Cloud computing has become the go-to IT solution for many businesses around the world over the last few years, offering a series of advantages that often far-surpass traditional on-premises systems – including agility, flexible working, and relatively straightforward scalability. However, it’s never been more important to establish robust and reliable security protocols.
In this article, we’ve explored what cloud security architecture is and how it works, the different types of cloud security solutions, and the benefits of adopting effective safeguarding.
An introduction to cloud security
Cloud security simply refers to the practices and technologies in place to secure applications, protect data, and safely manage infrastructure across your hybrid, private, or public cloud environments. It works to safeguard your systems against malware, attack, and malicious threat, as well as offering a route for recovery in the event of disaster.
Why is cloud security important?
Below, we’ve explored the reasons to implement extensive, robust, and effective cloud security architecture across your virtual networks, from keeping internal data safe to protecting customer information and ensuring business continuity.
Data protection
Sensitive information, such as customer details, financial records, and intellectual property, is often stored in the cloud, so it’s imperative to adopt strong and stringent security measures to prevent breaches.
Threat detection
As part of protection against breaches, top-of-the-range cloud security solutions are capable of recognising all kinds of threats, and combatting unwanted accessors with speed, agility, and efficiency.
Reputation management
If your cloud environment is breached by somebody without authorised access, and customer details are accessed or compromised, you risk your business becoming known as unreliable and unsecure – which can damage brand image over the long term.
Risk mitigation
Having robust and reliable security processes in place helps you to identify and mitigate potential risks or breaches before they become a major problem.
Business continuity
Without effective security measures in place, you run the risk of your business data becoming easily compromised, which can slow down or halt day-to-day operations as you put out metaphorical fires. With cloud security services in place, though, you can rest easier knowing your data is protected.
Cost-effectiveness
Quality cloud security solutions aren’t free, especially if you’re working with a reputable cloud management service; but, in the long run, it can be more cost-effective than managing and maintaining on-premises data centres.
Compliance
Many industries are required to uphold a certain standard of data security, so it’s important to research the rules within your own sector to make sure you’re cloud environment is up to scratch.
Fortunately, working with a reputable cloud provider, such as AWS or Azure, takes the stress out of compliance, as their processes are regularly reviewed to meet all necessary regulations.
Who is responsible for cloud security?
The responsibility of cloud security is often shared between user and cloud service provider (CSP), with the framework varying depending on the level of ownership held by both parties – which differs between IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS.
For instance, SaaS models typically require the least user input to manage and maintain the environment – instead leaning more heavily on the provider. In contrast, of the three common service models, IaaS offers the most user control – which comes with the greater responsibility. In simple terms, the more you manage, the more you’re responsible for protecting.
Below is an overview of who usually owns various responsibilities across IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS.
| Security responsibility | IaaS | PaaS | SaaS |
| Data protection | User | User | User |
| User access | User | User | User |
| Applications | User | User | CSP |
| Operating system | User | CSP | CSP |
| Virtual network | User | CSP | CSP |
| Storage | CSP | CSP | CSP |
| Physical network | CSP | CSP | CSP |
The different types of cloud security solutions
Cloud security services are constantly being improved to better-combat against evolving threats, with some of the most common solutions including:
- Data encryption effectively protects information in case of breaches. Without the required permissions, a user shouldn’t be able to make sense of the encrypted information.
- Identify and access management systems are used to authenticate users, while multi-factor authentication can be used to be more certain that a user is who they say they are.
- Runtime protection systems monitor and protect your workloads in real-time as they’re being executed across the cloud.
- Vulnerability scanning regularly runs scans to identify threats and prompts corrective action when required.
- Virtual private networks can be used to establish a secure connection when working on a public network. Meanwhile, firewalls are used to control network traffic.
- Backup and recovery ensures data can be restored if compromised, even in the case of loss or cyberattack.
If you’re interested in learning more about the various cloud security options or want a more in-depth view of any of the above services, our experienced team of cloud consultants are on hand to offer bespoke advice centred around your business’ requirements.
Alternatively, discover even more insight into cloud computing over on our blog – including how to secure your hybrid cloud environment and how to ensure data security when migrating to a public cloud.
