As a business owner, you know how important it is to protect your data. It’s also important to ensure continuity of business operations in the face of natural disasters. Cloud providers are dedicated to delivering the safety and security you need. They have adopted the best technology and best practices for dealing with any threats and ensuring Cloud security.
In part 1 of this series, we discussed 3 of the 7 Cloud security questions. In part 2, we’ll talk about who manages security in the Cloud, what types of security are available, whether the Microsoft Cloud is secure, and compliance and governance in the Cloud.
4. Who will manage security in the Cloud?
You need to know who will be responsible for the various aspects of your Cloud security. Even though your Cloud provider promises security, that doesn’t mean you have no responsibility. Protecting your data is a team effort. The type of Cloud service you choose will dictate which areas you are responsible for and which ones your provider will take care of.
Common to all types of Cloud service is that you, the client, are responsible for data protection and access control. The Cloud service provider is always responsible for ensuring the security of the Cloud.
- In the Software as a Service (SaaS) environment, you are responsible for your data, access control, and endpoints. Your Cloud provider takes care of securing, testing, and protecting the Cloud infrastructure, applications, network security, etc.
- In the (PaaS) environment, the Cloud user has the same responsibilities as in SaaS with additional application obligations.
- is a type of Cloud computing service that offers essential computer, storage, and networking resources on-demand, on a pay-as-you-go basis. In this environment, the Cloud provider is only responsible for the Cloud. The user takes responsibility for data protection, access control, endpoints, applications, systems, and networks.5.
5. What is involved in securing the Cloud?
There are many aspects of securing your Cloud infrastructure and network. The responsibilities may be charged to more than one person.
- Access management – Someone needs to determine who can access what data. Rules and protocols must be established. Monitoring and oversight are crucial. Some areas you’ll have to police are:
- Single sign-on
- Least privileged role assignment
- Password enforcement and updating
- Credentials management
- Multi-factor authentication
- Disaster recovery – You also need protocols for disaster preparedness and response to infrastructure and network disruption. This should include including:
- Backup retention
- Geographic recovery
- Continual monitoring - Active monitoring and tracking will allow you to identify inconsistencies and irregularities, contain threats, and generate security reports.
- Encryption - Converting information into a code, mainly to prevent unauthorized access, will protect your data as it is moved and stored. This responsibility includes:
- Secure data transmission
- Encryption of files and disks
- Database encryption for secure storage
- Network security – Network security is the protection of the networking infrastructure from unauthorized access, misuse, or theft. It includes:
- Firewalls
- Network segmentation
- Load balancing
- Physical security – Physical security involves the use of multiple layers of interdependent systems that can include:
- Access controls
- Environmental controls
- Ongoing scanning – Ongoing scanning allows you to assess the network and infrastructure for vulnerabilities with a view to repairing them.
- Password management – You must define appropriate password protocols and authentication procedures.
6. Is the Microsoft Cloud secure?
is secure. It is protected by the most up-to-date security developed through Microsoft’s continuous research and development.
Microsoft’s security is built into the environment and regularly upgraded according to data, artificial intelligence, and insight from cybersecurity professionals. It monitors for threats and irregularities around the clock. Microsoft boasts:
- 3,700-plus security experts on staff
- More than $1 billion annually spent on security
- 8 trillion-plus security signals analyzed daily
- 6 billion malware threats blocked in 2020
Organizations using Microsoft’s Azure Cloud benefit from business continuity, rapid response to threats, and the capacity to predict and prevent cyber incidents.
7. What about compliance and governance in the Cloud?
Today’s top Cloud providers are equipped to meet compliance and governance challenges in various industries, regions, and countries. Experts work continuously to follow and maintain compliance requirements.
If there are compliance issues, it’s much more likely that they originate with the client’s own processes and policies. Employers must ensure that their teams guard against compromised laptops and devices, poor password and credential enforcement, insufficient patching or security enforcement, and lack of training around security awareness. A solid security strategy in the Cloud can shield a company from some dangers. But the weakest link is often the end-user. A top Cloud service provider can help you close the security gaps.
Are you ready to migrate to the Cloud?
When you work with experienced partners for Cloud migration, they can manage the process to ensure the safety of your data and sensitive information on the way to the Cloud. at Enavate for more information on starting your Cloud journey.
By Enavate,
