CLOUD SECURITY POSTURE MANAGEMENT AUTOMATING RISK IDENTIFICATION AND RESPONSE IN CLOUD INFRASTRUCTURES

Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM) tools have become essential in addressing the growing security challenges faced by organizations as they migrate to cloud environments. This study explores the effectiveness of CSPM tools in automating the identification and response to security risks within cloud infrastructures, highlighting their role in reducing misconfigurations, improving compliance, and enhancing overall security posture. Through a mixed-method approach, combining a comprehensive literature review, a survey of IT security professionals, and detailed case study analyses, this research provides a robust evaluation of CSPM tools' capabilities and the challenges associated with their implementation. The findings reveal that organizations utilizing CSPM tools experience significant reductions in security incidents and operational inefficiencies, with automation playing a crucial role in enabling real-time threat detection and response. However, the study also identifies critical barriers to CSPM adoption, including integration complexities, cost concerns, and organizational resistance to automated security solutions. These challenges suggest that while CSPM tools offer substantial benefits, their successful deployment requires careful planning, adequate resource allocation, and strategic change management to address both technical and human factors. This study contributes to the existing literature by providing detailed insights into the practical applications and limitations of CSPM tools, offering valuable guidance for organizations seeking to enhance their cloud security strategies through automation.