A security graph is a relationship model that connects data, identities, permissions, and assets into one view. Instead of treating each alert or asset in isolation, it shows how cloud resources, SaaS apps, users, service accounts, and sensitive records relate to each other. This makes it easier to see where exposure exists and which paths an attacker could use to reach valuable data.
Security graphs matter because many real-world breaches depend on chained misconfigurations rather than a single obvious flaw. For example, a public bucket, an over-permissive role, and a forgotten database may together create a direct path to sensitive information. Defenders use graph-based analysis to prioritize what to fix first, such as stale credentials, excessive access, or internet-facing assets that lead to critical data. In DSPM and CNAPP tools, the graph turns raw discovery into attack-path intelligence and helps teams focus on the relationships that create risk.