October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a timely reminder to examine how your cloud infrastructure impacts your overall security posture. This year, we’re putting the spotlight on OpenStack, an increasingly popular choice for businesses that need flexible, budget-friendly cloud solutions.
OpenStack’s open-source nature makes it highly customizable and scalable. But that same flexibility creates security considerations not always present in the walled-garden ecosystems of proprietary platforms. In other words, while OpenStack offers great freedom, it also requires extra vigilance when it comes to security.
In this article, we’ll break down the top security risks tied to OpenStack and walk you through the best practices that can help protect your systems all year round.
Cybersecurity risks of OpenStack environments
Before you can improve your security posture, you need to understand where OpenStack is most vulnerable.
API vulnerabilities
OpenStack services, such as Nova for computing and Neutron for networking, rely on application programming interfaces (APIs) to communicate. These APIs act as bridges between different parts of your cloud environment. If even one API is misconfigured or left unpatched, it can create an opening for cybercriminals to get in.
Multitenancy risks
OpenStack allows different departments or projects, called tenants, to share the same cloud infrastructure. While this setup helps maximize resources, it also increases risk. If access controls aren’t strict enough, a breach in one tenant’s environment could allow attackers to view or tamper with another tenant’s data.
Service sprawl and misconfigurations
OpenStack isn’t a single tool; it’s a suite of services that work together. As you add more components, the setup becomes harder to manage. Missteps such as open ports, unused default settings, or forgotten login credentials are easy to overlook but commonly exploited by attackers.
Orchestration mistakes
OpenStack uses automation tools such as Heat to speed up deployments through prebuilt templates. However, if a template has security gaps, every system created from it will carry the same flaws, so one mistake can quickly multiply across your entire environment.
Best practices to strengthen your OpenStack security
OpenStack security risks can be managed effectively with a few practices, such as:
Securing and monitoring your APIs
To reduce risk, require authentication for all API access and limit their exposure to public networks. Keep them up to date with security patches and monitor for suspicious activity, such as repeated failed logins or unexpected access from unknown IP addresses.
Strengthening identity and access controls
Make sure tenants only access what they need. Use identity and access management tools to assign roles and permissions clearly and prevent unauthorized access. Enabling multifactor authentication adds another layer of security, so even if someone steals a user’s login credentials, they won’t be able to get in without the second form of verification.
Creating security groups for different systems
Think of security groups as checkpoints within your system that control who can access different parts of it. You can set rules for each area based on its importance. For example, a database that stores customer information should have more protection than a test system used by your team. By setting different rules for each system, you slow down attackers trying to move through your environment unnoticed.
Controlling service sprawl through configuration reviews and updates
Conduct regular configuration audits to identify and close security gaps, such as unused services, open ports, or default credentials. Also, make sure to update all services and applications to reduce the risk of attackers exploiting known vulnerabilities.
Reviewing orchestration templates carefully
Before rolling out infrastructure using orchestration tools, take time to review and test the templates for security gaps or misconfigurations. It’s much easier to catch issues early than to fix them after they’ve been repeated across dozens of servers.
Deploying properly configured firewalls
Firewalls control who can access your network by inspecting incoming and outgoing traffic and blocking anything suspicious. For them to work effectively, settings should be tailored to the specific services and components in your setup to avoid unintentionally blocking important operations. Always update these settings when modifying your setup or adding new systems or apps.
Limiting and monitoring administrative privileges
Only give full access to users who truly need it. Use role-based access so each person can manage only the systems or tasks they are responsible for. In addition, record all administrative actions in an audit log and review those logs regularly. If something goes wrong, a clear log lets you trace what happened and respond quickly.
Encrypting and backing up data
Strong defenses lower your risk, but they don’t guarantee complete protection. That’s why it’s crucial to encrypt your data and back it up, protecting it from unauthorized access and allowing you to restore your systems after a disruption.
Many providers take this further by using automated data protection. For example, as part of our Data Protection Solutions, Liberty Center One creates up to 50 encrypted backups every four hours. These are stored on high-speed, all-flash storage drives to enable fast recovery, minimizing downtime and keeping your business moving.
Building a culture of cybersecurity awareness
Your tools and policies are only as effective as the people who use them. Provide your team with regular training to teach them how to spot phishing and other common tricks. Additionally, foster a culture where security is everyone’s responsibility by encouraging the reporting of suspicious activity and promoting proactive vigilance across your organization.
Create a stronger OpenStack environment with Liberty Center One
Cybersecurity Awareness Month calls attention to the need for continuous security measures, especially in OpenStack environments. However, with the right strategies in place, you can protect your systems and maintain business operations.
Ready to strengthen your OpenStack security? Contact Liberty Center One today to learn how we can help you create a more secure and resilient infrastructure.