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Cloud Security

What is Cloud Security?

The practices, tools, and policies that protect data, applications, and infrastructure hosted in cloud environments (e.g., Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, AWS). Cloud providers secure the underlying infrastructure, but you are responsible for configuring access controls, enabling MFA, managing permissions, and protecting your data. This "shared responsibility model" means a misconfigured cloud account is your problem, not the provider's.

Addressed under Baseline Control BC.11 (Cloud and Outsourced IT Security).

Why this matters for Canadian businesses

Understanding Cloud Security is part of building a security programme that meets the 13 Baseline Cyber Security Controls published by the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (ITSM.10.089) — the Government of Canada's recommended minimum standard for small and medium organizations. You can measure your organization against all 13 controls with our free cybersecurity assessment.

For the wider picture on how Canadian small and medium businesses are performing, see The Cybersecurity Canada Report 2026, our annual benchmark of incident rates, breach costs, and regulation affecting Canadian organizations.

Cite This Page

Suggested citation:

Cybersecurity Canada (2026). Cloud Security. Retrieved from https://cybersecuritycanada.ca/glossary/cloud-security/

Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for general educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute professional cybersecurity, legal, IT, compliance, or risk management advice. All content, including assessment results, scores, grades, and recommendations, is provided on a best-effort, "as is" basis without warranties of any kind. We expressly disclaim liability for any errors, omissions, or inaccuracies. Organizations should consult with qualified cybersecurity professionals and legal counsel to assess their specific situation. Use of this website or the assessment tool does not create a professional-client relationship. See our Terms of Use for full details.

Cybersecurity Canada is an independent resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security, the Communications Security Establishment, or the Government of Canada.

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