Three very basic security steps that organizations must handle while implementing a cloud strategy.
Steps that enterprise IT departments need to undertake to ensure a clearly defined cloud security strategy.
Migrating to a cloud platform without a proper plan is suicidal. The situation can be worse compared to having an on-premise data center. The fact of the matter is that if the transition is done in patches, it could lead to more vulnerabilities that earlier did not exist. However, when it comes to management of threats, cloud deployment can be successful if the cloud security strategy consists of a complete, holistic cybersecurity set up. Security experts think a multilayered approach is the right way to keep data on cloud safe.
Effectively there are three important steps that enterprises need to undertake to create a cloud security strategy.
Layered security with another layer
Instead of using a regular internet connection for a cloud provider’s network, it I better to deploy a private connectivity. Furthermore, it is important to secure your mobile endpoints with anti-virus and anti-malware applications. In case of mobile devices that get stolen or lost, it is necessary to install EMM (enterprise mobility management) to help enterprises to track and disarm such devices.
Data that is stored needs to be encrypted so that in case of a breach, this data does not land up in wrong hands. Moreover, data that is on the move should also be encrypted. The reason being such data is at maximum risk from various methods of interception that are used by hackers.
As soon as data is stored, IT department needs to start monitoring it closely. Failure to have this will result in absolute chaos as IT department won’t have any clue on who is accessing the data from where. Enterprises need to go for a cloud access security broker (CASB) who can assist in cloud security. The CASB will ensure security at policy level as well as accessibility.
To harness the power of cloud technology, IT department needs to add multiple layers of security, depending upon the type of data that is stored on cloud. A simple fundamental – make it as difficult for attackers to get access to the data.
Privacy of Data
Time and again, IT departments will encounter concerns around data privacy along with regulatory norms and conditions. This itself is a painstaking effort to ensure total adherence but it needs to be taken care of. For example, there are some states in the United States, where law suggests that the backed-up data also needs to be encrypted. Of course, this leads to a big question – who is responsible for taking encryptions as well as backups in cloud environment?
Moreover, enterprises need to ensure that they are in compliant with regulatory norms and guidelines. It’s always better to play safe and not to collect more than the minimum permissible data. However, in case of a data breach, it is responsibility of the organization to notify customers immediately, to avoid any legal turmoil later.
Ensure accountability from your service provider
Get absolute clarity from your cloud service provider on what they are supposed to deliver. Sometimes, the service provider does perform its task but remember, it is your data that is at stake. Hence, get complete assurance from your service provider on security of your data.
Moreover, please get clarity on what actions will your service provider take to ensure that attackers don’t disrupt the environment and there are no security/data breaches.
The above-mentioned steps are broader and preliminary steps that need to be taken to define cloud security defense strategies. Remember, there is no fool proof cloud platform. However, what differentiates from a good cloud security strategy to a good one is the different checks and balances that are defined and security protocols in place to curb data breaches.
