Top 10 Cloud Security Interview Questions

Explain the shared responsibility model in cloud security

The cloud provider secures the servers and network, while you secure your apps and data. For example, AWS protects its data centers, but you must set strong passwords and access controls for your files.

How does multi-tenancy affect cloud security?

In multi-tenancy, many customers share the same servers. You must ensure your data is isolated, like keeping your documents in a private locker while sharing a building with others.

How to Secure Sensitive Data in a Multi-Cloud Setup

When your organization uses multiple cloud providers like AWS, Azure, and GCP, securing data becomes more challenging because each platform has its own tools, rules, and security features. To keep sensitive data safe, follow these key steps:

• Encryption Everywhere

  • Always encrypt data at rest (when stored) and in transit (when moving between clouds or to users).

  • Example: A file stored in AWS S3 and shared with Azure should be encrypted using a key that you control, so no one else can read it.

• Access Control and Identity Management

  • Use IAM (Identity and Access Management) across all clouds to control who can see or edit data.

  • Example: Finance team members can access financial reports in AWS, but not HR data in Azure.

• Consistent Security Policies

  • Keep uniform rules across all cloud providers. For example, enforce MFA, password policies, and data retention rules everywhere.

  • Use tools like Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM) to check configurations across multiple clouds.

• Monitoring and Logging

  • Continuously monitor cloud activity for suspicious behavior or unauthorized access.

  • Example: If a file in GCP is downloaded unexpectedly, a monitoring tool can alert security teams.

• Key Management (BYOK / CMK)

  • Manage your own encryption keys rather than relying fully on cloud providers.

  • Example: Using BYOK lets you control encryption keys across AWS, Azure, and GCP, so even if one cloud is compromised, your data stays secure.

How do you handle insider threats in cloud environments?

Limit permissions, monitor activity, and alert suspicious actions. For example, a finance employee cannot access HR files unless allowed.

Top Risks in Public Cloud Environments

Public cloud means that computing resources like servers, storage, and applications are hosted by a third-party provider (like AWS, Azure, or GCP) and shared among multiple users. While it’s convenient and scalable, there are several security risks you need to be aware of:

• Data Breaches

  • This happens when unauthorized users access sensitive data stored in the cloud.

• Misconfigurations

  • Cloud resources may be configured incorrectly, leaving them open to attacks.

• Weak Access Controls

  • Giving users more permissions than necessary increases risk.

• Insider Threats

  • Employees or contractors with authorized access may misuse data, intentionally or accidentally.

• Insecure APIs

  • Public cloud services often expose APIs to let users interact with resources. If these are not secured, attackers can exploit them.

• Account Hijacking

  • Attackers steal cloud credentials and gain control of your accounts.

Explain the concept of micro-segmentation

Micro-segmentation is a security approach that divides a network into smaller, isolated zones with their own rules. This way, if one zone is attacked, the others remain safe. For example, if hackers access the marketing section, they cannot reach the finance section. It helps limit damage and makes it harder for attackers to move inside the network.

How does cloud logging and monitoring differ from on-premises?

What are the challenges of identity and access management (IAM) in multi-cloud environments?

The main challenge of IAM in multi-cloud environments is that every cloud provider (AWS, Azure, GCP) has its own way of managing users, roles, and permissions. This makes it hard to keep rules consistent across all clouds. For example, a user might get limited access in AWS but accidentally get full access in Azure. Managing multiple logins, enforcing least privilege, and monitoring all activities together becomes complex. To fix this, companies use centralized IAM tools or Single Sign-On (SSO) to keep everything uniform and secure.

How do CASBs (Cloud Access Security Brokers) improve visibility in SaaS applications?

CASBs (Cloud Access Security Brokers) improve visibility in SaaS applications by acting as a security checkpoint between users and cloud apps. They show which apps employees are using, who is accessing data, and what files are being shared. For example, a CASB can detect if someone uploads confidential data to Google Drive and alert the security team. This helps organizations monitor usage, prevent data leaks, and stay compliant with rules.

What role does encryption at rest vs in transit play in cloud security?