With more businesses moving their operations to the cloud, public cloud solutions have become a cornerstone of modern IT infrastructure. Public cloud solutions allow organizations to run applications, manage resources, and store data without the complexity or expense of maintaining physical hardware. However, a shift to the public cloud also introduces a unique challenge for securing valuable business assets and sensitive data.
In this article, we’ll explore the basics of public cloud security, examine common threats, and discuss key strategies to help you make informed decisions about securing your cloud infrastructure.
What is public cloud security?
Public cloud security is about protecting the data, services, and tools that businesses use in a shared public cloud environment. Since multiple organizations rely on the same infrastructure, the risk of one breach affecting several businesses increases. Therefore, it is crucial to have the right safeguards in place to prevent cyberattacks, protect sensitive information, and ensure compliance with important standards and regulations.
The realities of public cloud security
Public cloud security relies on a partnership between the cloud provider and the customer, a structure known as the shared responsibility model, which divides security responsibilities between both parties.
- Cloud providers’ promise to secure the infrastructure – They oversee the physical security of data centers, maintain the hardware and networking systems, and ensure their infrastructure meets industry security standards and regulations.
- Customers must securely use the cloud – This means protecting sensitive data by using encryption, setting strong access controls to limit who can access their systems, and configuring tools such as firewalls to block unauthorized access. Customers also need to keep an eye on their cloud activity to spot unusual behavior and respond quickly to any security warning.
Key threats to public cloud security
Public cloud security faces a wide range of risks that can originate from external actors or internal vulnerabilities. The most notable of these threats include:
Data breaches
Data breaches represent the biggest threat to public cloud security. Breaches involve unauthorized access to sensitive information and can lead to severe consequences, such as financial losses and reputational damage. Data breaches usually occur due to weak security measures, stolen login credentials, or unpatched vulnerabilities.
Misconfiguration risks
Misconfigured cloud services are a major security concern, as they can open doors for cybercriminals to exploit vulnerabilities. Common misconfigurations include improperly setting permissions on cloud storage, leaving sensitive data publicly accessible, or failing to update security settings in cloud services. Misconfiguration issues frequently result from insufficient knowledge about public cloud operations.
Insider threats
Insider threats occur when employees or third parties with authorized access to cloud systems — such as business partners or vendors — create security vulnerabilities through their actions, either intentionally or unintentionally. These actions can include using weak passwords, falling victim to phishing attacks, or mishandling sensitive data. Like misconfiguration risks, insider threats result from a lack of security awareness.
Strategies to strengthen your public cloud security
To keep your public cloud environment secure, it’s important to employ the right strategies to protect your data and resources.
Data encryption
Converting your data into an unreadable format through encryption ensures only those with permission can access it. Keep in mind that sensitive data must be encrypted both in transit, as it’s transmitted over the web, and while at rest, when it’s stored in cloud systems.
Identify and access management (IAM)
Managing who can access your data helps reduce risks from mistakes or stolen credentials by limiting their potential impact. A practical approach to IAM is giving users access only to the specific resources and information needed for their roles. You should also consider implementing multifactor authentication (MFA). Because it requires additional steps, such as a fingerprint scan or a code sent to a personal device, MFA can frustrate hackers even if they have stolen passwords.
Network security measures
Network security is crucial to public cloud security because it protects your cloud environment from unauthorized access and cyberattacks. Tools such as firewalls, virtual private networks (VPNs), and secure application programming interfaces (APIs) serve as barriers, blocking unwanted traffic and securing data exchanges. Additionally, segmenting your network into separate sections that each require security checks and verifications for entry makes it harder for attackers to access the entire system.
Continuous monitoring and threat detection
Monitoring your cloud environment allows you to spot and respond to security threats in real-time. Look for security tools that can automatically watch over your cloud environment and inform you of anomalous activity.
Backup and disaster recovery plans
Backing up your data regularly ensures that even if something goes wrong, you can restore your information. Having a disaster recovery plan in place means you and your team know exactly what to do if your data is lost or corrupted.
Still have questions about public cloud security or the public cloud in general? Reach out to us at Liberty Center One. Our experts are eager to help!