What is an essential feature of the security model for cloud data?

Whole-instance encryption is an essential feature of the security model for cloud data because it helps to protect sensitive information from unauthorized access. By encrypting the entire instance, including its data, applications, and configurations, it ensures that, even if the data is intercepted or accessed by malicious actors, it remains unreadable and secure without the appropriate decryption key.

This approach addresses several security concerns by providing an additional layer of protection beyond traditional access control measures. It also helps in compliance with various data protection regulations by ensuring that sensitive information is not exposed in an unencrypted format.

Furthermore, whole-instance encryption facilitates secure data storage and transfer, ensuring that data remains secure both at rest and in transit. By adopting this security feature, organizations can better safeguard their cloud environments against data breaches and maintain customer trust.