Overcoming Security Risks in a Cloud-Based World

The COVID-19 pandemic created an influx of remote workers, which signaled a mass movement toward cloud services, leaving traditional on-premises infrastructure in the past.

This shift enabled businesses to streamline their workforces from anywhere to create an efficient network for managing employees and products.

In fact, 90% of North America and Europe IT leaders recognize the cloud as an essential tool for businesses to survive and innovate, with almost half (48%) already leveragingcloud adoption strategies to engage in business transformation. This worldwide shift is leading more companies to fully embrace automation and discover new ways to manage their businesses. 

However, the cybersecurity risks associated with the growing remote workforce differ from those in on-premises environments. The increased reliance on cloud-based infrastructure means organizations must adopt a layered approach to cybersecurity to protect their cloud workloads.

The benefits of moving toward cloud-based environments are vast and the security risksnot be ignored. As such, there are essential stepsthat any business making the transition to the cloud should implement to protect their products, employees, and customers. 

1.      Do not view cloud security as a one-person job 

Organizations often make the mistake of assuming the Cloud Service Provider (CSP) will take full responsibility for cloud security. However, keeping data secure on the cloud is a joint effort between vendors and customers.

Implementing and abiding by the Shared Responsibility Model
(SRM) ensures that each member of the organization understands their role in maintaining cloud security rather than relying on one team or person to carry the burden.  

Equip your employees and processes with the tools necessary to handle potential risks in order to run an effective cloud platform. This means training employees with adequate skills and knowledge of cloud environments vs. on-premises, setting up security processes and cloud governance policies, and ensuring you have tools to track
analytics and monitor for threats. 

2.      Ensure you are securing access to your cloud service 

The increase in remote workers has opened attack vectors for malicious actors through third-party applications and devices. Organizations should restrict access to their cloud provider so that it is only accessible to those whose jobs require it by implementing Identity and Access Management (IAM).

This system will authenticate users upon login and grant them the appropriate permissions to obtain only the information necessary to perform their job.

After identifying who needs access to what data, companies can decide what level of internal security they would like to implement. This may be a zero-trust approach, which will not give users access until they are verified.

Some organizations may implement an Automate Onboarding and Offboarding approach, which will automatically give access to new hires and partners while limiting their access in the event of a transfer or leave.  

3.    Think outside the cloud 

Many organizations use publicly available tools to improve their business outcomes. However, understanding what you are exposing in your cloud platform via internet-facing APIs is vital to the safety of your business.

Supply chain attacksare increasing as businesses rely more on virtual infrastructures and tools, allowing hackers to gain entry through compromised email servers or software. Implementing a Cloud Native Security system is one way to ensure that all teams monitor foreign code.

This strategy relies on a multi-layered approach to build security into the bones of organizations on each level, uniting developers and security teams to make security aforethought while leaving room for growth.

Although verifying and securing code can be a challenge, taking the time to check and actively monitor for any unfamiliar code being used can prevent a larger security risk. 

Even with these precautions in place, breaches are still possible. When facing these crises, it is important to be transparent with your employees and customers to help them prepare.

Emerging regulations and policies such as the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and the General Data Protection Act (GDPA) in the EU requires organizations to disclose the news of a data breach within a specified time frame or face risking hefty fines.

This sets a precedent for businesses that may not yet be required to inform their customers of breaches while allowing organizations to learn from the mistakes of others.

Learning how to prevent these disasters in the beginning stages of your transition to the cloud is essential to ensure a successful journey to the cloud and elevate the success of overall business operations.