Securing cloud services is a collaborative effort between the service provider and the tenant. To protect data in the cloud, standard methods and various strategies are used, including the use of the services of the respective companies: https://www.dataart.com/services-and-technology/security/cloud-security-testing-services. According to Gartner, cybersecurity is the second-largest cost item for cloud infrastructure users.
Data protection strategies in the cloud
Data security in the cloud is a top priority for tenants and providers. What can be done to minimize risks:
- encrypt data;
- use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication;
- read SSL carefully;
- configure network monitoring;
- secure the API;
- comply with all recommendations for protection against DDoS attacks.
Encryption
For data security, the first line of defense for any cloud infrastructure is encryption. The methods involve the use of complex algorithms to hide information.
Hackers need a key to decrypt encrypted files. In theory, any information can be deciphered. In practice, cybercriminals will require a large amount of computing resources, complex software, and time.
For maximum security, data in the cloud should be encrypted at all stages of its transfer and storage:
- at the source – on the user’s side;
- on the way – when transferring from user to server;
- at rest – when stored in the database.
Strong passwords and multi-factor authentication
Instead of simple username and password authentication, it is safer to implement multi-factor. Static and dynamic passwords are required by a variety of tools. By giving a one-time password, the latter verifies the user’s credentials. Biometric circuits or hardware tokens can also be used.
SSL agreement
Examining the SSL agreement carefully is an excellent method for protecting cloud services. It is in it that it is spelled out what obligations the provider has, how he protects your data. Such agreements should not be clichéd, everything should be worked out with regard to protection from the side of the service provider.
Continuous monitoring
The service of continuous network monitoring can be provided by the provider, but more often users need to independently configure the parameters of the intrusion detection system. We recommend contacting professionals who will assess the risks and correctly configure the continuous monitoring system.
API and its security
How do you make your API reliable? Use comprehensive measures:
- Penetration testing – simulates an external attack targeting specific API endpoints;
- Secure Socket Layer / Transport Layer – secure encryption for data transmission;
- multi-factor authentication.
DoS and DDoS Defense Strategy
Denial and distributed denial of service is a global cloud security issue. Any defense strategy should include:
- State-of-the-art intrusion detection system. It must be able to identify abnormal traffic and provide early warning based on credentials and behavioral factors. This is a kind of alarm in the cloud.
- Checking the type of traffic. Implemented in many firewalls. Allows you to check the source and destination of incoming traffic, to assess its possible nature using IDS.
- Initial speed limitation.
- Blocking compromised IP addresses.
Default information protection capabilities
Data breaches and data leaks are major security concerns in the cloud. The main reason is the neglect of the default information protection capabilities.
Backup
Frequent data backups are the most effective way to improve the security of cloud services. In order to properly configure it, you need to clearly understand what data is critical. You can create backups of individual files, databases, or the entire system. To do this, choose a reliable solution like Cloudally.
Reliable provider
Data can be lost due to cloud providers neglecting security measures. Responsible providers provide servers with already configured encryption, antivirus, and Firewall. The machines themselves are stored in secure TIER III data centers. This means that the risk of fire, flooding, and breakdown is minimized. You can learn more about data centers here.
Systematic assessment of the security level
Cloud services are regularly upgraded. Updates help improve performance and fix bugs. But they also carry new security holes. You should regularly check traffic and network activity, especially after installing or updating software. Best of all is automatic threat detection using artificial intelligence.
Robust access control policies
Allow access only to those employees who need it. Make sure you can close this access at any time. For an extra layer of data security in the cloud, use multifactor or biometric authentication methods.
Disaster recovery plan
Losing access to cloud services is a serious security threat. Moreover, any downtime will lead to serious financial losses. To avoid data loss and minimize downtime after a disaster, create a disaster recovery plan and make sure the IT department knows the plan.
How to properly configure security in the cloud? You can do this yourself, using specialized tools, or contact the professionals. If you are interested in this topic, read also about google cloud development.
