Cloud is not a new technology, but it is definitely still playing a great role in shaping the future of the internet. In the last three years, organizations have observed the benefits of digital transformation.
Then arises the need for keeping these platforms safe from threats and invasions of all forms. So, if you’re looking for answers, this post is for you.
But before that, let’s take a quick look at cloud security.
What Is Cloud Security?
Cloud computing security is also known as cloud security. It is a set of controls, procedures, technologies, and policies. They, when combined, make infrastructure that protects cloud-based systems.
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The measures are in place to safeguard customers’ privacy. Cloud security supports directing compliance and secures cloud data. It also sets different standards for all individual users and devices.
Cloud security filters the traffic as per the direct needs of the business. When these filters are configured and in place, it helps reduce the overheads spent on IT teams.
Best Practices for Cloud Security
There are some best practices for cloud security. The most important thing to understand about these practices is that they are implemented by users and vendors. Both have a shared responsibility to maintain cloud security.
All organizations have different protocols implemented depending on the business. Read on to learn about these best practices for cloud security.
Using Proxies
Given the company’s requirement, the SaaS may not have the added layer of security. In this case, a cyber security access broker can help introduce security functionality, making the SaaS more robust. Depending on their expertise, CASBs can add these extra features in two ways:
Through APIs
Using proxies
Using a Residential proxy may be a better option as it is more versatile compared to APIs. Proxy-based cloud security is generic, which is why it can be customized according to the company’s requirements. So, how does proxy-based cloud security work?
A proxy server becomes the main channel that sits right between you and the internet
It intercepts, verifies, and forwards requests from customers
It communicates these requests to other servers
Shared Responsibilities
When it comes to cloud security, the process is more complicated than traditional IT security. Initially, the cloud provider provides documentation that entails different responsibilities and who’s responsible for them.
For instance, Amazon Web Service (AWS) or Microsoft Azure require their customers to understand their duties according to the deployment.
So, if you’re Microsoft’s customer, you’ll be responsible for IaaS deployment while Microsoft controls the application side.
In a nutshell, each group has to hold the fort to maintain the balance.
Data Encryption
While storing the data in the cloud, one thing you need to double-check is if the data is protected. In routine, the cloud environment handles encrypting data moving in and out of the cloud.
It would help if you check what the encryption policy entails. On complete knowledge of guidelines, use the methods outlined to migrate the data.
Layers of Access Control
With all the data on the cloud, comes the worry of who can access what levels of data. This is where organizations establish rules and policies for data, its usage, and control.
Ideally, employees in the lower ranks have limited control as compared to executives, managers, and CEOs.
With layers like low-level and high-level access, an organization can set limitations. This way, they can avoid problems of data thefts, breaches, or cyber-attacks.
Rigorous Monitoring
It is not a regular thing to identify and discover threats. Most of the threats are hiding in the cloud environment. They are always ready to attack the infrastructure when overlooked.
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These threats may not pose like one and are easy to get overlooked during regular checks.
It calls for the rigorous monitoring of the cloud environment. How does cloud security monitoring work?
Firstly, it collects the data across servers
The data is analyzed and attributed with the help of advanced tools
Then it sends alerts and enables the response
Routine Test
Security gaps are possible despite deploying various protocols. These gaps aren’t very obvious, but are easy to identify with testing. The best practice would be to keep doing penetration tests to look for gaps.
Organizations implement cyber security testing on:
System networks
Software applications
Programs
They have a periodic test checklist in place as prepared by their QA team. Periodic testing ensures the robustness of the entire security system against malware attacks, data breaches, and other related risks.
Most consumers run these tests themselves and hunt for any gaps that may have occurred in the system.
Training the Employees
While an enterprise is working to secure itself from threats from the outside, an error within the company can compromise the integrity of cloud security.
These roads go both ways. An organization cannot have all security checks in place, but ignorant employees wouldn’t be much of a help.
If any employee, due to naivety, misuses the cloud environment, it can compromise cloud security. And there is no room for negligence or inexperience here.
Hence an organization needs to train its employees with all the protocols.
Why Is Cloud Security Important for Business?
Storing data on a peripheral has become difficult. With chances of redundancies and failure for hardware to work. The hardware could corrupt any day and damage all existing data.
This is why saving data on hard disk drives or USB devices is not advisable for enterprises. Instead, having the data on the cloud is a safer bet. Most enterprises are converting to this method for its ease and reliability.
Cloud security comes with the best policies. When the tools are implemented in an enterprise, exactly the way policies are addressed. It leaves no room for lapse or data breaches.
Cloud securities benefit the enterprise in securing their sensitive and consumer data. Moreover, enterprises don’t need to be prompt for advanced-level protocols. Cloud security has a monitoring system that suggests changes based on its findings. These protocols are pushed depending on threats detected.
Meanwhile, cloud security is always checking for threats in enterprise cloud systems. As a result, organisations can focus on other key features for development without worrying about data breaches and intrusions.
Conclusion
No one can ensure 100% data security but it can always be optimized. With many cloud security attacks last year, it is high time to have a robust plan in action.
Organizations need to pay heed to implementing all the protocols of data encryption and access control. Moreover, educating the employees can contain all the errors from within.
Last, implementing anti-malware, firewall, intrusion detection tools, and using a residential proxy will help reduce threats.