Businesses have begun to recognise the benefits of cloud computing and are adopting it to make their operations more efficient. However, using cloud platforms comes with security risks that businesses need to understand, assess, and plan for. Cloud security professionals are well aware of these risks and they develop strategies to counter them.

Implementing cloud security strategies comes with a lot of adaptation and innovation because business cloud platforms differ from each other, and cybercriminals often upgrade their hacking skills. Cloud computing platforms have also evolved over the years, and security tools have been upgraded as well. In 2024, these are the emerging trends of cloud security tools that businesses should take note of.

Machine learning and artificial intelligence

The world has recently experienced a widespread usage of machine learning (ML) and the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) to make software programmes more efficient and easier to use. This trend is also evident in the cloud security space. Cloud security software developers use ML and AI to make tools that are capable of quickly detecting and responding to cyber threats.

Building tools with zero trust architecture

Software developers are increasingly building cloud security tools with zero-trust architecture. These tools help businesses to always verify the identity of the users trying to access their cloud computing platforms. This zero-trust approach works on the principle of never trusting anyone, and always verifying their identity. It eliminates complacency and prevents security incidents from occurring.

Automation of security features

Automated cloud security tools are becoming more common because they allow cybersecurity professionals to automate routine security processes and response protocols. They also streamline businesses’ cloud security posture, giving them more opportunities to scale their operations.

Data privacy regulatory compliance

Compliance with data privacy regulations is one of the main drivers of cloud security initiatives in organisations. Government bodies have data protection laws that guide the usage and storage of data in cloud computing platforms. Non-compliance with these laws can result in fines, lawsuits, or business closures. Using cloud security tools to comply with data privacy regulations is also important to maintain trust and a positive reputation with consumers.

Greater use of managed cloud security services

Some businesses may find it challenging to hire and maintain the services of a cloud security expert who can effectively use the right tools to protect them from cyber threats. They outsource their cloud security to third-party companies that will monitor their cloud environment and respond adequately to threats and suspicious activities.

Increased capacity to prevent malware infections

Cybercriminals frequently upgrade their attacks and find new ways to inject malware into a business’ cloud computing platform. To combat this, software developers continue to evolve cloud security tools so they can detect and block ransomware attacks, DDoS attacks, and forms of malware from entering the system and causing damage.

Vulnerability detection

Cloud computing platforms are private by design so data stored on them can stay protected. Cloud security tools are also designed to be integrated with these platforms so they can detect vulnerabilities. The vulnerability detection capability will inform cybersecurity professionals of the problem so they can find and patch the vulnerabilities to prevent data breaches.

Types of cloud security tools

There are several types of cloud security tools that businesses can use to protect themselves. The tools a specific business uses depend on their unique security needs, design of their cloud environment, nature of operations, and likelihood of being attacked. Below are some of the common types of cloud security tools and a brief description of their features:

Access management tools

Access management tools allow employees to have distinct login credentials to a company’s cloud platform, instead of sharing a single account. These tools will verify the identity of any employee attempting to sign into the platform, keeping out cybercriminals.

Encryption tools

Encryption tools convert the data employees send to a cloud platform into an unreadable format before storing them. This makes it useless to any cybercriminal who intercepts it. Only legit authorised employees will have access to the encryption keys that can make the data decipherable.

Multi-factor authentication tools

Cloud security tools with multi-factor authentication capabilities validate the sign-in attempts of employees by sending them a code to confirm who is trying to access the cloud platform. This extra layer of protection has become crucial in recent years because companies are increasingly embracing a remote workforce.

Employees living in different countries or regions far away from their company’s office have to log into their cloud platform to do their work. The system has to ensure that it is them logging in, and not someone who stole their login information.

Security monitoring tools

There are security tools designed to detect intrusion and unusual activities in a cloud computing platform and notify the appropriate personnel to investigate them. These tools are usually also designed to detect and quarantine malware to prevent its spread to other parts of the platform.

Data loss prevention tools

Companies store their data on the cloud and install software programs there, but if they ever get attacked, the safety and security of their data become paramount. Data loss prevention tools keep data safe from internal and external threats and in some cases, they create backups to ease disaster recovery efforts.

Vulnerability scanning tools

Cloud security professionals use these tools to scan for vulnerabilities and proactively find threats in the system so they can eliminate them before they cause harm. This saves their business from being disrupted by cybercriminals who can exploit the vulnerabilities that may exist.

Endnote

Companies that use cloud computing platforms for their operations should consider using cloud security tools to secure their data and ensure their business goes on uninterrupted. Cybercriminals target companies that store their data online because they can hold them to ransom and make a lot of money. They can also steal their data and sell it to people on the dark web – or use consumers’ personal information to perform large-scale financial crimes.

Fortunately, cybersecurity professionals constantly innovate and develop new cloud security tools with a host of features to keep businesses safe.

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