The Best Cloud Security Tools for 2024: Most companies and organizations store information and data on cloud services. While cloud systems are among the most secure sources, they remain vulnerable to various threats and weaknesses. Therefore, businesses need to ensure their systems and data are always protected from these threats.
Given the numerous security risks faced by cloud environments, companies must be able to automatically detect security issues and proactively identify risks.
Cloud security tools are software solutions that prevent attacks, identify and fix vulnerabilities, and assist in responding to incidents when they occur.
We will list the best cloud security tools you can use. Stay tuned.
How to Choose a Cloud Security Tool
When selecting, testing, and choosing cloud security tools, consider the following:
What problem are you trying to solve?
Start by identifying the security feature gap you are trying to fill to clarify the features and functionalities the tool needs to provide.
Who will need to use it?
To assess costs and requirements, consider who will use the platform and how many licenses you will need. You will need to evaluate whether it’s just the IT team or the entire organization that will need access. Once that’s clear, think about whether you prioritize ease of use for everyone or speed of access.
What other tools will it need to work with?
Clarify which tools you will replace, which will remain, and which will need to integrate. This may include your current cloud infrastructure, various data sources, and your overall tech stack.
What outcomes do you want?
Consider the outcome that the tool needs to achieve for it to be deemed successful. Think about the capabilities you want to gain, what you want to improve, and how you will measure success. If you don’t think about the outcomes you want to achieve, you may waste a lot of valuable time.
How will it work within your organization?
Consider choosing a tool that fits your workflow. Evaluate what works well and the areas causing issues that need addressing. Remember that every business is different—don’t assume that a well-known tool will succeed in your organization.
Top Cloud Security Tools for 2024
My evaluations of the best cloud security tools will cover key features, integration options, and much more. Let’s get started.
1. Rippling IT
Best for managing cloud-based devices and applications
Free trial available
Rating: 4.8/5
Why I chose Rippling IT:
Rippling IT works well as a cloud security tool. You can control which employees have access to applications and data through role-based access control, and these permissions are automatically updated when employees change roles. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is included, adding another layer of security to cloud applications.
Key features and integrations:
Features include mobile device management (MDM) that allows you to manage and secure all your team's devices from a single dashboard, ensuring compliance with your policies. The remote wipe feature lets you lock or wipe lost or stolen devices instantly, protecting your data even if devices are compromised. Additionally, real-time visibility into your team's activity on the cloud helps you identify potential security issues before they escalate.
Integrations include Slack, Google Workspace, Office 365, AWS, Zoom, Dropbox, and Salesforce.
Pros:
Remote wipe provides data protection on lost or stolen devices
MFA enhances the security of cloud applications
Simplifies management and access to cloud-based devices
Cons:
Limited to devices and applications
Complex setup for more detailed security policies
2. Stream Security
Best for real-time cloud exposure detection
14-day free trial available
Rating: 4.5/5
Why I chose Stream Security:
Stream Security stands out for its ability to provide real-time attack exposure detection. This feature is crucial for tracking changes before attackers can exploit them.
Key features and integrations:
Features include compliance tools, infrastructure as code (IaC) governance with Terraform, and data access governance to identify best organizational practices. The platform also uses machine learning to monitor threats across networks, identity and access management (IAM), and Kubernetes.
Integrations include AWS, Splunk, Slack, Okta, and Microsoft Teams, Sumo, Jira, and more.
Pros:
Threat detection
Real-time monitoring
Cons:
Custom plans can be expensive
The platform may be overwhelming for new users
3. Aikido Security
Best for comprehensive management
Free plan available (up to 2 users)
Rating: 4.7/5
Why I chose Aikido Security:
The Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM) system detects risks in cloud infrastructure across major cloud providers. This feature ensures continuous monitoring of your cloud environment for vulnerabilities.
Key features and integrations:
Features include static application security testing (SAST) that scans source code for security risks before merging, using leading tools and custom rules to filter out non-security results. Additionally, the secret detection feature is essential for checking code for exposed and leaked API keys, passwords, and encryption keys.
Integrations include AWS, Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure Cloud, Jira, Asana, and GitHub.
Pros:
Provides actionable insights and recommendations
User-friendly interface
Cons:
Lacks endpoint security or intrusion detection capabilities
Ignores vulnerabilities if no fix is available
4. ManageEngine Endpoint Central
Best for defense
Free trial available
Rating: 4.3/5
Why I chose ManageEngine Desktop Central:
The software provides insight-based defense through its comprehensive data collection and analytics features, helping IT administrators proactively address security threats.
Key features and integrations:
Features include patch management, which automates patch deployment for Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems and third-party applications. The tool also offers advanced remote troubleshooting capabilities.
Integrations include ServiceNow, Jira, Zoho Desk, Microsoft Teams, Trello, Zapier, and more.
Pros:
Active directory management
Patch management for software updates
Remote desktop management capabilities
Cons:
Users may feel overwhelmed by the number of configurable features
Some advanced features require additional research
5. Cakewalk
Best for access management
Free demo available
Why I chose Cakewalk:
Cakewalk provides comprehensive visibility into all applications your employees use. By identifying each accessed application, you can discover unauthorized or potentially risky software, reducing the chances of breaches.
Key features and integrations:
Features include role-based access management and automated offboarding processes.
Integrations include ADP, Workday, BambooHR, and Personio.
Pros:
Real-time alerts for unauthorized access attempts
Detailed visibility into applications used by employees
Automates access reviews
Cons:
Limited integration options with specialized applications
Implementation may take some time
6. ManageEngine Log360
Best for unified SIEM with DLP and CASB
30-day free trial + free version available
Rating: 4.2/5
Why I chose ManageEngine Log360:
Its integration of SIEM capabilities with Cloud Access Security Broker (
