Cloud computing and storage is an essential part of modern business and organizational operation. An absolutely staggering number of organizations are adopting the cloud as a primary computing tool. The benefits of switching over to the cloud are relatively obvious. Cloud services are remote – meaning that an organization does not need to invest in on-site computing or storage capabilities. They are easily expandable. They are able to facilitate remote working models, which have become extremely prominent in the post-pandemic working environment.
Cloud computing and storage do, however, entail a whole series of unique and novel security risks. Due to the extremely networked nature of cloud computing, hackers have been able to exploit a great many vulnerabilities in order to steal data and infiltrate networks. Unique security considerations have to be made when adopting the cloud. Here are some important aspects of cloud security.
Visibility
You can’t protect what you can’t see. Visibility is an essential part of cloud security. All cloud accounts and users must be fully accounted for if a network is to be made secure. Tight control over the setting up of user accounts needs to be practiced.
Authentication
Because cloud storage and computing services can be accessed remotely, authentication has to be completely airtight. Most companies operating remotely accessed cloud services use multi-factor authentication portals in order to ensure that only the correct people are able to access sensitive areas. Multi-factor authentication portals usually require some kind of biometric authentication as well as an additional password or device authentication level. Authentication is also very important in confirming the identity of non-human assets that might be in communication with remote servers. Zero trust authentication systems – usually deployed as part of a Security Service Edge (SSE) system – are entirely necessary in order to prevent assets from being spoofed by hackers.
Airtight Encryption
Encryption is one of the most important aspects of cloud security. All data that is sent to and from remote servers needs to be encrypted while in transit. If data is not effectively encrypted, it can be intercepted as part of a ‘man in the middle’ attack. Man-in-the-middle attacks are one of the most effective ways of manipulating a cloud network and can go completely unnoticed. Encrypted data is scrambled while en route and can only be made useful once an authorized asset unscrambles it with a decryption key. This is known as ‘end to end’ encryption.
Detection
Detection of vulnerabilities within cloud networks needs to be swift and clear so that IT security teams can effectively respond to weaknesses before they are exploited by hackers. Regular reporting needs to be fully automated in order to efficiently create a detection net. Cloud networks cannot just be ‘left to run’ by organizations that value their security.
Response
Cloud security strategies need to include provisions for the response a company will make to any vulnerabilities that are exploited, and these need to be codified in a document. Responses can include data backup, authentication refreshment, and account locking, among other things.