Cloud security monitoring and analytics solutions are tools used to improve visibility and security monitoring across networks and cloud-based applications. The software can be used to monitor cloud-based applications, virtualized environments, and/or other cloud infrastructure. Furthermore, cloud security and analytics tools are used to identify potential risks and root them out to avoid impacting business-critical functions and prevent compliance violations and fines.
Cloud monitoring and analytics are typically performed by IT and security staff on a continual basis. Monitoring features help companies build an inventory of cloud assets and discover new ones as they are created or connected. Analytics features typically assist with examining risks associated with cloud environments, helping companies prioritize issues in order of impact. Other common features include user monitoring, sensitive data discovery, and security policy enforcement.
There is some overlap between cloud security monitoring and analytics software and user and entity behavioral analysis (UEBA) software. Both tools are designed to discover abnormalities and monitor user behavior, but UEBA solutions may be used either within the cloud or on premises and provide fewer overall security analysis features.
To qualify for inclusion in the Cloud Security Monitoring and Analytics category, a product must:
Monitor files and data for activity and compliance
Report on user activity and cloud security risks
Detect abnormal behavior and/or anomalies to alert security teams
