What Is Cloud Security?

What is Cloud Security?

Cloud computing entails accessing software, databases, and resources over the web and outside the constraints of local hardware. Utilising this technology allows businesses to scale their operations with greater flexibility by offloading the majority or a portion of the management of their infrastructure to external hosting companies.

In order to combat both internal and external security threats to companies using the cloud computing model, a set of procedures and tools known as “cloud security” have been developed. Since these organisations execute their digital transformation strategy and implement cloud-based tools and services, cloud security is a necessity for them.

While moving primarily to cloud-based environments can have several implications if done insecurely, more contemporary technologies do help organisations advance capabilities outside the boundaries of on-premise infrastructure. Understanding how contemporary businesses can profit from using connected cloud technologies while implementing the best cloud security practices is necessary for striking the right balance.

The Importance of Securing Cloud Environments

Modern businesses are increasingly adopting cloud-based environments and Software-as-s-Service (SaaS), Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS), or Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) computing models. The changing dynamics of managing infrastructure, particularly when growing services and applications, may create several obstacles even when businesses effectively facilitate their departments. Companies may delegate many tedious IT tasks to these as-a-service models.

As companies continue to move their operations to the cloud, comprehending the safety standards for maintaining the safety of data is now crucial. Although the supervision of this infrastructure may be transferred to external cloud computing service providers, the responsibility for the safety and security of data resources may not always follow.

Most cloud security service providers actively protect the integrity of their servers by default, adhering to the best security practices. When it comes to safeguarding data, applications, and workloads hosted in the cloud, organisations must consider several factors.

Any company that stores the private information of its customers on your cloud will look for assurances that you take the protection of private data seriously, given the rise in privacy data breaches and new regulations like the GDPR. The 2014 release of ISO/IEC 27018 provides a framework for evaluating how well personally identifiable information (PII) is protected in public clouds.

The ISO/IEC 27018 guidelines safeguard the crucial or highly sensitive PII of your business and your clients. As part of the PII processing and training, it also contains provisions for confidentiality agreements with CSP/CSC staff. Despite not being mandatory, ISO/IEC 27018 is becoming increasingly accepted as the industry standard.

With a developing digital environment, security threats have advanced. Due to an organisation’s general lack of visibility in data access and movement, these threats specifically target cloud computing providers. Organisations may encounter serious compliance and governance risks when managing client information, regardless of storage location, if they do not proactively build their cloud security.

No matter the size of your company, cloud security needs to be a significant consideration. Cloud infrastructure supports almost every aspect of contemporary computing, which spans multiple verticals and all industries. However, sufficient defences against recent cyberattacks are necessary for the successful adoption of the cloud. Cloud security best practices are crucial to ensure business continuity irrespective of whether your organisation uses a hybrid, public, or private cloud environment.

Compliance and Regulations

To deliver cutting-edge goods and services, businesses use developing cloud technologies. Nevertheless, when moving your workload to the cloud, there are numerous inherent security risks.

Infrastructures in the cloud have a larger attack surface. And for the security of their sensitive data and applications, businesses heavily rely on cloud service providers. The cloud is intricate and has a lot of access points that bad actors can use. Put another way, information stored in the cloud is more vulnerable to cyberattacks.

There are cloud compliance frameworks that help you strengthen security and reduce risks. You could explore regulatory specifications such as ISO/IEC 27108 to safeguard personally identifiable information (PII) in public clouds or ISO/IEC 27017 cloud security standard that outlines security for cloud services.

Securing the Cloud: An Overview of Available Solutions and Technologies

Each business has a distinct approach to cloud security, and this approach can change according to an assortment of different factors. A reliable and trustworthy cloud computing system can be built using the methods listed below: 

• Identify and Access Management (IAM)
  
  Using IAM (identity and access management) tools and services, businesses can set up policy-based enforcement procedures for all users who utilise on-site and cloud-based services. IAM’s main purpose is to provide every user with online identification to actively monitor them during all data interactions..
• Data Loss Prevention (DLP)
  
  Data loss prevention (DLP) services guarantee the safeguarding of monitored cloud data with their suite of services and equipment. DLP solutions use an amalgamation of rectification notifications, information encryption, and other measures to ensure the safety of all stored data.
• Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)
  
  Security information and event management (SIEM), a comprehensive security orchestration tool, automates risk surveillance, identification, and reaction in cloud-based settings. IT teams can effectively execute network safety protocols and act swiftly in response to threats or risks thanks to SIEM technology. SIEM technology correlates log information across different systems and online resources using AI-powered technologies.
• Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery
  
  Regardless of companies’ safeguards for their on-premise and cloud-based facilities, security breaches and obstructive outages can still occur. Businesses must be able to react as soon as possible to newly discovered vulnerabilities or significant system failures. International cloud security frameworks like ISO 22301 Business Continuity Management (BCM) define disaster recovery and backup solutions. It helps businesses maintain the equipment, services, and procedures necessary to swiftly restore lost data and resume regular operations.
  
  

Importance of ISO Certification for Cloud Security

Since more companies provide customers with cloud-based services, IT and purchasing departments request proof that the information stored on those cloud servers is secure. Using the ISO/IEC 27017 guidelines protects cloud-based environments and reduces the risk of security incidents.

Any company that offers cloud-based services, including online email providers, document management platforms, and cloud-based apps and tools, can benefit from ISO/IEC 27017 certification. Customers can see from the certification that you adhere to the highest standards for cloud service security and have procedures in place to deal with any unforeseen issues.

Although cloud technologies give businesses the speed and agility they need to keep up with the rapidly evolving business landscape, it can be challenging to maintain security standards compliance. As a globally recognised certification body for management systems with longstanding experience, TÜV SÜD works with businesses worldwide to offer impartial audits and certification. Our auditors can quickly comprehend the architecture of your cloud system and determine whether it complies with the ISO/IEC 27017 standard.

Conclusion

In recent years, the phrases “digital transformation” and “cloud migration” have become commonplace. The need for change drives both these phrases, even though their meanings can vary depending on the organisation. As businesses adopt these ideas and work to improve their operational strategy, new difficulties in balancing security and productivity levels arise.

Customers want reassurance about the protection of their data, documents, messages, and activity at all times if your business offers cloud services. Additionally, they look for proof that they can shift or retrieve their data at any time. Organisations can assure their stakeholders by certifying to the ISO/IEC 27017 cloud standard.