Believe it or not, there’s more to cloud security than just ensuring your data is protected. There are three different categories of cloud security that you need to be aware of: Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS). Let’s take a closer look at each one.
What are the Three Categories of Cloud Security?
Today’s technology is replete with references to the “Cloud.” Many programs and gadgets interface with the cloud, whether for data storage or communication with colleagues and friends. But what exactly is a cloud? Cloud computing is divided into three categories: Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS), and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) (SaaS).
Rackspace refers to these three services like the Cloud Computing Stack, with SaaS on top, PaaS in the center, and IaaS at the bottom. Because customers interact with software housed in the cloud rather than the platform or infrastructure on which it runs, SaaS sits at the top of the stack. Users may build and deploy apps using PaaS. IaaS refers to the infrastructure and hardware that run the cloud.
Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) (IaaS)
Users can rent the infrastructure itself, including servers, data center space, and software, through IaaS. The main advantage of renting infrastructure over owning it is that users can increase the amount of space required at any moment.
Online merchants may require more server capacity to manage strong traffic during the holiday season than off-season. IaaS allows retailers to save money by paying for what they will use within a specific time window.
Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) (PaaS)
Developers may use PaaS to create apps, collaborate on projects, and test application functionality without buying or managing infrastructure. As long as there is an internet connection, development platforms may be accessible, allowing team members to stay connected and work.
Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)
Purchasing new software used to be an extremely expensive and time-consuming procedure for businesses. However, because the program installs on the cloud server, it deploys with SaaS. Users, like PaaS, simply need a computer with an internet connection to utilize the program, and they never have to bother about upgrading or patching it.
SaaS can cut expenses because consumers just pay for what they use and do not have to maintain the program.
What is Cloud Security?
Data security is a very important aspect of cloud computing. As more and more businesses move their operations to the cloud, the importance of this issue becomes even clearer. In today’s data-driven economy, the information held by your company can give you a competitive edge in the marketplace or potentially devastate your business.
However, some risks are unique to cloud computing. These include:
Lack of visibility into your data servers
Lack of control over your hardware and software. The Lack of physical control over your data. These issues can be addressed with a well-planned security strategy that considers all three aspects of cloud security.
Security for the SaaS layer involves encrypting data so that it is safe when it travels between a client’s infrastructure and the company’s network. The user should have control over their password encryption. They should also have control over accessing the decryption keys.
SaaS providers should provide users with Web application firewall protection for internal and external customers. This will block unwanted access to their applications from hackers on the Internet.