What is a third-party entity that offers independent identity and access management services to CSPs and cloud customers?

The correct answer identifies a Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) as a third-party entity that provides independent identity and access management services to Cloud Service Providers (CSPs) and their customers. CASBs act as intermediaries between users and cloud service applications, enabling various security policies to be enforced across multiple cloud platforms.

They play a crucial role in improving the security posture of organizations using cloud services by offering features such as visibility into cloud usage, data encryption, compliance enforcement, and threat protection. By using a CASB, organizations can effectively manage user identities and control access to sensitive cloud data, ensuring that only authorized users have the permissions necessary to access specific resources.

In contrast, roles such as a Cloud Security Officer or Cloud Architect involve internal responsibilities focused on strategic security management or cloud system design, rather than providing independent access management services. Similarly, a Cloud Backup Service Provider focuses on data backup and recovery solutions, rather than identity and access management. Hence, the CASB stands out as the specialized entity that provides these essential services.