In order to keep their Cloud environments secure, enterprises have a huge responsibility on their shoulders. Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and key security personnel have to make sure that they keep track of all their Cloud-based digital assets and ensure everything is in compliance.
More often than not, a lot of enterprises realize the scope and importance of Cloud security only after there is an incident, which is already too late. Forward thinking enterprises leverage Cloud security measures to proactively combat threat continuum. This is because unlike on-premise security solutions, Cloud Service Providers (CSPs) have dedicated tools and technologies to mitigate risks associated with Cloud security.
In this post, we have put together best practices that must be prioritized by enterprises, to stay on top of their “Cloud security game”.
1. Virtual Firewalls
Virtual firewalls are leveraged by enterprises to monitor and filter network traffic for Virtual Machines (VMs).
These portable and cost-effective virtual firewalls effectively block unwanted communication among various VMs by utilizing security policy rules and inspecting/filtering packets.
2. Cloud Data Encryption (CDE)
Before storing data to the Cloud, CDE uses mathematical algorithm to transform or encode plaintext to an unreadable format (ciphertext).
This mitigates the probability of malicious actors disrupting enterprises data and guarantees regulatory compliance. Even if cyber miscreants are able to get their hands on enterprises sensitive data, its unreadable state is of no use without decryption key.
3. Protection Against Malware
Cloud security also prevents Cloud-based malware attacks that aims at disrupting enterprises IT infrastructure. A strong Identity and Access Management (IAM) policy, along with monitoring of suspicious activities will fix any weak points in Cloud environments.
In addition, Cloud-based data backups and protection of endpoints also remediate malware, such as ransomware and halt the illegal infiltration of your Cloud environments.
4. User Authentication
When there is an attempt to access a network or a computing resource, user authentication is used to verify the legitimacy of that user. It only allows authorized users to access data or information, stored in the Cloud.
The main purpose is to keep hackers away from stealing confidential information. Generally, there are three authentication factors.
1- Password or a PIN code
2- Authentication token, such as bank card.
3- Biometric, such as fingerprints or retina scanners.
Conclusion
Ensuring Cloud security necessitates a continuous monitoring and visibility of enterprises IT infrastructure. If you wish to expand your Cloud footprint, you must recognize the sheer importance of Cloud security.
