What Is Cloud Security?
Table of Contents
- By Steven
- Published: Apr 22, 2024
- Last Updated: Apr 30, 2024
Cloud computing has gained traction in recent years due to its ease of scalability, flexibility, and efficiency. It allows businesses to accelerate innovation and spend less in meeting client or consumer demands. With several businesses migrating their operations to the cloud, cloud computing has become the technology of choice as it becomes more readily accessible and affordable. However, with a substantial chunk of the technological or data sections of many businesses now processed or stored off-site, cloud environments require solid approaches to security to ward off malicious hackers and secure applications and infrastructure.
What is Cloud Security
Cloud security refers to a collection of cybersecurity measures regarding policies, controls, technologies, and best practices deployed to ensure the security of data, applications, and infrastructure in cloud environments. Cloud security provides network and storage protection against internal and external threats, disaster recovery, access management, and data governance and compliance.
Key Components of Cloud Security
A well-designed cloud computing security system comprises the following key elements:
- Encryption: Data encryption is one of the pillars of cloud security and an effective way to ensure data privacy as well as protect cloud data during transmission (between destinations, typically outside a secure network) or at rest (in a data center, cloud storage, or similar) against cyber attacks. It is a data security measure in which encryption algorithms encode plain text information into unreadable forms. These algorithms require decryption keys to decipher the encoded plain texts.
Cloud encryption can be done symmetrically or asymmetrically. In a symmetric cloud encryption process, a single key encrypts the text and decrypts the ciphertext. Symmetric encryption protocols like Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) are commonly used as they are complex enough to be considered secure and simple enough to be suited for large traffic volumes and data sets. However, a single-key approach is more easily compromised when compared to asymmetric encryption protocols like elliptic-curve cryptography (ECC) and Digital Signature Algorithm (DSA).
In asymmetric encryption, plaintext and ciphertext are encoded using linked public and private key pairs. Only the person who knows the private key pair can decode a plaintext encoded into a ciphertext with a public key. Asymmetric encryption is less vulnerable to compromise as an exposed public key does not translate to an exposed private key. Also, a file can be signed with a private key to prove its origin to its recipient. Despite its enhanced security, one downside to asymmetric encryption is slower speeds, which may make it a less attractive option for high-traffic volume conditions
- Cloud Identity and Access Management: Cloud identity and access management (IAM) is the set of security controls that allows the right persons to access the right resources for the right reasons at the right time. IAM is the framework that verifies the control rights issued to each user. It determines whether to allow or deny access to a user depending on whether preset rights give them access privileges. While traditional businesses use on-premises solutions for access management controls, modern businesses now use cloud-based IAM solutions.
Although some businesses may be hesitant to cede access management controls to off-premises solutions, cloud-based IAM solutions offer certain perks such as:
- It allows users to work from any device or location
- It allows businesses to permit access to all their applications with one set of access credentials via single sign-on
- It allows businesses to spend less funds on enterprise-level security systems by relying on a centralized model to handle identity management across different applications
- Intrusion Detection and Prevention System: An intrusion detection and prevention system is an important component of cloud server security as it shields the entire system's resources from suspicious and malicious activities. An intrusion and prevention system can be in the form of hardware, a software program, or both. The tool is used for tracking, monitoring, and analyzing the system for indications of security policy violations. It can also be configured to respond to hostile behavior occurring on the cloud system. If the intrusion detection system detects malicious activity on the cloud server system, it can notify the system administrator to take relevant actions or automatically take specific protective actions depending on the configuration. Note that intrusion detection and prevention systems sometimes issue false alarms. A well-built cloud computing security will detect intrusions from outside the system and potential attacks within the cloud system with as few false alarms as possible
- SIEM: SIEM, short for Security Information and Event Management, employs specific rules and statistical correlations to make actional information of log entries and events. SIEM is useful in helping security experts or teams detect actions in real time that could lead to threats, conduct forensic investigations on cyber threats, manage incident responses, and prepare security audits for compliance purposes.
SIEM sometimes combines the use of artificial intelligence by tracking and monitoring behavioral anomalies to automate incident detection and response actions. Many security operation centers (SOCs) have adopted SIEM to replace manual tasks and improve efficiency.
SIEM systems can aggregate data using collection agents on servers, network equipment, end-user devices, firewalls, antiviruses, or through SMNP or WMI.
- MFA: Cloud multi-factor authentication (MFA) is an effective way to protect cloud servers and resources and a critical measure to strengthen cloud security from data breaches and unauthorized access. MFA, (sometimes called two-factor authentication) is a security measure requiring users or persons accessing a service to provide two or more identification forms before allowing them to access a cloud system, service, data, resource, or application. However, a cloud system's specific number of authentication factors varies based on the security framework's architecture and the desired security level.
MFA may combine a password or PIN with a token, fingerprint, or facial recognition before allowing a user access to a service. Since single-factor authentication is vulnerable to various forms of attack, such as brute force and phishing, multi-factor authentication includes an additional protection layer, making it more difficult for malicious persons to bypass authentication processes
- Firewall Configurations: Like a traditional firewall, a cloud firewall creates a virtual barrier around cloud infrastructure, platforms, data, resources, and applications to protect cloud resources against external cyber-attacks. When users connect to a cloud service, the firewall can screen their identity and monitor traffic as firewalls perform traffic filtering duties. They can block access for persons of unapproved identities, only approving access for legitimate users.
Note the security policies and firewall configurations determine who cloud firewalls filter traffic and manage access control. Depending on configurations, cloud firewalls can match conditions including IP address, URL, geolocations, DNS data, user behavior, and device information. If cloud resource user requests meet these conditions, they can be approved to access the required resource. Otherwise, the request is denied. Cloud firewalls can also be configured to allow access to cloud resources on a granular level based on grouped firewall rules for applications or user groups.
Cloud firewall configurations can use global threat intelligence from vast global databases compared to traditional firewalls. This improves security by ensuring cloud resources are not subject to emerging malware agents and other exploitative attack types
The Role of Cloud Security in Data Protection
With an increasing amount of data and access managed by cloud services, utilizing top-notch cloud security measures has become even more crucial to forestall data breaches of seismic proportions. As secure storage and access control play a massive role in maintaining data integrity and confidentiality, organizations must adhere to regulatory requirements and implement robust security measures to achieve high availability of services and data protection compliance.
Businesses and organizations can limit potential risks and vulnerabilities by ensuring proper cloud access management via cloud security measures. Consequently, they can efficiently protect their assets and maintain trust with both stakeholders and customers.
Types of Cloud Security Models
Although cloud computing is revolutionizing the way organizations and businesses store, process, and manage data and run their operations, understanding the various cloud security models (public cloud security, private cloud security, and hybrid cloud security) is vital to leverage the specific advantages of each type for your business. Each cloud security model offers unique weaknesses, strengths, and best practices for implementation. Understanding each model can help organizations make informed decisions when choosing the best option and mitigating business risks.
Public Cloud Security
A public cloud security model is a cloud security model provided by third-party service providers where the security measures established protect public cloud environments used by multiple organizations, businesses, or users. In the public cloud security model, security responsibilities are shared by the CSP (Cloud Service Provider) and the customer or client. However, the scope of responsibilities may vary depending on the cloud service model. For instance, the client usually has more security responsibilities in an Infrastructure as a Service model than in a Platform as a Service or Software as a Service model.
Typically, the CSP is tasked with securing the cloud infrastructure by providing physical security and service availability, while the client is responsible for access management, application connections and security, storage, and the transfer and backup of the data in the cloud. If organizations get their parts right, they can be confident, as CSPs usually have good security. CSPs can substantially invest in specialized staff, advanced technologies, and security resources that outmatch those available to individual businesses.
However, if you opt for public cloud security, you run the risk of potentially exposing sensitive data if isolation control fails, as public cloud security runs on a multitenant architecture. Also, compliance with industry standards may be challenging for businesses operating in highly regulated industries due to the shared control over infrastructure and data.
Private Cloud Security
Private cloud security refers to the set of technologies, tools, processes, and policies organizations use to maintain, update, and protect a cloud computing system's confidentiality, integrity, applications, data, and infrastructure. Private clouds may be the best option if your business or organization handles sensitive data, such as intellectual property or financial information, or have significant security concerns.
The main difference between private and public cloud security is that private cloud systems are single-tenant environments with the cloud infrastructure or solution established for a single organization or client. The cloud security solution may be on-site in the organization's physical location or off-site in a third-party data center. In the private cloud environment, the organization is responsible for protecting the servers, data, and infrastructure.
While the private cloud security model has the advantage that it does not cede control over security and customization to a third, it can become a burden to organizations when implementing and maintaining regulatory compliance processes. Furthermore, setting up a private cloud security system and scaling up or down may require substantial investment.
Hybrid Cloud Security
Hybrid cloud security is the totality of tools, procedures, and policies to protect applications, data, and infrastructure in a hybrid cloud environment. It employs the specific characteristics of public and private cloud environments to offer a robust security framework to ensure the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of applications and data.
Due to its hybrid nature, private cloud security is considered agile, as organizations can scale up and down as required and choose where operations are processed depending on the requirements for compliance, performance, workload sensitivity, and data security. A hybrid cloud security model allows businesses to protect sensitive applications and data on-site with a private cloud while using the public cloud for non- or less-sensitive operations. With a hybrid cloud, businesses can use the public cloud as a disaster recovery site or handle traffic spikes when needed.
Despite its unique advantages, implementing a hybrid cloud model can be challenging as it can be difficult to identify an incident source or coordinate response across multiple cloud environments. Also, if the delineation of accountability is unclear, disaster recovery scenarios may be less seamless. Furthermore, managing user identities and access across multi-cloud environments may be complex due to the decentralization of the hybrid cloud security model.
What To Look For In Cloud Security
As more and more businesses continue to turn to cloud computing to fulfill their computing requirements, security concerns are also rising. While many Cloud Service Providers claim to leave no stone unturned in providing cloud security for their clients, the reality can be different. Hence, you must be aware of the common cloud security threats and what to look out for when selecting a CSP. Some of the critical factors to consider in choosing a CSP are:
- Compliance and Certification: Verify that the CSP complies with industry-required regulations and standards. Some standards to look out for are GDPR, SOC 2, and HIPAA. Complying with these standards is a good indicator that the CSP maintains the highest standards of data privacy and security
- Data Encryption: Opt for a CSP that implements robust encryption protocols to safeguard data (both in transit and at rest). This can help you lower the risk of data breaches and unauthorized access
- Access Controls: Investigate the CSP's access control model, including the use of MFA, role-based access controls, and granular permissions. This can help reduce the chances of insider threats and unauthorized access
- Incidence Detection and Response: Examine the CSP's capacity to detect potential threats and how quickly they respond to incidences. A CSP with a real-time monitoring system is likely to handle intrusion detections early and respond rapidly in disaster recovery situations
- Data Backup: You should opt for a CSP that offers robust data backup solutions to protect yourself against data loss. Geographically distributed data centers and automated backups are some of the features to look out for here
- Transparency and Accountability: A CSP that fails to provide clear termed Service Level Agreements (SLAs) is a red flag. Hence, ensure the SLA provided by your CSP is easy to read and understand and prioritizes transparency and accountability of operations. The SLA must clearly define incident response protocols and the frequency of security audits to ensure that the CSP remains accountable for the security of your data
Challenges in Cloud Security
Although cloud technology offers several benefits, its dynamic nature introduces certain complexities and unique security concerns that must be understood before leveraging the technology. Some challenges in cloud security include data breaches, insider threats, compliance issues, and misconfigurations.
Data Breaches and Loss
A data breach occurs when confidential data or information is accessed illegally or extracted without appropriate authorization. Although data breaches are not unique to cloud security, they are still a top challenge for cloud environments. With IBM reporting the average data breach cost at $3.9 million, organizations cannot afford not to take security seriously.
Since some control over security will be ceded to the CSP managing the service, sharing data control and security responsibility adds complexity to cloud security management and risk mitigation. Also, hackers find CSP services an attractive challenge due to the enormous amount of data stored and managed by the providers.
Insecure Interfaces and APIs
Cloud computing services often use application programming interfaces (APIs) to make their services available to millions via integrations. However, if APIs are not adequately secured or configured, they can become security concerns as malicious users gain authorized access to the cloud system. Poorly designed or configured API can be exploited via injection attacks where a hacker injects malicious codes to access confidential information.
Account Hijacking
Since cloud services are typically accessible from any location, they are vulnerable to unauthorized access. Multi-factor authentication is one way CSPs can mitigate this risk as it provides additional security later, making it harder for account hijacking. MFA helps improve identity access management protection by requiring users to provide what they know (password), what they have (a token or smartphone), and what they are (face scan or fingerprint). Consequently, it becomes harder for attackers to hijack or impersonate legitimate users.
Without MFA, cyberattacks can easily use password-cracking techniques to steal login credentials and breach cloud resources, which may lead to compromised information, financial losses, and reputational damage. Also, an attacker who has hijacked a user account can eavesdrop on transactions, manipulate stored data, present false and business-damaging responses to clients, and redirect clients to a competitor or inappropriate site.
Best Practices for Enhancing Cloud Security
Regardless of the cloud security model you choose, there are hurdles to surmount to safeguard the system from cyber threats. CSPs must continue to adopt best practices and implement adequate security measures to strengthen their cloud security posture and mitigate risks effectively. Some of the best practices to enhance cloud system security are discussed below.
Regular Security Assessments
Cloud security assessment is an indispensable tool in ensuring cloud security as it helps maintain the continual integrity, availability, and confidentiality of data stored and processed in the cloud. It allows an organization to find out what may go wrong and prevent it before it occurs. Cloud security assessments may be done in several ways, including assessing misconfigurations, access control and management, incident management and logging, platform services security, workload security, data and network security, and overall security posture.
Third-party security experts or internal security teams specializing in cloud security may perform cloud security assessments. Cloud security assessments can help identify where security improvements are required and formulate remediation plans for identified vulnerabilities.
Data Encryption
Data encryption plays a pivotal role in enhancing cloud security as it ensures the integrity and confidentiality of stored and transmitted data in cloud systems. Encryption provides an additional protection layer by changing data into an unreadable format, which requires a specific key to decipher it, making it unreadable to unauthorized persons. Most major cloud service providers ensure both data in transit and data at rest are encrypted and that the encryption keys are always securely administered
AI and ML Adoption
Modern cloud security systems are leveraging artificial intelligence, machine learning, and behavioral analytics to enhance the resilience of their security systems. By adopting these modern technologies, cloud systems can provide an additional defense layer against sophisticated threats. These technologies can help organizations respond to threats in real time and protect against threats that traditional techniques can easily miss.
Conclusion
Considering the amount of sensitive data stored in cloud systems and the security risks these systems face, proactive cloud security solutions are no longer an option but a necessity. The unique challenges of cloud security systems require a sophisticated and ever-evolving approach.
Cloud security measures are essential for mitigating risks such as data breaches, unauthorized access, and service disruptions, which can have severe consequences for both clients and cloud service providers. Organizations and CSPs must adopt a proactive approach to cloud security to address these challenges. This involves staying abreast of the latest security threats and advancements in cloud security technologies and implementing resilient security measures to protect their assets effectively. By regularly assessing their cloud security strategies and making necessary adjustments, organizations can enhance their resilience to cyber threats and maintain customer trust.
