The threat of cyberattacks in public cloud always looms large. Cyber security can help fortify the public cloud and enable safe migration to the cloud environment. The article provides an overview of the cybersecurity clauses in the public cloud where we can protect an organization’s assets in a multi-cloud environment.
Moving the workloads
The first step involves a decision on the workloads which need to be moved to the public cloud. For instance, many companies decide to move development IT infrastructure in the beginning. In the later stage, the analytical infrastructure is deployed on the cloud environment. In the first stage, testing the development of IT infrastructure gives the organization an idea about the security aspects of the cloud. This lays down an assurance framework for the migration of sensitive workloads to the cloud.
Cloud service provider and the price
The price of a cloud service provider for workload migration is important from the security perspective. Multiple cloud service providers can be chosen for workload migration, and this price depends upon the objectives of the company. The infrastructure and services provided by the Cloud Service Provider go a long way in determining the security aspects of the cloud environment.
Security levels
The level of security aspects and services need to be decided with the service provider. For instance, there are numerous security fields and catalogue tools to choose from. Companies can use the aspect of single-factor authentication, which provides mild security levels. Another option is to use multi-factor authentication, which provides a moderate security shield. The most advanced security features use behavior-based authentication, which is most widely used by companies. We do have examples of some companies which resort to third party Cloud Security prospects deploying their infrastructure in a multi-cloud environment.
Security template
It is important to assign a security template to each workload. Various factors play a role in adequate assignment. Among those include internal expertise, cost consideration, and security prospects. As far as customer-facing workloads are concerned, companies are free to use default cloud controls. For the internal transaction apps, security aspects need to be given utmost concern.
Security solutions
Next in line is the decision about Cloud Security solutions. It must be decided in the beginning about the prospective solutions that need to be deployed for different applications. Remote cloud service providers can provide different security solutions to different types of workloads. In some cases, it has been observed that companies decide to go with the existing security solutions for their sensitive applications. For other types of applications or workloads which are less important, the company uses third-party security solutions in such cases.
The checklist
Before the creation of a checklist, it is important to test the first set of controls. We go for the prioritization of applications before creating a checklist. The applications which are most important to the company are prioritized and migrated to the public cloud environment. The readiness of such applications for migration is also tested. Different companies create different checklists and operational procedures involving different controls, which creates a secure IT landscape.
Control systems
The standardization and automation of each control is an inevitable step. The analysis of each of the control systems is a precursor to the levels of security that an organization aspires for. Analysis of the control system needs to be followed by a periodic review leading to a fortified security shield.
Governance model
Implementation of a robust governance model is important for various provisions of cybersecurity. In case of controls that can be automated, organizations can resort to standardization using development and operation.
Feedback loop
A good feedback mechanism utilizes the experience gained from the testbed of implementation to developing the next set of controls. The benefits of a feedback loop include the timely implementation of the next set of controls which lays down the framework for a high-security shield. Neutralizing new security threats and adapting to changes in the cloud security solutions is what goes into making \a secure cloud environment.
Bridging the gap
It is important to work following the Cloud Security provider so that the necessary controls are vested with both parties. This requires an understanding of each other’s capabilities and needs, thereby leading to robust security solutions.
In conclusion
The cloud security ecosystem is riddled with challenges that can be countered by proper planning, implementation, and feedback to prevent different types of cyberattacks which may invade us from time to time.