5 Cloud Security Architecture Building Tips
Suchit Kumar M
Dec 9, 2021 8:58:02 PM
Enterprises will need a strong security architecture when they begin moving their data and apps to the cloud. A Cloud Security Architecture is defined as: an architectural framework that specifies how an organization's cloud security strategy will be implemented and what technologies will be used to accomplish this goal is known as a Cloud Security Architecture (CSA).
The core of every architecture should be cloud security best practises. There are a variety of sources for requirements, including white papers from cloud service providers, standards from NIST, and independent security organisations like the Center for Internet Security (CIS). The organization's involvement in safeguarding data and workloads on the cloud provider's platform must be included in a cloud security architecture.
Cloud Computing Security Concerns
Businesses face a particular difficulty when it comes to cloud security. While designing your cloud security architecture, there are a number of issues to keep in mind:
Listed here are some cloud security architecture recommendations.
1) Do your diligence.
A thorough evaluation of a cloud provider's general security and resilience, as well as the individual services it offers, should be conducted by businesses before any migration or expansion to the cloud is undertaken..
To perform due diligence, you should be:
2) Determine which information is the most delicate.
Most companies are unable to ensure the security of all of their data. Specific data can be left unsecured, but you must choose which types of data must be safeguarded in order to do so. With data detection and classification, you need to know what you're safeguarding.
In many cases, this is what automatic data classification algorithms perform. These technologies allow enterprises to detect and implement security policies across networks, endpoints, databases, and the cloud.
3) Make Cloud usage visible with Employees
The mere existence of a cloud security policy does not guarantee that its adherence will be enforced. Before implementing cloud services like Dropbox or webmail, employees rarely speak with the IT team.
Web proxies, firewalls, and SIEM logs can all be used to track how much time employees are spending in the cloud in secret. These can provide insight on the services that specific employees are utilising. If you discover the use of a shadow cloud, you can balance the advantages and disadvantages. Shadow cloud services can either be legalised or banned.
In "shadow mode," untrusted endpoints can gain access to natural cloud resources. Because they're linked to the internet, personal mobile devices can use any cloud service. Require device security verification before allowing data to leave a trusted cloud service and reach an unmanaged device.
4) Cloud Endpoints are to be protected
Additionally, many companies are utilising next-generation anti-virus (NGAV) and user and entity behaviour analysis (UEBA) in their endpoint security strategies.
In the cloud, it's crucial to have a secure endpoint. Managed services like Extreme Compute's security framework are an example. Cloud deployments necessitate a higher level of visibility than on-premises deployments because of the number of endpoints and how frequently they change. Endpoint security tools can help companies secure their weakest security links and manage cloud workloads.
5) Acknowledge the Importance of Your Own Compliance
Remember that your organisation is ultimately responsible for adhering to all applicable regulations. However many business activities you migrate to the cloud, you must pick a platform that helps you comply with all industry requirements, such as PCI, DSS and GDPR. You must also choose a cloud architecture platform that helps you comply with HIPAA.
It's important to know how to develop cloud systems that can be audited by your cloud provider and third-party solutions.
Conclusion
Your organization's security rules must be taken into account while implementing a cloud security architecture, due to the high complexity and dynamic nature of cloud infrastructure. The following advice can help you get the most out of your cloud security strategy:
The core of every architecture should be cloud security best practises. There are a variety of sources for requirements, including white papers from cloud service providers, standards from NIST, and independent security organisations like the Center for Internet Security (CIS). The organization's involvement in safeguarding data and workloads on the cloud provider's platform must be included in a cloud security architecture.
Cloud Computing Security Concerns
Businesses face a particular difficulty when it comes to cloud security. While designing your cloud security architecture, there are a number of issues to keep in mind:
- Employees can easily establish and leave unattended resources on cloud platforms, which are not secure by default. It's on to the business, though, to implement and use IAM appropriately across all of its systems and applications.
- Non-secure APIs: APIs are abound on the cloud, making it powerful but also dangerous. Attackers can gain access to massive ecosystems using poorly protected APIs. The cloud's front door is commonly unlocked through APIs.
- These moving pieces include serverless operations, databases, and cloud storage buckets. They appear and disappear on a daily basis. It is possible for attackers to access public networks, steal data, and destroy critical systems if any of these resources are unsecured.
- To ensure compliance, cloud providers must support all applicable regulations and understand what controls and services are necessary.
- Hidden in plain sight are all of the cloud's controls. Although cloud providers are accountable for the security of their infrastructure, many do not disclose data flows or internal design, thus security specialists are in the dark about these matters..
Listed here are some cloud security architecture recommendations.
1) Do your diligence.
A thorough evaluation of a cloud provider's general security and resilience, as well as the individual services it offers, should be conducted by businesses before any migration or expansion to the cloud is undertaken..
To perform due diligence, you should be:
- Using data from industry peers to set security and availability benchmarks.
- Security best practises implemented and their influence on the cloud service provider
- Try cloud provider's encryption, logging, and identification and control of access (IAM)
- Being aware of the ways in which your cloud provider can help you meet your compliance goals and the criteria for which it has been recognised
- Learning about the shared responsibility paradigm and the security features your organisation is responsible for from your cloud provider.
- A comparison of the cloud platform's own security services with those provided by third-party vendors
- For the new cloud environment, a review of existing security technologies is necessary.
2) Determine which information is the most delicate.
Most companies are unable to ensure the security of all of their data. Specific data can be left unsecured, but you must choose which types of data must be safeguarded in order to do so. With data detection and classification, you need to know what you're safeguarding.
In many cases, this is what automatic data classification algorithms perform. These technologies allow enterprises to detect and implement security policies across networks, endpoints, databases, and the cloud.
3) Make Cloud usage visible with Employees
The mere existence of a cloud security policy does not guarantee that its adherence will be enforced. Before implementing cloud services like Dropbox or webmail, employees rarely speak with the IT team.
Web proxies, firewalls, and SIEM logs can all be used to track how much time employees are spending in the cloud in secret. These can provide insight on the services that specific employees are utilising. If you discover the use of a shadow cloud, you can balance the advantages and disadvantages. Shadow cloud services can either be legalised or banned.
In "shadow mode," untrusted endpoints can gain access to natural cloud resources. Because they're linked to the internet, personal mobile devices can use any cloud service. Require device security verification before allowing data to leave a trusted cloud service and reach an unmanaged device.
4) Cloud Endpoints are to be protected
Additionally, many companies are utilising next-generation anti-virus (NGAV) and user and entity behaviour analysis (UEBA) in their endpoint security strategies.
In the cloud, it's crucial to have a secure endpoint. Managed services like Extreme Compute's security framework are an example. Cloud deployments necessitate a higher level of visibility than on-premises deployments because of the number of endpoints and how frequently they change. Endpoint security tools can help companies secure their weakest security links and manage cloud workloads.
5) Acknowledge the Importance of Your Own Compliance
Remember that your organisation is ultimately responsible for adhering to all applicable regulations. However many business activities you migrate to the cloud, you must pick a platform that helps you comply with all industry requirements, such as PCI, DSS and GDPR. You must also choose a cloud architecture platform that helps you comply with HIPAA.
It's important to know how to develop cloud systems that can be audited by your cloud provider and third-party solutions.
Conclusion
Your organization's security rules must be taken into account while implementing a cloud security architecture, due to the high complexity and dynamic nature of cloud infrastructure. The following advice can help you get the most out of your cloud security strategy:
- Research security and compliance issues before deciding on a cloud service or provider.
- Determine which data in your cloud environment is critical and requires protection.
- Legalize or ban cloud services for use by employees in order to combat shadow IT.
- Endpoints are to be protected by a cloud-compatible endpoint security solution.
- As a cloud user, you have a responsibility to ensure that your firm is adhering to all applicable laws and regulations.