In this article, we will explain possibly two of the most well-known terms today when it comes to web-based businesses and IT teams; cloud computing and cybersecurity. Cloud computing is becoming incredibly popular for several reasons, and cybersecurity has been the main focus since the boom in cyberattacks and their variations.
Although these two terms might feel distant, they are being emerged recently and lots of companies are utilizing cloud computing to make their cybersecurity structure more robust. At first thought, this might look odd since cybersecurity means that you are isolating a private network from other parties and cloud computing requires a third party. But now we have cloud security, let’s see what it’s all about.
What is cloud security?
Cloud security is a subdivision of cybersecurity that aims to ensure the security of the cloud systems of a private network. The operations included in a cloud security structure contains the necessary technologies, authentication methods, processes, procedures, and all activities of an IT security team that deal with keeping the cloud data confidential, integral, and available.
On that note, cloud security is much more than ensuring data security on cloud computing systems. Cloud security needs to include the operations and the maintenance of the accessibility of the cloud, compliance issues, training of the employees on cyberattacks, and how they need to protect themselves on the cloud.
But in most cases, since cloud computing will be obtained from a third party, they will themselves offer the latest security technologies and services along with the cloud to make sure their clients’ information is always safe, and they can always access what they need to.
Cloud Security Best Practices
1) Multi-factor Authentication (MFA)
Passwords are not a good way to handle authorized access anymore as they are vulnerable to being stolen or hacked. Using multi-factor authentication adds another layer of security in which you are verifying users more than a single identifier.
2) Controlling User Access
Endpoints need to be frequently monitored by the IT staff and any suspicious access attempts should be detected in time to ensure the integrity of data. Identity and Access Management (IAM) is a great tool for this with improved access control features. Make sure you have control over access with the help of IAM best practices.
3) Data Encryption
This should go without saying. Encrypting data either moving through or on your database is a crucial practice to increase data security on your cloud computing systems. This technology ensures that cybercriminals are unable to intervene in communication, and even if they get a hold of them, it is nothing more than an unsolvable puzzle.
Why Cybersecurity in Cloud Computing is Important?
We all know how cybersecurity is a big deal today, but there should be an emphasis on cloud security as well since it usually requires a different set of practices to ensure safety. Let’s see some of the most crucial points that make cybersecurity in cloud computing vital.
1) Improving overall cybersecurity
This is especially useful for smaller businesses. The biggest organizations have all the resources they need to ensure cybersecurity on their networks, and they can do it themselves. However, smaller businesses usually don’t have this kind of budget and are unable to set up their cybersecurity systems.
Going with cloud computing will instantly improve the overall security of these businesses since as we said above, most of the work will be done by the cloud provider. They already have the resources and the expertise, so why not just benefit from them?
2) Cloud security is crucial for compliance
Compliance is a must, and there are several sets of regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, or FISMA. Depending on your industry and your service area, you need to know which one applies to you and ensure that your cloud computing systems are aligned with these standards. You might face serious legal penalties if you and your vendors do not comply.
3) Securing remote work environments
One of the reasons that companies migrate to the cloud is the overwhelming popularity of remote work. They need to make their resources available to users outside of their offices and data centers, and the best way is to move over to the cloud.
But storing valuable data on the cloud can be tricky, and that’s where cloud security comes into play. If you don’t do it properly, there is a great risk that your private network will be a victim to malicious users.
Challenges of Cloud Security
Cloud computing offers great benefits to every size of business, but it does have some challenges and concerns. The first thing to consider is that when utilizing cloud computing, you are giving more control to a third party over your data and network.
As a business owner, you need to make sure to evaluate your vendor candidates in terms of compliance, data security, data recovery plans, and the cybersecurity technologies they can implement. It’s important to note that even if you are relying on a third party, it is still your responsibility to protect the personal and valuable information you have as a company.
Conclusion
Cloud computing and cybersecurity do have a relationship in which one makes another more robust. Although they may sound opposites, ensuring cybersecurity in cloud computing environments is possible. Sometimes, the cloud makes your overall network, even more, stronger, that is, if you choose your cloud vendor carefully. Take advantage of this emerging technology and improve cybersecurity in your company.
