Public cloud is a term used to describe a type of cloud computing service that provides shared resources, such as processing power and storage space, over the internet. Public cloud services are available to any user, at any time and from anywhere.

Public cloud is a shared resource. It’s like using a powerful washing machine at a laundromat. The private cloud, by contrast, is more like having your own washing machine in your home: you can do whatever laundry you want whenever you want. Private cloud gives you more flexibility and control over your data and computing resources than public cloud does.

While public cloud isn’t necessarily more secure than private cloud, it does generally offer a very secure option for enterprises. One of the biggest benefits of the public cloud is that security is baked into its architecture.

Public cloud’s shared environment makes it easy for IT teams to monitor and protect data from malicious attacks — whether those attacks come from a cybercriminal or an employee who accidentally leaves personal data on their laptop at home. A public cloud provider can also proactively protect your data from insider threats, like when an employee deletes information without permission, or intentionally shares company data with competitors or investors.

One of the reasons for public cloud’s optimal security is that it’s shared across multiple customers. This means hackers have a much harder time getting into one company’s data without affecting everyone else’s at the same time.

Another reason is the constant monitoring and updating of controls. Public cloud environments are typically supported by a team of experts who can spot any problems as they arise and fix them before they become a major risk or issue.

Public clouds are also constantly being improved upon by their own teams as well as outside parties like government agencies with strong cyber-security expertise.