Which of the following can serve as an effective method for detecting unauthorized access in cloud storage?

Audit logging is an effective method for detecting unauthorized access in cloud storage because it involves recording and maintaining a detailed record of all access and actions taken on the cloud storage environment. This includes who accessed the data, what operations they performed (such as reading, writing, or deleting files), and when these actions occurred. By analyzing audit logs, security personnel can identify suspicious or unauthorized activity, such as attempts to access files without proper credentials or unusual access patterns from legitimate users.

Moreover, audit logs can provide a trail of evidence for compliance requirements, allowing organizations to review access history during security assessments or audits. Regularly reviewing these logs helps in identifying potential security breaches quickly and responding to them effectively, thereby enhancing the overall security posture of the cloud storage environment.

In contrast, methods like network segmentation primarily focus on dividing a network to limit access and contain breaches rather than directly detecting unauthorized access. Data loss prevention techniques aim to prevent sensitive information from being leaked or mishandled, while encryption protects data in transit and at rest but does not inherently provide mechanisms for tracking who accesses the data.