Cloud computing has become a popular solution for organizations that want to reduce their IT infrastructure costs while still enjoying the benefits of enterprise-grade computing resources. However, with the move to the cloud, new security challenges arise. In this blog post, we will discuss the best practices for cloud computing security.

Background

Today, companies large and small alike find it advantageous to invest in a comprehensive suite of virtual security services designed to safeguard sensitive data in the cloud. This includes protecting both enterprise-grade applications and databases alongside providing end-to-end encryption for both inter company communication and the transfer of information between regions; ensuring that all traffic is routed through secure channels along its journeyings – even when crossing multiple networks!

Over the past decade, cloud security has emerged as an essential aspect of any business’ cloud strategy. The security factor becomes complex with the intermingling of one or more cloud types – public clouds, private clouds, hybrid clouds. The three major players in public cloud services are Amazon Web Services (AWS), Azure Cloud and Google Cloud Platform (GCP). All three major players have their own version of cloud security services that can integrate with other cloud providers along with limited on-premises solutions. 

Cloud Security Services Vs Traditional On-Premise Security Services?

Cloud security services (CSS) are security solutions that are delivered through cloud-based platforms. These services include a range of security solutions such as firewall, intrusion detection and prevention, identity and access management, and vulnerability management. These services are hosted in the cloud and can be easily accessed and managed by customers from anywhere. 

Related: How to protect your organization from cloud computing risks

Traditional third-party security services are security solutions that are delivered through on-premise hardware and software. These services include a range of security solutions such as firewall, intrusion detection and prevention, identity and access management, and vulnerability management. These services are hosted on-premise and require customers to manage and maintain their own hardware and software.

Let’s look at the differences between the two:

Service TypeCloudOn-Premise
ScalabilityCan easily scale up or down to meet changing business needs, providing flexibility and cost savings.Can be more difficult to scale than cloud security services, which may result in higher costs.
CostsDo not require upfront hardware and software investments, reducing costs and providing cost predictability.Require significant upfront hardware and software investments, which can be costly.
AgilityQuickly deploy security solutions without the need for lengthy procurement and installation processesRequire ongoing maintenance and management, which can be time-consuming and require specialized skills.
AccessibilityCan be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection, making it easy to manage security for distributed teams.May need additional set up to change or access the controls in place
IntegrationsDependent on the reliability and security of cloud providers, which may cause concerns for some organizations.Can be easily integrated with existing on-premise and cloud systems and applications.
ComplianceCompliance requirements can be complex, and organizations need to ensure that they meet the appropriate regulatory and compliance requirements.Complaince is forefront for most on-premise security providers. However, implementing them can require additional resources.
ControlDependent on the cloud providers, which may cause concerns for some organizations.Provide organizations with more control over their security solutions and data.
CustomizationIs dependent on the cloud service provider and is usually harder to implementCan be customized to meet specific business needs and security requirements.

Both cloud security services and traditional third-party security services have their own advantages and disadvantages, and the best solution depends on the specific needs of the organization.

Cloud security services can integrate with 3rd party security services and provide additional layer of security like Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM) and Cloud Workload Protection Platform (CWPP). Organizations should carefully evaluate their security requirements, budget, and resources to determine the best approach for their security needs.

Key Considerations For Implementing Cloud Security Services

Cloud computing offers many benefits, but it also poses security risks. Implementing best practices for cloud computing security can help organizations protect their applications and data from unauthorized access, data breaches, and other security incidents. By following these best practices, customers can ensure that their cloud environments are secure and compliant with industry standards and regulations.

  1. Know your responsibilities

The first step in cloud computing security is to understand your responsibilities. Cloud service providers have a shared responsibility model, which means that both the provider and the customer have responsibilities for security. The provider is responsible for securing the underlying infrastructure, while the customer is responsible for securing their applications and data. It’s important to understand what security measures are in place and who is responsible for what. Public cloud providers like Amazon, Google and Microsoft have a similar shared responsibility models, which comply with all relevant standards, including SOC2, ISO27001 and FedRAMP.

  1. Encrypt your data

Encryption is the process of converting data into an unreadable format to protect it from unauthorized access. Data encryption is a critical security measure for cloud computing. Cloud service providers offer encryption services to help protect your data. Customers should also encrypt their data before it is sent to the cloud and ensure that encryption keys are properly managed.

  1. Implement access controls

Access controls are essential to cloud computing security. Customers should implement access controls to limit access to their data and applications to only authorized users. Access controls can be implemented through multi-factor authentication, role-based access control, and access policies.

  1. Monitor your environment

Cloud environments are dynamic and constantly changing. It’s important to monitor your environment to identify potential security threats. Customers should implement monitoring tools to detect unauthorized access, abnormal usage patterns, and other security-related events. Real-time monitoring can help identify security incidents quickly and enable fast response times.

  1. Implement regular backups

Regular backups are important to ensure that data can be recovered in the event of a security incident. Customers should implement regular backups of their data to ensure that it can be restored in the event of a data loss or corruption incident. Backups should be stored securely and regularly tested to ensure they are functional.

  1. Implement vulnerability management

Vulnerability management is the process of identifying and remediating security vulnerabilities. Customers should implement vulnerability management tools and processes to identify potential security vulnerabilities and take remediation actions. Regular security patching and updates are essential to maintaining a secure cloud environment.

  1. Use a secure network

A secure network is essential to cloud computing security. Customers should use secure networks to access their cloud resources. Secure networks can be achieved through virtual private networks (VPNs), firewalls, and other security measures. Network security should be regularly tested to identify potential vulnerabilities.

Conclusion

Organizations must ensure their IT infrastructure remains safeguarded against threats by contracting with CSS providers who offer state-of-the-art services designed to thwart any potential intrusions. Having the right security controls provide a piece of mind and customers can trust the businesses even more when it comes to handling their personal information.

Choosing the right CSS provider is not an easy task. Ensure that you don’t overlook the importance of thorough due diligence when choosing a firm. Reviewing its portfolio, certifications and capabilities are all essential to ensuring that the team is qualified to provide services within your industry sector.

Further Reading

How to successfully launch your career in cybersecurity

Career paths you can choose in the cybersecurity arena