What is Cloud Security?

Cloud security involves protecting data, applications, and systems hosted in the cloud. A solid cloud security strategy requires a data-focused approach that acknowledges the highly-connected nature of the environment.

The same strategy you would use to secure a traditional IT security may not apply to the cloud environment due to this very reason. You can protect the former with a security perimeter which behaves like a physical wall around your network. However, this is not an option with cloud environments.

So, what security controls can you use instead? This article will explain the importance of cloud security solutions and provide some tips on how you can implement them.

 

Why Do You Need Strong Cloud Computing Security?

Cloud servers are generally more secure than physical servers. However, migrating to the cloud increases your attack surface. That means hackers have more possible access points to infiltrate your system.

Dealing With Cloud Security Challenges? A Managed IT Service Provider Can Help

 

The irony is that cloud migration simultaneously increases data security and your need to strengthen cybersecurity measures. Part of this is due to the unique threats that target cloud data centers.

What Are Cloud Security Threats?

Some cybersecurity threats are specific to cloud systems. If you’re new to the cloud, these threats might sound unique to you. Let’s take a closer look at some of these threats you may face in the cloud.

Insecure APIs

APIs are the communication channels between computers and cloud servers. If this channel is insecure, cybercriminals could intercept the data during transmission. It is also why data encryption is essential for all cloud-based data.

Shared Technology Vulnerabilities

If you’re using a public cloud service, you’re sharing your infrastructure with many other companies. This means that a technology issue caused by another user can trickle down into your infrastructure.

Data Cross-Pollution

This is another risk unique to the public cloud. Because you’re sharing your infrastructure, there may be a risk that the wrong data could end up on the wrong network. It is usually accidental or due to a technical error. Access controls can help prevent unauthorized personnel from reading the data.

Nefarious Cloud Users

Some people are in the cloud specifically for cybercrime. The most common form of this is DDoS (denial-of-service) attacks. Criminals may intentionally flood a cloud server to overload it and stop it from working. Backups help prevent data loss in this situation.

What is Infrastructure Security in Cloud Computing?

Cloud infrastructure security is a subset of cloud security that focuses on protecting the cloud system’s physical and virtual resources. This includes servers, storage systems, networks, and virtual machines.

Learn More About Cloud Services How to Avoid 5 Cloud Migration Challenges Which Cloud Migration Strategy is Best For Your Business? Cloud Phone System

Some general data security methods will help with infrastructure security, but they can’t do it all alone. For example, data encryption makes information unreadable, but it won’t stop a hacker from exploiting a network security vulnerability to gain access.

What is Cloud Workload Security?

Cloud workload security is about protecting tasks done in the cloud, like running apps or processing data. Access controls and multi-factor authentication (MFA) are both good examples of workload security. Each example heightens security measures around cloud network usage.

Cloud Security Best Practices

The following table highlights some cloud security best practices. It provides some tips on how you can do it and shows what each practice protects you from.

What You Should Do	How To Do It	Why You Should Do It
Regular Patches and Updates	Establish a regular patch management process Prioritize critical updates Test updates in a controlled environment before deployment	To prevent hackers from exploiting system vulnerabilities.
Employee Security Training	Conduct security awareness training Make sure training is relevant to each employee’s role Retrain as new technology emerges	To prevent human error from causing a breach
Regular Security Audits	Schedule routine audits Try automated tools for continuous monitoring Review and act on audit findings	To ensure there are no lingering threats living on your system
Encryption of Data at Rest and in Transit	Encrypt all data before uploading it to the cloud Regularly update encryption keys Implement end-to-end encryption where possible	To decrease the chance of data theft, interception, or exposure during transfer or storage
Secure API Implementations	Use well-vetted security protocols Encrypt data transmitted through APIs Regularly update API permissions Monitor API usage for anomalies	To prevent data leaks during the transfer
Configuration Management	Establish operating system configurations Regularly review and update configurations Monitor for unauthorized configuration changes	To prevent data loss or exposure from misconfigurations
Backup and Disaster Recovery Planning	Backup your data in multiple locations Update recovery plans when technology changes Ensure data backups are encrypted	To preserve data integrity in case of a disaster

Need Help Managing Your Cloud Environment?

The cloud can get complicated, and not everyone has the experience to use it. Yet, it’s still an ideal solution for rapidly expanding businesses and those with a remote workforce. If you’re in the cloud and need a hand, there’s help available.

Sunco Communication and Installation is a telecommunication and managed IT service provider ready to take full responsibility for securing your data. Our team can help you migrate safely and keep an eye on your system to prevent data breaches.

Contact us to find out more about how we can help you get the benefits of the cloud without the risks.