Essential pillars of Cloud security
Cloud systems are used extensively these days by both business firms as well as individuals for their personal needs. While it is commonly believed that cloud systems come with robust security features that prevent any kind of data theft, the truth is that hackers using sophisticated technologies can still break through the security features of these systems. To make sure that cloud applications and cloud storage services always remain safe, it is necessary to use the services offered by a CASB or cloud access security broker company. It is necessary to implement the same high-end security features for cloud systems that are typically implemented for the traditional offline IT systems.
Here is a look at the four main pillars of cloud security through which a holistic approach can be adapted for securing the cloud systems against any kind of security breaches.
Network protections
Whenever we think of network protections, we immediately associate them with standard on-premise IT systems. However, even cloud systems must also use network security features for the safety and protection of cloud data and applications. CASB companies primarily implement two different types of cloud network protection. These include micro-segmentation and live flow of traffic that is carried out “inline”. Micro-segmentation is all about creating specific zones or pockets for isolating workloads from each other so that they can be secured individually. Such a procedure is intimately associated with a zero-trust approach. By setting up roadblocks between the diverse applications and workloads, it is possible to make things difficult for hackers and attackers to shift laterally from a particular infected host to some other program. This is why micro-segmentation is considered to be so important in cloud security. Micro-segmentation makes use of containerization so that the app and its surrounding operating environment can be secured. This type of segmenting can minimize any possible damage.
A business organization can run several applications within the cloud environment. These applications can be used by a workforce and there can be others that offer essential support to sensitive as well as classified information. As the two types of application cannot be combined or mixed, it is necessary to use micro-segmentation as this can help to keep them at multiple classification levels so that no overlapping takes place.
Another essential aspect of network protection is of course the live flow of traffic that is carried out “inline”. Instead of creating a border mark around the cloud system similar to those that are done with standard on-premise IT systems, in-network protection the border is extended to the user level. Cloud security solutions must allow the authorized users to have access to all types of cloud data and applications securely and also present them with threat visibility and related information when they are performing activities in the cloud.
Computing security
Computing security involves security solutions for end systems, workloads, and managed services running within the cloud systems that are usually referred to as platform-as-a-service. The compute-level security that becomes necessary within the cloud has got two essential components. The first one is automated vulnerability management and which helps to identify and prevent any kind of vulnerabilities that may develop across the whole application lifecycle. It also helps to prioritize risk for the cloud-native environments. The second aspect is the ongoing operational security. This involves working with computing workloads or engines. Efficient cloud security must involve active and automatic inspection of threat activities so that malicious activities can be quickly detected and resolved.
Compliance with industry-standard security practices
The security infrastructure for the cloud systems should be in line with the industry standards and they should also be improved continuously to meet new security challenges. They should also follow the best practices in terms of asset inventory and data security. Security agencies must maintain an extensive inventory of tools like servers and cloud tools such as load balancers. This is also true for those who are using multi-cloud solutions offered by diverse providers. Maintaining a centralized inventory for the cloud-based assets can enhance the efficiency of the management. However, managing such a complex system can take a lot of effort. By implementing a high-end security solution, it is possible to automate the security needs of the whole inventory process.
Security agencies these days deploy security strategies that are in line with ISO 27001 which ensure the secure operation of the cloud system. The data and the endpoints can be securely controlled using high- end security frameworks. The cloud security solution should be able to automate framework implementation as well as offer continual reporting for security issues and manage remediation controls. Additionally, data security practices should be adhered to at every step of the way so that the company can benefit from cloud-provider storage and software-as-a-service.
Identity security
Identity security is a process that involves detecting and mapping machine and manual user identities for determining what they are permitted to do within the network. The role of the cloud security solution is to make sure that people can access only the specific applications that they are authorized to use so that they can perform their work. The cloud security solution should also be able to communicate and interact with the other machines so that they can manage their applications. Therefore, this process works in a way similar to micro-segmentation.
A powerful cloud security system can only be managed when they follow the four pillars that are described above. It is important to note that setting up security for a cloud system involves a multi-layered approach which should be carried out by more than one single technology. As more people these days focus on remote working and businesses are required to use novel IT practices and cloud adoption, companies should be well prepared to deal with cybersecurity threats that can be quite persistent. Working with a holistic framework of cloud security can help business firms manage their cloud data and applications securely and have the peace of mind that they need.
