Cloud Computing Security – Principles, Solutions, Methods and Architectures

A Look into Cloud Computing Security Principles, Solutions, Methods and Architectures 

Since its introduction in 2006, cloud computing has taken the tech space by storm as businesses and governments moved their work capacities to the cloud. However, cloud computing comes with its share of security threats, including the risk of malware, data breaches and compliance infringements. These risks call for sophisticated solutions and models to facilitate the consumer’s safety. So, let’s look at best practices and protocols used by security experts to bolster cloud computing security.  

Principles of Cloud Computing Security 

In 2016, the National Cyber Security Center released 14 cybersecurity principles, all aimed at helping providers of cloud computing shield consumers from malicious activities. These are as follows:  

1. Data in transit protection: there should be sufficient protection against obstructions as data moves between networks. 
2. Asset protection and resilience: there should be protection against any form of disturbance to user data and components handling it.  
3. Separation between users: users should be independent, so that compromise to one user’s data does not in any way affect the other user.  
4. Governance framework: every provider should bear a governance framework for easier and uniform management.  
5. Operational security: providers must offer their service securely and opt for straightforward processes to easily discover malicious activities before they manifest.  
6. Personnel security: employees of the provider should be well trained and scrutinized to reduce the likelihood of malicious activities developing internally. 
7. Secure development: providers should design their models with reliable security protocols in mind. 
8. Supply chain security: if a provider implements certain security measures, their supply chain should echo these standards.  
9. Secure user management: providers should avail of any tools a user needs to securely use their services to reduce the chance of unauthorized access to one’s data.  
10. Identity and authentication: only persons verified beyond doubt should be granted access to service interfaces. 
11. External interface protection: service interfaces from outside must be defined and shielded accordingly.  
12. Secure service administration: Management systems must be highly protected as malicious access to these systems could pave the way for hazardous entry to a significant amount of user data.  
13. Audit information for users: providers should make audit records accessible to users to be able to pinpoint malicious activities as they present themselves.  
14. Secure use of the service: for better protection, users must follow stipulated guidelines to use a service securely.  

Implementing these principles could mean the difference between safe service delivery and a service that could result in devastating outcomes in the event of a successful malicious attempt.  

Cloud Computing Security Solutions 

Securing your cloud resources against malicious activities is an ongoing challenge and consideration should be given to onboarding the right security solutions to meet your organisation’s needs. There is a wide variety of solutions and packages with differing prices and features. A focused specification and selection process should be undertaken to choose the right solution for your company. 

Cloud Security Methods and Architecture 

Security methods lie in conventional parameters such as encryption, firewalls, tokens, VPNs, and testing to see if systems are indeed secure. On the other hand, architecture refers to the security strategy crafted to protect a company’s cloud engagements. An excellent architectural outline is defined by the design, tools, infrastructure, and software that harmonize to deliver the intended protection. This means coordinating elements such as centralized management, elasticity, alerts and notification protocols and modern automation, to name a few. Some great examples of proven cloud security architectures include AWS Cloud Security, Google Infrastructure Security, and Azure Security Architecture.   

Cloud security involves a sophisticated combination of guidelines that work together to keep data and assets safe. Lastly, always keep in mind that ensuring a safe cloud service free from intruders is the responsibility of both the user and the service provider.  

Kontex has experienced SMEs who help organisations understand and assess their cloud environments to ensure they meet compliance and mitigate risk. Ensure that you are not among the 95% of cloud security breaches as a result of a predicted or preventable measure. Become more risk averse and allow your trusted partner to help you create a secure cloud environment.

Contact info@kontex.com for more information.