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CLD-002 Cloud Services

Cloud ServicesCLD-002

What is the difference between cloud storage, cloud computing and a cloud account?

Cloud storage holds data, cloud computing runs systems or processes, and a cloud account provides identity and access. Evidence of one does not automatically prove the others.

Evidence and questions to consider

  • files, versions, deletion and sharing;
  • virtual systems, applications and configuration;
  • account permissions and authentication;
  • sessions and linked devices;
  • service accounts and automation;
  • the precise event under investigation.

Keep the sources separate

A provider record, customer-administrator report, application screen and device artefact may describe related activity without proving the same thing. Preserve exact identifiers, dates, times and time zones, and test shared access, delegation, automation, compromise and changing account control.

Key takeaway

Separate the account, stored data and computing activity before deciding who did what.

Keep moving

Where this question leads

These links explain why the next page may matter, rather than presenting an undifferentiated list.