What are the differences between cloud security and traditional IT security?

Cloud security is fundamentally different from traditional IT security practices in several ways:

1. Shared Responsibility Model: In cloud security, there is a shared responsibility model between the cloud service provider and the customer. The provider is responsible for securing the infrastructure, while the customer is responsible for securing their data and applications.

2. Dynamic Nature: Cloud environments are highly dynamic, with resources being provisioned and de-provisioned rapidly. Traditional security practices may not be as agile and adaptive to these changes.

3. Network Perimeter: Traditional IT security often relies on a strong network perimeter defense. In cloud environments, where data and services are distributed across multiple locations and devices, the network perimeter is more fluid and less defined.

4. Identity and Access Management: Cloud security places a strong emphasis on identity and access management, with technologies such as multi-factor authentication and identity federation playing a crucial role in securing access to cloud resources.

5. Compliance and Regulations: Cloud security requires compliance with a different set of regulations and standards compared to traditional IT security. Understanding and adhering to these requirements is essential for maintaining a secure cloud environment.

6. Data Protection: With data being stored and processed across distributed cloud environments, data protection mechanisms such as encryption and data loss prevention take on added importance in cloud security.

In summary, cloud security differs from traditional IT security practices in terms of shared responsibility, agility, network perimeter, identity management, compliance, and data protection.