System Administrator
Jan 6, 2022
Submitted by Matt Rosenthal
President, Mindcore
75 Lane Road, Suite 406
Fairfield, NJ
(973) 664-9500
info@mind-core.com
Cloud security refers to the procedures and technologies that protect cloud computing environments from both external and internal cyber threats. It is designed to protect data and applications in the cloud, preventing unauthorized access and users.
Why is Cloud Security Important?
Since 95% of organizations worldwide use cloud services today, it is critical to evaluate your cloud security. Security threats are constantly evolving, and cloud computing technology is at no less risk. Customers can ultimately weaken cloud security with their access policies, misconfigurations, and sensitive information. Cloud providers help customers and companies improve their cloud security by creating a secure environment to protect their data and prevent breaches from insider threats, misconfigurations, and unsecured APIs.
Cloud Security Responsibilities
A common misconception is that you can “offload” your security requirements to your cloud provider. Cloud security is a responsibility that is shared between the cloud provider and the user. You must understand how your cloud provider will protect your data and have regular visibility into the privacy and security measures being adopted by cloud service providers. The level of responsibility assigned to each party is dependent on the service model:
Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS)
Customers are responsible for securing their data and user access.
Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS)
Customers are responsible for securing their applications, sensitive data, and user access.
Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)
Customers are responsible for securing their applications, data, operating systems, user access, and virtual network traffic.
Benefits of Cloud Security
Cloud security offers many benefits to businesses both large and small, including:
Centralized Security
Just as cloud computing centralizes applications and data, cloud security centralizes protection so businesses can effectively manage their traffic and web threats. Disaster recovery plans can also be implemented and actioned easily when they are in one place.
Reduced Costs
Utilizing cloud storage and security reduces the need to invest in expensive hardware. This not only reduces capital expenditures but also administrative overheads. Cloud security delivers proactive monitoring, which offers 24/7 protection with little to no human interaction.
Reduced Administration
When you choose a reputable cloud security provider, you no longer have to worry about the mundane administration and endless security patching required to maintain the underlying infrastructure. These tasks can have a massive drain on resources, but when you move them to the cloud, all security configurations and updates are fully managed on your behalf.
Reliability
Cloud security offers all the functionality of traditional IT security, and allows businesses to harness the many advantages of cloud computing while remaining secure and ensuring that data privacy and compliance requirements are met.
Mindcore’s Cloud Security Services
The vast majority of security incidents in the cloud are attributable to misconfigured assets, phishing scams, and unsecured personal devices — mainly the fault of the user. In this respect, vulnerability testing and constant security monitoring are essential to protect your data in the cloud. The cloud is only as secure as you make it.