Top 5 best practices for Cloud Security
Protecting data and applications in the cloud involves managing people, processes and technology with stringent policies. There has been a tremendous increase in the number of organizations migrating to the cloud due to its excellent reliability, scalability and reduced costs
Cloud security plays a key role in this transition and journey to cloud, and it involves examining an organization’s data processing and storage practices to outline unique strategies for protecting data. Using the best cloud security practices is essential for any organization because of the severe reputational consequences of not doing so.
Best practices for cloud security
The cloud has changed the way applications and data are accessed and consumed compared to the days when everything resided in traditional data centers. The cloud service model requires adequate security measures and a framework to provide appropriate guardrails. These best practices center on the idea that cloud users should familiarize themselves thoroughly with the services they’re purchasing and use the security resources made available by their cloud service provider.
1. Cloud security as a shared responsibility model
Security in the cloud is implemented using a shared responsibility model. Simply put, it will always be the CSP’s job to ensure the safety of their customer’s data and the virtualization platform itself.
The cloud user must understand the risks involved and take the initiative to design and implement adequate security controls. Some examples include knowing when it’s necessary to encrypt virtualized storage, setting up the virtual network and firewalls, and choosing between shared and dedicated hosting.
Security in a cloud environment is the joint responsibility of the CSP and the cloud user, with some overlap in certain areas. Many current cloud security issues stem from customer confusion over who is responsible for what. The cloud user, rather than the CSP, bears responsibility for a more significant portion of cloud security. Read More...