Principles of the Cloud: Security

 “Security is fundamental but not a blocker to creativity”

 

The Foundations of Cloud Security

For the many organisations that rely on cloud infrastructure, security is of utmost importance to ensure premium content is kept secure. Whether a workflow is implemented for confidential data storage, content distribution or something else entirely, implementing security fail safes is among the first things that should be considered when developing cloud workflows.

Implementing security protocols into our cloud infrastructure reduces the risk of cyber threats, malware attacks and data breaches, as well as ensures the integrity of data by preventing unauthorised modifications. With a robust security system in place, organisations can build trust with customers, partners and stakeholders, enhancing their reputation and credibility. Not only this, but security protocols prevent costly security incidents and legal liabilities. It can also help to monitor what is happening, where and when to ensure security best practices.

Building a Secure Environment for Innovation

There are a few key considerations that need to be addressed before developing a secure cloud infrastructure to ensure that any security measures are at the right level for use. With so many organisations across a multitude of industries making the shift to the cloud, it has become a critical part of the digital infrastructure of many businesses.

Perhaps the most crucial step is to recognise the importance of regular security audits, a robust measure used to ensure the protection of data, applications and resources within cloud environments. Most commonly, organisations will use tools such as cloud audit logs to capture and maintain details of interactions with cloud resources, including data access and modifications. Most vitally, these audits need to be performed regularly for a good understanding of how the security systems are operating, and what might need to be adjusted for optimal performance.

Another step that organisations will usually implement during a security audit is a comprehensive and detailed audit checklist, outlining the steps and best practices for optimal security. When dealing with confidential data and premium content, it is of utmost importance that security measures such as encryption, access controls and authentication mechanisms are functioning as intended to avoid any nasty surprises.

While many cloud workflows are built with the promise of flexibility and opportunities for creation, by ensuring safe protocols, security does not need to halt innovation. By implementing security in the right way, workflows can continue to be innovative and also abide by compliance, regulations and data protection laws to keep security standards high. The perfect security solution can help to prevent ongoing disruptions in our workflows and minimise downtime for optimal performance.

Zero Trust Architecture in Cloud Security

With the increasing threat to the landscape surrounding cloud workflows, there is a true stand-out in high-performance security measures. This protocol is known as zero trust architecture.

Zero trust architecture requires all users, regardless of affiliation, to be authorised and authenticated before accessing any resources. This approach to security works spectacularly well, as it assumes that no one is trusted by default, removing any possibility for internal or external security breaches. With zero trust architecture, verification (usually multi factor authentication protocols) are necessary for all users attempting to gain access. By consistently implementing these protocols, it emphasises the importance of continuous verification and strict access controls, enhancing overall security in cloud environments.

A few alternative verification methods that might be used are access control, identity management and data encryption – ensuring that regardless of the user, identity and data are taken into consideration before granting access. When dealing with sensitive data that requires constant safeguarding, no risks should be taken, regardless of how small the organisation or trustworthy the individual is. It just takes one un-registered user login to open the doors for unauthorised access threats and breaches to occur.

Once zero trust architecture is correctly followed in cloud infrastructure organisations, innovation has no bounds, and the true benefits of cloud migration can be experienced. Moving to the cloud allows for a flexible, future-proof approach to data or content distribution and storage – providing the correct security measures are in place at all times.

The Risks of Neglecting Cloud Security

Obviously, there are very prevalent risks with neglecting cloud security in any environment. By failing to implement security measures, organisations are essentially exposing themselves to a multitude of risks with serious consequences.

The most common and perhaps most dangerous risk associated with neglecting cloud security measures are data breaches. Depending on the industry focus in question, data breaches can potentially be fatal to an organisation. Much of the data that organisations handle is of a confidential nature, and in the wrong hands, this can lead to significant cases of misuse and fraud, and potential fines for companies that fall foul of serious data breaches.

While cloud workflows have a tonne of benefits, they can also be accessible by a number of external parties without the right security measures in place – which is why ongoing audits are essential. Failing to recognise a lack of robust security in cloud infrastructure can lead to legal and regulatory penalties as well as reputational damages and financial loss, sometimes on a grand scale.

Final Thoughts on Building a Secure and Resilient Cloud Environment

Cloud infrastructure has become a central tool for industries far and wide, with many strictly on-prem workflows making the ultimate shift to introduce some remote aspects offered by the cloud. A great deal of innovation and creative abilities can be met when cloud security is prioritised, but without it, there can be irreversible and potentially fatal consequences.

In order to optimise the benefits of cloud infrastructure, there are a few considerations that should be followed at all costs. Ensuring that regular security audits are undertaken will help to safeguard against sensitive data being lost and unauthorised access such as breaches taking place. Most importantly, organisations across industries need to ensure that they are following the zero trust protocol.

To discover more about the importance of security in cloud infrastructure, visit our Lens product page for an overview of the benefits we can offer for organisations making the shift to the cloud. Lens considers the role of advanced troubleshooting, monitoring and cost tracking to support any matter of security protocol implementations, regardless of industry specialism.