The Security Guide for going Cloud Native | High Performance Cloud

Cloud-native applications are designed from the ground up with the cloud in mind. They can be installed and patched more quickly, have a more fluid architecture, and can be easily positioned and relocated in various environments. Many companies are adapting their legacy systems, which were developed before the cloud, to provide cloud-native functionality. Cloud-native applications, which are built in the cloud and for the cloud, are driving digital transformation and providing new options for enterprises to improve efficiency, speed, and scalability at a time when they are dealing with the disruptive effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and a rapidly changing threat landscape.

Every business has at least a portion of its operations that is cloud-based. Every cloud architecture has the same goal: to share computing resources across a network and make cloud-based services available. Finally, this aids firms in providing consumer-grade online experiences, which employees have grown to anticipate. This could also mean that users, as well as fraudsters and hackers, can access cloud environments from anywhere with an internet connection. So, how can businesses keep their IT infrastructure secure while making use of all the benefits of a cloud-native strategy?

Re-imagine the Responsibility of Securing

Even if the phrase "cloud-native" isn't etched in stone among the IT world, using a cloud-native strategy delivers both speed and scalability. Cloud-native solutions, on the other hand, are designed specifically for the cloud and take advantage of its particular features as part of their architecture. Because cloud computing is based on a shared security model, it necessitates security precautions from both clients and suppliers. Both the cloud computing operator and the customer are responsible for ensuring the security of their respective control areas.

In general, the cloud provider is in charge of the cloud's security, including physical access and infrastructure. The client, on the other hand, is in charge of cloud security, including their applications, identity management, data, and encryption. The problem is that cloud-native application architecture necessitates a distinct approach to security in terms of policies and controls at the customer end. However, with the fast acceptance of cloud deployments, many businesses are relying on antiquated tactics to safeguard on-premise hosted networks and assets.

The usage of Shadow IT (systems installed by divisions other than the central IT department), increased difficulties due to "sprawl" created by enterprises embracing and deploying technologies before putting in place a comprehensive security policy, and the lack of container runtime protection are all major issues in protecting cloud-native environments. As a result, businesses must build and implement a complete security solution to defend themselves from a growing number of risks and increasingly sophisticated attacks in the cloud.

Start with Security First

The focus on security in cloud-native architectures cannot wait until deployment. Given the dramatic shift in attacker focus, security must be built into the development process. Implementing a "shift left" security strategy is the best approach to accomplish this. Shift left security, in its most basic form, refers to bringing security into the development process as early as possible. When it's too late, security teams become involved in the latter stages of operations and monitoring, which is typical of modern CI/CD.

A shift-left strategy has numerous advantages, including lowering not only cyber risk but also costs. It's critical that security teams have enough time and space throughout cloud trips to develop and integrate security processes and tools into the CI/CD pipeline. That being said, how do you know if your existing cloud infrastructure is secure enough to stay away from attacks? Although you might be using security models maintained by your IT teams, if they cannot tackle sophisticated attacks, chances are, your team will wind up suggesting an updated security strategy in the first place. EC Security teams can help you with analyzing your security levels and advise you on the most efficient model to align with your business goals.  

Quick Notes with Transition to Cloud Native Security

• The term "cloud-native" refers to a method of developing cloud-based applications and services, as well as the characteristics of such applications and services.
• Since cloud-native systems are made up of microservices that run in containers, they're easier to upgrade because they're split up into bits that can be updated individually.
• Continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) are used by DevOps teams to keep their parts of an application up to date.
• Having the power of a massively scalable, modular, distributed platform with a vast array of on-demand resources and services changes the way you design software rapidly.

If you are looking to migrate to the cloud, click here to know where you stand in the process and what models you need to implement to reach your goals.