Cloud security protects cloud-based systems, data, and infrastructure by adopting various technologies, processes, controls, and policies. Though it is considered a sub-domain of computer security and falls more broadly under information security, as data is kept in the cloud, the security posture changes, which consumers and CSPs should be aware of. To implement cloud security solutions, you must hire a cloud consulting company. Here are some best practices that clients and cloud service providers should use to address new issues with cloud-based installations.
1. Choose A Trusted Provider
The fundamentals of cloud security best practices rely heavily on your trusted service provider. As a result, you must select and connect with a CSP that provides the built-in security mechanisms and adheres to the highest levels of industry best practices. Choose a CSP that expands a marketplace of partners and solutions to offer you more security options for your deployment. Always inquire about their level of security compliance and certification. Although CSPs, such as AWS and Azure, make their certifications and security compliance documents publicly available, you should double-check them to ensure their security compliance and certification.
2. Understand Your Shared Responsibility Model
When you move your IT infrastructure and data to the cloud, you and your CSP form a partnership based on shared duty and accountability for security implementation. However, security in the cloud is your duty, whereas cloud security is the responsibility of the CSP. A vital component of optimal practice is reviewing and comprehending your shared responsibilities. Learning which security responsibilities you should handle and which should be handled by the provider increases transparency and clarity. Evaluate the shared responsibility model documentation available online from all main CSPs, including AWS, Azure, and Google.
3. Review Your Cloud Provider Contracts And SLAs
If you need to do it or are serious about it, security best practices involve thoroughly understanding your cloud provider's contracts and service levels. SLAs and contracts are your sole assets and remedies in the event of an occurrence. A contract and SLA comprise more than just terms and conditions, such as annexes and appendices, which could jeopardize security. A contract technically establishes your and your service providers' respective responsibilities for data security.
4. Control User Access
Another best practice for cloud security is access management and strict control. It is carried out by developing three capabilities: the first is to authenticate and authorize users, the second is to assign user access rights, and the third is to create and enforce access policies for resources. It gives you total visibility into the users attempting to access your cloud services. You can find it difficult to adopt at first, but there is a solution because you can implement policies, create well-defined groups with assigned tasks, and limit access to specific resources. You can add users to groups, and they will be automatically granted access rights depending on the group's policies. There is no longer a requirement to modify user access.
5. Implement Encryption
Cloud services allow you to store your data on a third-party platform. It puts your data in danger as it travels back and forth between your network and the cloud provider. Though the cloud provides built-in encryption services and guarantees data security from third parties, it also includes access to your encryption keys. In such cases, it is advisable to use the top levels of encryption for data in transit and at rest. Furthermore, you can utilize your encryption solutions before uploading data to the cloud, including your encryption keys, to ensure complete control. Though employing your encryption key increases your administrative efforts, there are situations when it is a compliance requirement to keep the encryption keys private from cloud providers.
Also read Enterprise Cloud Solutions: The Complete Guide
Conclusion
Although all leading cloud providers provide advanced cloud security solutions, customers are responsible for protecting their content and apps from attacks or data breaches. Your cloud provider gives you all the necessary tools and security papers, such as SDKs, a single central console, and others, to assist you in implementing additional security measures into your systems. Apply all the suggestions, techniques, and best practices listed above to help your organization develop without worrying about cloud-based IT security.
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