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Cloud Services Overview

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Cloud Services Overview

Created: 2025-11-25 Tags: fundamentals cloud infrastructure services

Description

Cloud services provide on-demand access to computing resources, storage, and applications over the internet. Understanding cloud computing is essential for modern cybersecurity professionals.

Key Concepts

Major Cloud Providers

  • Amazon Web Services (AWS): Market leader, comprehensive services
  • Microsoft Azure: Enterprise integration, hybrid cloud
  • Google Cloud Platform (GCP): Data analytics, machine learning
  • iCloud: Apple’s consumer cloud service
  • Google Suite: Google Workspace for collaboration
  • MS Office Suite: Microsoft 365 cloud offering

Service Models

  • IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service): Virtual machines, storage, networks
  • PaaS (Platform as a Service): Development platforms, databases
  • SaaS (Software as a Service): Applications delivered over internet

Deployment Models

  • Public Cloud: Shared infrastructure, multi-tenant
  • Private Cloud: Dedicated infrastructure, single organization
  • Hybrid Cloud: Combination of public and private
  • Multi-Cloud: Using multiple cloud providers

Security Considerations

Shared Responsibility Model

  • Cloud Provider: Physical security, infrastructure, hypervisor
  • Customer: Data, applications, access management, OS patching

Common Security Concerns

  • Data breaches: Unauthorized access to cloud data
  • Misconfiguration: Publicly exposed storage buckets
  • Account hijacking: Compromised credentials
  • API vulnerabilities: Insecure interfaces
  • Insider threats: Malicious cloud administrators

Cloud Security Tools

  • Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM)
  • Cloud Access Security Brokers (CASB)
  • Cloud Workload Protection Platforms (CWPP)

Security Best Practices

  • Enable MFA on all cloud accounts
  • Use principle of least privilege
  • Encrypt data at rest and in transit
  • Regular security audits and monitoring
  • Implement proper access controls
  • Use cloud-native security tools
  • Regular backup and disaster recovery testing

Practical Applications

  • Securing cloud infrastructure
  • Migrating from on-premises to cloud
  • Implementing cloud security architectures
  • Compliance in cloud environments

Back to: 00-MOC-Cybersecurity-Roadmap

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