Traditional businesses migrating to the cloud need robust information security mechanisms. Gartner predicts that more than 95% of new digital workloads will continue to be deployed on cloud-native platforms by 2025.
Robust cloud data security is imperative for businesses adopting rapid digital transformation to the cloud. While a traditional hosting model could be considered more secure, not all organizations are receptive to relinquishing control over their infrastructure or applications by relying on a cloud provider at an increased risk of data theft from a cyberattack done by an outsider.
Having said so, let’s try to understand the vital part.
What is Cloud Data Security?
Cloud data security entails securing data, whether at rest or in motion, on cloud-based infrastructure, applications, etc., against cyber threats like data breaches, unauthorized access, DDoS attacks, etc.
This includes technologies, policies and controls to help protect cloud-based data and systems. It also allows for the configuration of the system to make sure that confidential information can only be accessed by those with the right credentials.
It ensures that sensitive data is encrypted and the right access controls to safeguard it once it’s migrated into the cloud. This helps protect against unauthorized employees accessing any personal and confidential corporation data stored on remotely hosted network drives.
Customers and employees are protected from malicious scripts and dangerous content. Most importantly of all, any data that is lost or damaged during an emergency is protected.
On a broader scale, the following are included when it comes to cloud security:
- Physical networks
- Network security
- Access control
- Applications and software
- Data servers
- Regulatory compliance etc.
Implementation of cloud computing security processes should be a joint responsibility between the business owner and the solution provider.
But, when you are asked to create strategic cloud computing solutions with strict operational requirements, it is vital that your resource planning plan includes: establishing strong technological policies, monitoring response times, setting up IT support for contact, fix, enhancement and growth needs; and aligning use with cost-effectiveness goals.
How is Data Secured in the Cloud?
Never let your guard down when it comes to it, as it does not share the same stage with Security-as-a-Service (SECaaS or SaaS).
It is impossible to believe that cloud storage is secure. As a business owner it’s best to always have someone look over your account. You should not be concerned about how safe or authorized information is stored. There aren’t any guarantees when you give this data to other parties.
Three Key Technologies Make Data Secure in the Cloud
1 — Cloud Firewall
Firewalls are designed to protect from malicious internet traffic. This makes it safer for users to access their data and applications on the net safely.
The cloud-based WAF (Web Application Firewall) has two main parts. The first is that an agent sits on every server within the cloud environment. Secondly, there is a management console from where you can perform all the tasks of configuring the settings of your WAF, be it adding new rules or deleting existing ones, for example.
Regardless of whether you have a public or private cloud, setting up a WAF on your platform is easy and painless.
2 — Cloud Data Encryption
Suppose a cyber attacker hacks into a company’s cloud and finds plain data. In that case, the attacker can carry out attacks at their leisure: they could leak your sensitive information to damage your reputation or, worse still, sell this information to other malicious actors so that it could be used against you.
Encrypting data is an important process because, if done correctly, it can prevent your information from being hacked or uncovering private information while in transit.
To engage in encrypted communication successfully you must follow these steps. First and foremost, the code needs to be altered using a cipher that changes regularly. This type of encryption requires the use of correct keys when decrypting and encrypting sensitive information.
3 — Identity and Access Management (IAM)
Identity Access Management or IAM products are designed to store and track information relevant to user identification and each account’s level of access, status, and digitally stored credentials. By verifying the authorization of each user attempting access it, this information helps keep malicious security threats away from a network.
Cloud Data Protection – 5 Top Benefits
Cloud protection has many benefits for businesses. Here are the 5 key advantages of cloud data protection:
1 — Round-the-clock Visibility
The best cloud data security solutions make it easy to monitor your application and cloud-based assets 24/7.
2 — DDoS Protection
A DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attack is designed to flood web servers and deny access to users attempting to visit the site. This is done by overloading the web host system with many requests, which can bring the target down if it’s overwhelmed by too much traffic.
By installing AppTrana WAF, a fully managed Web Application Firewall, you can handle various attack types by identifying and patching vulnerabilities instantly, thereby determining what is required to quell an attack and always ensure available data.
3 — Data Security
Cloud computing security policies are like locks on a building door. The better the lock, the more likely it is to keep people out when you are not around. Your confidential information is the same. It would help to encrypt it so that hackers can’t read it.
Cloud data security relies on protocols and policies like strong access controls and data encryption to protect confidential information from unauthorized entities.
4 — Advanced Threat Detection
Cyber threats considered advanced have to include certain parameters in qualifying as advanced truly. For example, suppose a cyber threat (ransomware, zero-days or malware, etc.) is created to gain unauthorized access to a vulnerable network. They have all the tools and resources they need (there are no security features built in to protect against potential attacks). In that case, this qualifies as an advanced type of attack.
Cloud computing security plugs security holes with global threat intelligence and end-point scans. Thereby you can detect threats more easily.
5 — Regulatory Compliance
Cloud-based businesses need to be aware of data protection laws in the countries their business works with and the cyber risks they face to avoid creating industry & location-Specific Regulations mess that could impact their revenue and reputation.
A big benefit of using managed cloud security services is having expert assistance in risk management and compliance programs. Cloud-based managed security services can not only perform audits on your server and data but also offer assistance in compliance programs and improvements to existing or emerging privacy laws.
Conclusion
Akin to data in your laptop’s hard disk, Data security on the cloud is a top priority for organizations today. You shouldn’t be lazy when it comes to protecting your infrastructure.
With robust web security solutions your business will be able protect itself against widespread cyber threats. You won’t have to worry about hackers breaking in and taking your secrets.
