Cloud Security
Best Practices and Vendor Solutions
With the increasing reliance on Cloud services for data storage and processing, it is essential to implement best practices to protect sensitive applications and information from cyber threats.
Shared Responsibility Model
The key dynamic of Cloud Security is what AWS defines as the 'Shared Responsibility Model'. This means the Cloud provider is responsible for what they control, and the customer for what they do, and the total scope of Cloud Security is the two combined.
Therefore Cloud Security best practices address: i) Due diligence of the Cloud Providers security programs, and ii) direct implementation of controls needed to protect your own applications and data.
Maturity Model
Cloud Security forms one of the core competencies of an overall CyberCloud Maturity Model. This provides a single capability pathway for planning this specific journey, defined by aggregating a series of industry models.
Capabilities
Cloud Providers
The security systems implemented by Cloud providers to protect their environments, such as Azure 'Confidential Computing'. Industry bodies like the CSA offer assurance schemes to help customers assess providers and make informed decisions.
Data Security
As organizations increasingly rely on cloud services to store and process sensitive data, the need to protect this data has become paramount. Encrypting data both in transit and at rest is essential to prevent unauthorized access. Utilize strong encryption algorithms to safeguard sensitive information.
Applications and Servers
'DevSecOps' enhances the security of applications through continuous security testing, code analysis, and compliance checks embedded into the development process. Verifying the integrity of server workloads ensures that only trustworthy and secure code is executed.
Identity and Networking
Identity management is crucial in cloud environments to ensure secure access and protect sensitive data. Implement strict access control measures to ensure that only authorized personnel can access critical systems and data, and use multi-factor authentication for an added layer of security.
Vendor Directory
Directory Listings for vendors and consultants offering Cloud Security solutions.
Industry Insights
An ongoing best practice article series on Cloud Security best practices implementation.
Read the article series.
