More businesses and services are moving to the cloud, but what will 2020 bring in terms of security and new technologies?
Security risks are ever-present in cloud computing, and they’re always changing. Even while the cloud provides a range of options for companies, including cost savings and more storage flexibility, security continues to be a challenge.
According to a cloud security report from Cybersecurity Insiders, 93% of companies are moderately to extremely concerned about cloud security, and one in four organizations reported a cloud security incident within the last year.
It’s more important than ever to stay aware of the biggest developments in cloud security so you and your team can address new challenges head-on. Here are five of the most prevalent trends in 2020 and how the AWS Shared Responsibility Model and CloudHesive can help you prepare.
1.Misconfiguration is still a risk
A major vulnerability indicator hackers look for is a misconfigured cloud system. Regardless of the cloud platform or application being used, it’s ultimately up to the organization to adapt the solution to their needs, securing the company’s sensitive information and configuring the system.
This is why mistakes in configuration happen frequently, leaving companies unknowingly exposed to security risks. According to a cloud security report from Palo Alto Networks, 32% of businesses exposed at least one of their cloud storage services and 29% reported compromised accounts.
Many organizations are recognizing that security must come from them and not always the platforms they’re using. However, it’s important that communication remains open and frequent between a company and cloud storage providers to help minimize some of these risks.
Another thing companies can do is focus more on encrypting and protecting their data while it’s being stored or transferred on the cloud. This helps fill gaps in security left by cloud providers.
The AWS Shared Responsibility Model guides customers in many of the management and control tasks required for an effective, comprehensive security solution. Responsibilities are shared between AWS and the user and are determined based on the type of AWS Cloud Services provided.
2. BYOD and the IoT
Bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policies and the Internet of Things (IoT) both bring unique security risks to cloud computing. The IoT is comprised of so many devices that are in constant communication with one another that it’s hard to track the individual risks each of these devices brings to the table.
BYOD allows companies to save money on employee devices and give them more flexibility, but it can be a challenge to ensure these devices are secure when they’re sharing cloud-based applications and storage solutions that contain sensitive company data.
More is understood about emerging threats every day, but it’s always wise to be aware of these many devices that are engaging in cloud computing for business purposes.
3. Changing privacy laws
Data privacy and compliance laws are always changing, and that impacts cloud computing and security. Many large companies have been held accountable for data breaches, and thus consumers have gotten more cautious about the kind of information they’re comfortable sharing with brands.
GDPR in the EU and other privacy laws have put the spotlight on how information is protected online, and these regulations and compliance issues greatly impact the use of the cloud to store and transmit information.
The AWS Shared Responsibility Model offers tools that help companies comply with laws and regulations related to security and privacy. Managed Security services from CloudHesive can ensure you are able to manage your company’s share of that burden and pass compliance audits.
4. The AI impact
Artificial intelligence and business process automation are driving change across industries. With cloud security, automation can help businesses monitor threats continuously without human intervention until a problem is detected. AI offers key alternative options for cloud security when traditional methods, like firewalls, may not be sufficient.
AI can help businesses respond to changing cloud security environments and adapt to changes and configurations as needed. If an issue arises, AI tools can automatically scan and assess the threat and report it to IT staff.
Automation is leading the way in providing a monitoring solution for cloud computing that will help organizations mitigate security risks. The AWS Cloud allows companies to integrate automation techniques so they can prepare for and respond to security events with preset controls and response systems.
5. Finding the right managed security service
It’s more important than ever to make sure you’re supplementing the security measures offered by your cloud provider to ensure that all of your applications and systems are protected. Weaknesses in the shared security model means that relying on security solutions from your cloud provider just isn’t enough for your organization. It’s management’s responsibility to ensure the security plan is complete.
AWS Well-Architected is a set of guidelines that help brands apply current best practices to their cloud architecture and security. The Well-Architected framework increases effectiveness in these five pillars:
- Operational excellence
- Security
- Reliability
- Performance efficiency
- Cost optimization
Within the security pillar, AWS defines a system that helps organizations build a stronger identity foundation, incorporate traceability, deploy security at every level, integration automation techniques, protect data, and mitigate and prepare for security threats. This is all essential to the AWS Shared Responsibility Model.
The managed security solution from CloudHesive helps you fill in the gaps in the Shared Responsibility model, enabling you to implement the needed security solutions for your systems and avoid misconfiguration risks.
CloudHesive and AWS together help your organization create a comprehensive security plan and respond to an ever-changing industry. AWS provides certain security controls for cloud services, but it’s up to you to pass compliance audits or take other applicable security steps. CloudHesive can step in and ensure that your shared security model is comprehensive and effective.
Contact CloudHesive to learn more.
