What does cloud security protect?

Cloud security primarily protects data and applications stored and processed in cloud computing environments. As organizations increasingly rely on cloud services for various applications and storage solutions, ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of this data becomes crucial.

Cloud security encompasses various practices, technologies, and policies designed to safeguard sensitive data against threats such as unauthorized access, data breaches, and loss. This includes implementing encryption for data at rest and in transit, using identity and access management controls, and employing security measures like firewalls and intrusion detection systems within the cloud environment.

In contrast, other options focus on security aspects that fall outside the scope of cloud-specific protections. For example, protecting physical assets in an office relates more to physical security measures rather than cloud security. Network hardware protection is more aligned with perimeter security and traditional network defense approaches, and concerns about software installed on individual devices are connected to endpoint security, which does not specifically address the unique challenges posed by cloud environments. Thus, the focus of cloud security firmly lies on safeguarding the data and applications utilized within cloud computing services.