The Fundamentals of Cloud Security for Enterprises 

Regular Cloud Audits and Assessments 

Cloud auditing is the process of systematically reviewing and evaluating the operational processes and controls within one’s cloud architecture. Audits ensure compliance with industry standards, government regulations, and internal policies to mitigate risks associated with cloud computing. Also identifying where sensitive or regulated data is being accessed and shared and understanding the risks resulting from data loss or theft is also a top priority. 

Cloud Policies and Recovery Strategy 

Developing cloud policies is necessary for defining the governance of cloud resources. These policies encompass the management of data, operational parameters, and compliance requirements. Furthermore, a robust disaster recovery strategy must be in place to quickly restore data and applications in the event of a failure or breach. 

Identity Access for Cloud 

Managing identities and access is a cornerstone of cloud security. It ensures that only authorised users can access the cloud services and the data within, utilising various authentication methods to maintain strict access control. Cloud security must be enforced at the end-user-level and multi-factor authentication is a minimum requirement for users to access cloud applications. The strategic approach of Zero Trust to “never trust, always verify” is critical to protect your cloud applications and data. 

Controlling cloud access involves the implementation of policies and mechanisms that restrict access to cloud data and applications. It is imperative to enforce least privilege access and manage permissions diligently. 

Cloud Configuration  

The three critical aspects of cloud configuration are: 

• • • •  Configuration Management: Tracking and controlling the configurations in a cloud environment to enforce security policies. 
      • Change Control: Supervising changes to prevent disruption and ensure that each amendment bolsters security posture. 
      • Compliance Monitoring: Regularly inspecting systems to confirm that they comply with industry standards and regulatory requirements. 

Cloud Usage Visibility and Managing Shadow IT 

Having visibility into cloud usage is crucial for monitoring the activity and behaviour within a cloud environment, and it plays a pivotal role in detecting irregularities or potential security breaches. This visibility extends to addressing Shadow IT—the use of unauthorised applications and services by employees without explicit approval from the IT department—which can significantly elevate security risks. By enforcing clear guidelines on the permissible applications and ensuring that users only interact with reputable applications and websites, organisations can mitigate the security vulnerabilities introduced by Shadow IT. Implementing comprehensive oversight and limitations on software and services usage,is vital for maintaining controlled environments where sensitive data is accessed, reinforcing the overall security and compliance of the cloud landscape. 

Cloud Data Security 

Cloud storage has become one of the most convenient and efficient methods to store data online. With more than 60% of the world’s corporate data stored in the cloud, this service area is expanding at a rapid pace. With the sheer amount of data that also includes sensitive and critical data, best practice cloud security is crucial.  

Data Discovery and Classification 

Identify and classify your data — Data discovery and classification is used to evaluate and categorise your data based on its importance and sensitivity. You can then utilise the insights gained to focus your data protection strategies, establishing suitable security controls and policies.  

Implement Data Access Management – Conduct frequent audits of access privileges, particularly for your organsation’s most sensitive data and remove any unnecessary permissions. Apply appropriate access controls based on the data type. 

Restrict Data Sharing – Enforce rules to mitigate risks of accidental public exposure or unauthorised external data sharing. 

Monitor File Downloads – Monitor for unusual download activities and prohibit downloads to unsecured devices. Require device security verification prior to allowing downloads and track users who download, alter, or share cloud-based data. 

Data Protection 

Refine Data Erasure Practices – Eliminate redundant or obsolete data following NIST and ISO recommendations. Deletions must be auditable. 

Encrypt Data in Transit and at Rest – Prioritise encryption for all data before uploading it to the cloud. Maintain strict control over encryption keys using comprehensive key management practices to secure them properly. 

Develop a Robust Data Recovery Strategy – Regularly back up data and establish a thoroughly tested recovery procedure to efficiently address accidental and intentional data loss. 

Cloud Patching and Vulnerability Testing  

Patching vulnerabilities in cloud applications and conducting systematic vulnerability testing can prevent exploitation by hackers and secure access to data. Cloud penetration testing of Azure and AWS cloud systems is now just as critical to your security posture as internal and external penetration testing. This is an ongoing process to keep pace with evolving threats.