Cloud security

Maximum protection of data and applications

Eine Hand hält eine schwebende, leuchtend weiße Cloud-Grafik mit einem Vorhängeschloss-Symbol im Inneren. Die Cloud ist von einem digitalen Netzwerk aus Punkten und Linien umgeben. Der Hintergrund ist eine dunkle Wand, beleuchtet von blauem und pinkem Neonlicht. Das Bild symbolisiert Cloud-Sicherheit, Datenschutz und den Schutz digitaler Infrastrukturen.

Cloud security means that data, programs and services stored or used in the cloud are protected against loss, theft and misuse. A cloud platform is a place on the internet where, for example, files can be stored and managed or where software can be used - without having to use memory on your own devices. However, to ensure that this data remains secure, an efficient security strategy is required, i.e. protective measures such as strong passwords, two-factor authentication and encryption.

Clear access rights and backups also ensure security so that only authorized users can actually access content in the cloud. Both the cloud provider and the users of the cloud are responsible for security. The cloud provider protects the technology behind it, while users themselves ensure secure settings and the correct handling of data. Without efficient cloud security, there is a risk of significant security risks such as data theft, hacker attacks or legal difficulties.

As a cloud provider, STACKIT helps to make your IT resources more modern and flexible. Various cloud services and data center services are offered for this purpose. We ensure that important and sensitive data remains secure in the cloud because it is stored in German and Austrian data centers in compliance with the GDPR. By providing and combining cloud and data center offerings, companies can design their IT resources as desired and at the same time take advantage of the benefits of cloud infrastructures. Find out everything you need to know about cloud security in this article.

The most important definitions of cloud security terms in this article

Cloud computing: Provision and use of IT resources such as storage, computing power or software via the internet instead of locally on your own devices. With cloud computing, users can make flexible use of these services - as required and without having to operate their own hardware.
Intrusion Prevention System (IPS): Security system for monitoring network traffic. This technology detects harmful activities in a computer network and automatically blocks them before they can cause any damage.
Threat: The term threat means threat. It therefore refers to a potential event, a possible danger to the security of data or systems in a cloud. This includes cyber attacks such as phishing, malware, ransomware, data leaks, insider threats or DDoS attacks. However, human errors and misconfigurations should also be considered as potential threats that can jeopardize the security, confidentiality, integrity and availability of IT systems and data in the cloud.
Governance: Governance refers to the entirety of all rules, guidelines and processes for managing data in a way that protects IT systems and also enables the protection of sensitive information.
Assets: The term assets refers to a company's resources that are managed in the cloud, such as data, applications, virtual machines, databases, network elements and even access data. Cloud asset management involves identifying, cataloging and monitoring all of these assets in order to identify risks at an early stage and provide targeted protection.
Georedundant data storage: Data is stored in at least two geographically separate data centers. The aim is to ensure the security and availability of data even in the event of major disruptions or technical failures and to be able to switch to the other location if one location fails.
Encryption: Protection of data and information by converting it into an unreadable code using algorithms.
Identity and access management (IAM): Management and control of user identities, including their access rights to systems and data in the cloud.
Multi-factor authentication (MFA): Authentication process in which at least two independent factors - such as a one-time code and a password - are used to verify identity. For this secure environment, users or employees must therefore provide several forms of proof in order to gain access to the data.
Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB): Security solution that sits between cloud users and cloud providers. This software mediates to enforce security policies and monitor data traffic.
Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA ): Security concept in which no user or device is classified as trustworthy. All access is therefore distrusted and carefully checked before access is granted.
Network security and firewalls: Protection mechanisms that monitor data traffic and thus help to prevent unauthorized access.
Data loss prevention (DLP): Technologies, strategies and guidelines such as data loss prevention prevent confidential information from accidentally or deliberately leaving the cloud environment.
Shared responsibility model: This model regulates which security tasks are to be assumed by the cloud provider and which by the customer.
Vulnerability scan: Tests designed to identify vulnerabilities in the cloud computing infrastructure.
Compliance: Compliance means adhering to legal and industry-specific regulations such as the GDPR or ISO 27001. Find out more about STACKIT's cloud certificates.

What advantages does cloud security with STACKIT offer companies?

When it comes to cloud security, STACKIT can offer a range of benefits that are particularly attractive for companies with high data protection, control and compliance requirements.

GDPR compliance and data sovereignty

STACKIT stores and processes all data records exclusively in its own data centers in Germany and Austria. As a cloud provider, we therefore meet the strictest European data protection requirements and ensure that no unauthorized persons have access to data. This is a decisive advantage in terms of security for users compared to numerous international cloud providers.

Maximum security

STACKIT data centers are ISO 27001-certified and therefore meet the highest international standards for IT security. Additional security measures such as geo-redundant data storage, role-based access controls and secure data isolation offer even more comprehensive protection for confidential information.

Security by default

Access from the Internet is not activated by default, but can be controlled individually if required. Firewalls and networks can be easily configured via the STACKIT portal, allowing companies to flexibly adapt their security rules.

Independence and transparency

STACKIT relies on open standards and transparent processes. This allows companies to retain full control over all data and avoid dependencies on global cloud providers, which also reduces the risk of vendor lock-in and unwanted data access.

High availability and scalability

Our platform is scalable and powerful, so it is also designed for high-availability scenarios. This enables companies to operate even critical applications securely and efficiently.

Sustainability

STACKIT uses renewable energy to operate its data centers and is therefore pursuing a sustainable strategy as a company itself. For many companies, such solutions are another plus!

The most important security measures in cloud computing

Powerful cloud security must cover central functions in order to comprehensively protect data, applications and infrastructure in the cloud:

Identity management and access controls play a major role. Only authorized users should have access to cloud resources. This can be ensured using strong passwords or multi-factor authentication (MFA), for example. Sensitive data must be encrypted both in transit and at rest to protect it from unauthorized access. Network security also plays an important role: the use of firewalls, network segmentation and intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS) protects the cloud computing infrastructure from unauthorized access and attacks.

Continuous monitoring and logging generally help to identify suspicious activities and attacks at an early stage and respond appropriately. Regular backups also offer the opportunity to minimize data loss. Adherence to legal and industry-specific requirements (compliance and data protection) is essential. Companies can avoid legal risks through effective data protection . User security awareness is also particularly important. A company's employees need to understand cloud security risks such as insecure passwords or phishing.

The most effective types of encryption in cloud management

End-to-end encryption (E2EE) offers maximum protection, as data is encrypted both during transmission and storage and can only be decrypted by the sender and the recipient. The cloud provider has no access to the keys, which significantly reduces the risk.
The so-called zero knowledge principle also ensures that cloud providers have no access to encrypted data. Here, the data is encrypted before it is uploaded to the cloud environment.
Transport encryption (TLS) protects the data during transmission between the cloud server and client. This prevents attackers from intercepting or manipulating data records en route.
Server-side encryption, such as AES-256), stores data in encrypted form on the cloud provider's server after it has been uploaded. This encryption technology is considered the gold standard for symmetric encryption and is generally used very frequently.

A person works on a laptop and tablet, while the screen is overlaid with glowing red warning symbols (exclamation mark in a triangle) and "System Warning" messages. Digital interface elements with "AI" and "DATA" labels are also visible. The image symbolizes cybersecurity threats, data breaches, system failures, or the need for digital protection measures.

The most common cloud risks and threats at a glance

Danger from misconfigurations: Misconfigurations, such as incorrectly set up cloud solutions, are one of the biggest vulnerabilities that often allow attackers unauthorized access to data and systems.

Inadequate access and identity management: A lack of multi-factor authentication, weak passwords or poorly managed access rights make it easier for attackers to access cloud environments, including confidential data.

Attacks via insecure APIs: Vulnerabilities or insecure programming points in APIs offer attackers a broad attack surface for manipulating systems or stealing data.

Ransomware and malware attacks: Malware is capable of encrypting, stealing and using data or paralyzing cloud services.

Phishing attacks: Attackers also often use fake websites or emails to obtain access data from cloud users and take over accounts in the next step.

Unauthorized access: These lead to data theft or the disclosure of confidential data, often with serious consequences for companies.

Security gaps: Inadequate security solutions, lack of monitoring or non-updated systems increase the risk of data loss and attacks.

Tips, tricks & important information for your cloud security with STACKIT

Don't forget to monitor both cloud computing environments. Use monitoring tools to detect suspicious activities at an early stage. Logs are very important for security solutions for companies, as they help to investigate in the event of an emergency.

Cloud security with STACKIT - a key success factor for companies

Cloud security is the be-all and end-all for the success of companies that rely on cloud solutions. Modern encryption technologies, strict access controls and geo-redundant storage are just some of the powerful security measures that STACKIT provides for companies. Rely on secure, data-sovereign cloud solutions with STACKIT and retain full control over all your data.

FAQ - frequently asked questions about cloud security

What are the biggest cloud security risks?

The biggest cloud security risks include misconfigurations, data breaches, insecure interfaces and inadequate identity and credential management.

What are the components of cloud security?

Data encryption, intrusion detection systems (IDS or attack detection systems), firewall protection, security information and event management (SIEM) are among the components of cloud security solutions.

How is the cloud environment protected against threats?

Cloud security includes various security services such as access control, encryption, detection and regular security assessments.