance of regulatory compliance in your industry may be another deciding factor in the cloud security tools you choose. Industries like health care, retail, and finance must follow strict privacy and data guidelines. If your company is subject to regulations, you may prioritize cloud security tools that help meet those guidelines.

Learn more about cloud security tools on Coursera

Cloud security tools are essential to an organization’s cybersecurity strategy. 

Learn about cybersecurity and how to use cloud security tools on Coursera with the IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate. Discover cybersecurity fundamentals, how to manage database vulnerabilities in operating systems administration and security, and how to use cybersecurity tools and techniques to perform penetration testing, respond to incidents, and conduct forensics.