The world has shifted to a predominantly cloud-centric IT landscape in lieu of traditional data centers. According to Gartner, global end-user spending on public cloud services is expected to grow to a total of around $678.8 billion in 2024 — up from the $563.6 billion spent in 2023.
As organizations migrate to the cloud, some are doing so without realizing that cloud environments have their own set of security challenges. With ineffective security in place, many organizations have fallen victim to cloud data breaches and malicious activity that leave them floundering and paying exorbitant fines and ransoms.
Cloud security controls are a must to protect your organization’s operations and sensitive data. But what are cloud security controls, and how can they keep you safe from expensive, time-consuming threats? Continue reading for answers and to discover the best cloud security solutions for your organization.
What Are Cloud Security Controls?
Cloud security controls are the range of measures and best practices organizations take to protect their cloud environments and defend against breaches or possible hazards. They help businesses evaluate, deploy, and address information security and are a pivotal element in any cloud security strategy.
In order for cloud security operations to fulfill their full potential, they should be implemented as soon as your business migrates to the cloud — or even during this process. The purpose of cloud computing security is, ultimately, to make your cloud environments less vulnerable. To accomplish this, a variety of procedures and best practices must be followed to ensure things run smoothly. These guidelines can make up your cloud security controls.
4 Types of Cloud Security Controls
While there are numerous kinds of security controls that you can implement in your organization, most fall into four categories:
Deterrent controls
This information security measure helps keep malicious actors away from your cloud system. Deterrent controls inform any attackers that stealing data or engaging in suspicious activity will result in negative consequences. They act as a warning system designed to steer threat actors away from important systems. For example, cloud service providers conduct criminal background checks on employees to show they’re staying vigilant for cybercrime and will take internal theft or leaks very seriously.
Preventive controls
These controls do exactly what they sound like: strengthen the cloud’s ability to fight off attacks. This includes removing security flaws, writing code that disables inactive ports, maintaining a robust user authentication system, and any other action that strengthens data or access guards. Requiring multifactor authentication to access information or enter a system is an example of preventive controls.
Detective controls
Another type of cloud security control is detective controls — measures put in place to detect and respond to security threats and events. They are designed to identify any potential dangers to your cloud environment and appropriately react so your organization can resolve problems in a timely way. This type of security control includes intrusion detection software or security monitoring tools.
Corrective controls
When an attack happens, corrective controls kick into gear. They can limit the danger of widespread compromise with systems that can help reboot systems, backup data, and disconnect servers from the network. By having corrective controls in place, you’re more likely to reduce a malicious attack’s effect on your business.
The best cloud security includes all of these control types to ensure maximum protection for your organization. As you choose which controls to implement, there are several deployment models for launch.
Security Considerations for Cloud Deployment Models
Your deployment model decision really boils down to how much responsibility you’d like in protecting your cloud data and infrastructure. For the most part, organizations opt for one of three deployment models:
Public cloud deployments
Public cloud infrastructures are designed for organizations that rely on a vendor’s infrastructure and physical IT network to run their cloud applications. But the business still owns its operating system, applications, and data, giving it the responsibility of public cloud security. If you choose a public cloud infrastructure, be aware of your role in keeping your information secure.
Private cloud deployments
If you opt for private cloud deployment, you’re completely in control of your cloud hardware and software. With this option, you’ll be responsible for securing your own data. Since it doesn’t matter where your data lives — either in your own data center or at a third-party location — you have the freedom to manage everything. This makes it extremely clear what security responsibilities fall on your shoulders.
Hybrid-cloud deployments
These deployments let environments, data, and applications move back and forth between both private and public clouds, giving organizations the ability to scale their public cloud usage to meet demand. If you’re switching from on-prem to cloud-based IT at a slower pace, this approach gives you the flexibility to do so. With this option, pay close attention to necessary hybrid cloud security controls so all your assets are protected.
Cloud Security Risks
Cloud computing has been transformative for businesses. But it’s not a risk-free option. According to the Cloud Security Alliance (CSA), only 4% IT professionals had sufficient security for 100% of their data in the cloud. That means 96% of organizations lack the critical security measures needed to fully protect their sensitive data.
Following are some of the most frequent and critical cloud computing pitfalls to watch out for:
Unauthorized access
In the days of physical data centers, it was easier to manage who came and went. Since cloud-based deployments are accessible through the internet, it’s harder to control who has access to your data. This makes it easier for an attacker to gain unauthorized entry to cloud-based resources.
Account hijack
Weak passwords lead to thousands of phishing attacks and data breaches. Any threat actor with an employee’s credentials instantly has full access to sensitive information, which can cause significant damage.
Visibility issues
Since many organizations rely on cloud resources outside their corporate network, they don’t own the underlying infrastructure. This lack of ownership can severely limit visibility, making it difficult to effectively monitor and protect their cloud-based assets.
Cyberattacks
People who commit cybercrimes select their targets based on likely ransom or data sale profits — and they know what they’re doing. Because cloud-based infrastructure is directly available through the internet, this data has a target on its back.
[Related Reading: The Top 5 Cloud Vulnerabilities to Watch Out for]
Establishing Cloud Security Controls
Understanding the threats you’re facing makes cloud security controls essential. However, diving into cloud security without a solid foundation can leave you vulnerable. Stay secure by establishing a clear, well-defined strategy before you take the plunge. As you create your cloud security strategy, here are some best practices to follow:
Review your current cloud structure
Ensure you understand any cloud resource your team uses and what types of security are truly needed. Visibility is imperative for your team. Knowing what your cloud environment is being used for can ensure you create a plan that protects your workloads.
Build a security roadmap
Follow an attacker’s step-by-step process to cover every base — from deterrent to corrective controls. Leave nothing to chance by mapping out each phase and testing it against appropriate security protocols.
Collaborate with a proven cloud security provider
After identifying your organization’s needs and assessing the risks tied to your cloud computing services, choose a cloud security provider that can meet and exceed those challenges.
With more than 20 years’ experience providing comprehensive cybersecurity, Fortra’s Alert Logic knows how to provide purpose-built technology and security solutions to identify and respond to risks and breaches in cloud environments.
Ready to ensure your most sensitive and important cloud data remains secure? Schedule a demo today.
Additional Resources:
2-Minute Cloud Security Assessment
Key Steps to Defining and Implementing a Secure Multi-Cloud Strategy
Successful Cloud Modernization
Cybersecurity in the Cloud: The Challenging Hurdles It Has to Overcome
50 Cloud-Based Security Selection Tips
