For which of the following cloud environments is the client-side key management approach used?

The client-side key management approach is particularly relevant in Software as a Service (SaaS) environments. In a SaaS model, users rely on third-party cloud service providers to deliver software applications over the internet. As sensitive data is stored and processed within these applications, secure key management becomes crucial.

Client-side key management refers to the strategy where encryption keys are managed by the client (the user) rather than the service provider. This means that even if the data is stored in the cloud, the client retains control over the encryption keys and, therefore, the security of the data. This is essential for maintaining confidentiality, as it mitigates risks associated with unauthorized access to sensitive information by the service provider or potential breaches.

In contrast, other cloud environments, such as Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), or various forms of Everything as a Service (XaaS), typically involve different levels of control and responsibility regarding data management. While key management can be implemented in these environments, client-side management is most pronounced in SaaS, where data security is heavily reliant on the user’s ability to manage and protect their keys independently.