What is Cloud Security? A Quick Guide

Introduction to Cloud Security

Cloud security protects data stored online via cloud computing platforms from theft, leakage, and destruction. Methods used to provide cloud security include firewalls, penetration testing, obfuscation, tokenisation, virtual private networks (VPNS), and avoiding public internet connections. Cybersecurity refers to the protection of data on the cloud.

The delivery of various services via the Internet is known as cloud computing. Data storage, servers, databases, networking, and software are just tools and applications available. Cloud-based storage allows users to save files to a remote database rather than keeping them on a proprietary hard drive or local storage device. As long as an electronic gadget has internet access, it can access data and the software programs needed to execute it.

Many consumers are concerned about the security of their data stored in the cloud; thus, cloud security is crucial. They believe their data is safer on their local servers, with more control. On the other hand, data saved on the cloud may be safer because cloud service companies utilise superior security methods and have security specialists on staff. Depending on the attack, data on-premises may be more exposed to security breaches. Social engineering and malware can make any data storage system insecure, but on-site data is particularly vulnerable since its guardians are less skilled at spotting security risks.

Cloud Security Framework

Several security frameworks are available, including COBIT for governance, SABSA for architecture, ISO/IEC 27001 for management standards, and NIST's Cybersecurity Framework. These frameworks apply to the cloud similarly to technology in general. In addition to these broad frameworks, a variety of specific frameworks may be helpful depending on the use case and context; for example, consider HITRUST's Common Security Framework in the healthcare industry.

Validation and certification processes can be conducted using cloud-specific security frameworks. Cloud Controls Matrix (CCM) by the Cloud Security Alliance (CSA), FedRAMP, and ISO/IEC 27017:2015 are among them. There are other cloud security frameworks, but these three are particularly valuable since they are widely used and well recognized, are unique to both cloud and security, including a supporting certification program or registry, and are beneficial to both cloud service providers (CSPs) and clients.

Identify

Completing security risk assessments and understanding organisational requirements. Implement protections to ensure that your infrastructure can self-replicate in the event of an assault.

Detect

Use solutions to monitor networks and spot security-related issues. Implement countermeasures to combat prospective or current risks to enterprise security. In the case of an interruption, create and implement processes to restore system capabilities and network services.

Implement

Completing security risk assessments and understanding organisational needs.  Protect- Put in place protections to ensure that your infrastructure can self-replicate in the event of an assault.

Respond

Implement countermeasures to address prospective or actual risks to enterprise security.

Recover

Create and implement methods for restoring system functionality and network services during interruptions.

Steps to ensure security are taken throughout the distinct lifecycle of cloud-native applications. Click to explore our, Guide to Cloud-Native Security

Types of Cloud Security

1. Network Segmentation

   You'll need to determine, assess, and separate client data from your own in multi-tenant SaaS setups.

2. Access Management

   Cloud computing security may be easily implemented using comprehensive access management and user-level privileges. Access to cloud environments, applications, and other resources should be granted by role and regularly audited.

3. Password Control

   Your team should never enable shared passwords as a basic cloud computing security protocol. To provide the highest level of security, passwords should be used in conjunction with authentication technologies.

4. Encryption

   Encryption is another form of cloud computing security. It should be used to secure data both in transit and at rest.

5. Vulnerability Scans and Management

   Another aspect of cloud computing security is the conduct of frequent security audits and fix any vulnerabilities.

Cloud Security Controls

Preventive Controls

Preventive controls make the cloud environment more resistant to attacks by removing weaknesses. For example, writing code that kills dormant ports as a preemptive control would ensure that hackers have no available entry points. Keeping a robust user authentication mechanism also reduces the attack risk.

Detective Controls

Detective controls are deployed to detect and respond to security risks and occurrences. Network security monitoring tools and Intrusion detection software are examples of detective controls that monitor the network to determine when an attack is likely to occur.

Corrective Controls

Corrective controls are initiated during a security breach. Their job is to minimise the impact of the occurrence. For example, a developer might design code that disconnects data servers from the network to avoid data theft when a specific danger is detected.

What are the Five Types of Cloud Security Policies?

Secure cloud accounts and create groups

Ensure the root account is safe. Create an administrative group and allocate rights to that group rather than the individual to make day-to-day administration easier while still adhering to cloud security regulations.

Create more groups for finer-grained security that fits your organisation. Some users, such as those who run reports, require read-only access. Other users should be able to perform operational tasks, such as restarting virtual machines, but not modify virtual machines or their resources. Users can get roles from cloud providers, and the cloud administrator should figure out when and where to use them. Existing roles should not be changed, as this is a formula for disaster. Instead, copy them.

Check for free security upgrades

Every primary cloud provider supports and encourages two-factor authentication (2FA). There's no reason not to include it on your cloud security checklist for new deployments, as it improves protection against malicious login attempts.

Restrict infrastructure access via firewalls

When it comes to cloud adoption, many businesses deploy web-scale external-facing infrastructure. They can quickly secure private servers against unauthorized access.

Examine the firewall policies

Firewall software could restrict access to the infrastructure if the cloud provider makes it available. Only open ports when necessary; make closed ports the default in your cloud security rules.

Tether the cloud

Some cloud workloads are limited to serving clients or customers in a single geographic region. Add an access restriction to the cloud security checklist for these jobs: limit access to that area or, better yet, to specific IP addresses. This straightforward administrative decision significantly reduces the risk of opportunistic hackers, worms, and other external dangers.

Cloud Security Strategies

Visibility

Many firms are concerned about the lack of visibility over cloud infrastructure. The cloud makes it simple to spin up new workloads at any moment, maybe to meet a short-term project or demand spike, and those assets can be quickly forgotten once the project is through.

Exposure Management

Protecting your company is about limiting your exposure and lowering your risk. Prioritizing and fixing risks that could cause business interruption requires collaboration. To correctly manage your exposure, you need agreement on the critical concerns between your IT and Security groups and a solid working relationship.

Detection

What happens if your security is breached? Is it possible for you to discover it? Because security expertise is scarce in the marketplace, this can be an issue for many businesses. As of 2020, there were over 3 million cybersecurity job openings worldwide.

Prevention Controls

What happens if your security is breached? Is it possible for you to discover it? Because security expertise is scarce in the marketplace, this can be an issue for many businesses. As of 2020, there were over 3 million cybersecurity job openings worldwide.

Organisations use cloud computing in some way, and cloud security is crucial. However, IT professionals are still hesitant to move more data and apps to the cloud because of security, governance, and compliance concerns. They are concerned that compassionate corporate information and intellectual property may be exposed due to unintentional leaks or sophisticated cyber threats.

Client orders, confidential design documents, and financial records are examples of data and corporate secrets that must be protected in the cloud. Preventing data leaks and theft is critical for preserving your customers' trust and protecting the assets that help you obtain a competitive advantage. Cloud security's ability to protect your data and provide support is crucial for any company considering a cloud migration.

• An Integrated Approach to Cloud-Native Security and Observability
• Simplify Identity and Access Management with UIAG Solution

Next Steps with Cloud Security

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