A degree in information assurance, cybersecurity or a related field can build the technical and analytical skills needed for cloud security roles, from managing access controls to responding to incidents.
By: The Capella University Editorial Team
Reading time: 3 min read
The shift to cloud computing is transforming how people work and live, and is reshaping what it takes to keep information secure.
Remote servers make this possible, storing, managing and processing data so users can access information and applications on demand through a network connection.
Protecting that data falls to cloud security, which guards cloud-based data, applications and infrastructure from unauthorized access, loss and disruption. Cloud privacy, meanwhile, covers how organizations collect, use, share and store personal or sensitive information in those services.
Here are four things to know about cloud privacy and security:
As businesses work to support a growing remote workforce and search for more scalable and efficient storage solutions, a host of new products and services are available to secure cloud-based data assets. According to a report by global market research firm MarketsandMarkets, the global cloud security market is expected to grow from $34 billion in 2026 to around $59 billion in 2031.
Fitness trackers and connected apps can log steps, location and pulse data. As Internet of Things (IoT) devices, they can also provide an entry point to cloud-based services if an unauthorized person gains access.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) publishes cybersecurity guidance for IoT device manufacturers, covering foundational practices for securing connected devices throughout their lifecycle.
According to ISC2’s 2025 Cybersecurity Workforce Study, 59% of organizations report critical or significant skills shortages, up from 44% the year before – with cloud security as the second most-cited shortage area, named by 36% of respondents. As more tasks are being handled in the cloud, companies are looking for professionals with the right skills to tackle today’s cloud security challenges.
Reused passwords, installed malware, delayed updates and ignored procedures all turn users and employees into potential security risks. Organizations can reduce these risks by requiring multifactor authentication, limiting access to the systems each person needs, keeping devices patched and training employees to recognize phishing attempts. Clear incident-response procedures also help teams report and contain suspected security events quickly.
Cloud security teams need people who can manage identity and access controls, protect data, monitor systems, respond to incidents and help employees follow security procedures.
Discover how a Bachelor of Science in IT, Information Assurance and Cybersecurity, Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Applied AI or Master of Science in Information Technology, Cybersecurity can prepare you for the challenges of an information security career.
A degree in information assurance, cybersecurity or a related field can build the technical and analytical skills needed for cloud security roles, from managing access controls to responding to incidents.
Useful skills include cybersecurity fundamentals, such as identifying and responding to security threats and assessing and managing risk, plus cloud-specific abilities like configuring identity and access controls, securing cloud infrastructure and staying current on relevant compliance requirements.
Cybersecurity is the broader field of protecting digital systems and data. Cloud security focuses specifically on protecting cloud-based infrastructure, services and information.
We've received your message and will get back to you soon.
