The FREE Cybersecurity Glossary by Thor Pedersen!

Closed System: In computing, a closed system refers to a software or hardware system that is proprietary and restricts access to its data and operations from outside sources. It operates under strict control, often with no interoperability with other systems, and users cannot modify it freely. This is opposed to an open system, which is designed to be interoperable and modifiable. In thermodynamics, a closed system can exchange energy but not matter with its surroundings.

Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB): A service that acts as a gatekeeper, allowing organizations to extend their security policies beyond their own infrastructure to cloud services. It sits between the cloud service user and cloud applications and can enforce security policies such as authentication, single sign-on, and more. By providing visibility into and control over cloud applications, CASBs help organizations maintain compliance and protect data in the cloud.

Cloud auditing and compliance: The systematic evaluation of cloud-based systems and services to ensure that they meet regulatory and organizational security policies. This process helps verify that data is being handled in a manner that meets various compliance standards, such as GDPR, HIPAA, or SOC 2, and can involve both automated scans and manual reviews. These audits are critical in mitigating risk, identifying vulnerabilities, and ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of data in the cloud.

Cloud backups: The process of storing copies of digital data in a remote, cloud-based server. This practice is a key part of data loss prevention strategies, providing a safeguard against issues like hardware failure, accidental deletion, or cyberattacks. The cloud's scalability and accessibility advantages over traditional, on-premises backup methods make it an increasingly popular choice for ensuring data resilience and continuity.

Cloud brokers: Third-party entities that serve as intermediaries between cloud service providers and consumers. They simplify the purchasing process and assist customers in selecting services that best meet their needs. Furthermore, cloud brokers can provide value-added services such as managing contracts, handling service issues, and ensuring that performance and security requirements are met.

Cloud bursting: A strategy used to manage spikes in workload by dynamically allocating additional resources from a public cloud when the capacity of a private cloud is exceeded. This process can happen automatically and is seamless to the end-user. Cloud bursting provides a cost-effective solution to manage workload fluctuations without over-provisioning resources.