7 Tips to Overcome Cloud Security Complexity

Cloud environments are attractive options for businesses looking to digitally transform their operations and embrace new integration and technological opportunities.However, they increase the attack surface for potential cyberattacks and add complexity to hybrid and multicloud environments. Below, we’ll share some tips businesses can use to overcome cloud security complexity.

The Importance of Addressing Cloud Security Complexity

Cloud computing can provide much-needed flexibility, scalability, and cost-efficiency to businesses. However, cloud environments also come with new complexities, including security challenges. From understanding the shared responsibility model to keeping up with evolving threat landscapes, organizations have to navigate several security considerations to keep data protected and their business secure. If this complexity is left tangled, consequences can include data breaches, financial losses, regulatory non-compliance, and reputational damage.

Key Factors Contributing to Cloud Security Complexity

One reason cloud security can be so complex is because organizations hand over some responsibilities to cloud service providers, while still being in charge of other tasks. Complex cloud environments, data privacy and compliance issues, and containerization can also contribute to challenges associated with cloud security. If in-house security teams have cybersecurity skills gaps, this can further compound the complexity.

The Shared Responsibility Model

In the shared responsibility model, cloud providers and customers share responsibilities instead of having them solely rest on one party or another. For example, security related to hardware and architecture may be the cloud provider’s responsibility, whereas data encryption will still be the job of the customer.

Evolving Threat Landscape

New threats emerge every day, and keeping up with an evolving threat landscape can get even more complicated when a cloud environment is introduced as an additional attack vector. According to IBM’s Cost of a Data Breach 2023, 82% of breaches involved data stored in public, private, or hybrid cloud environments.

Complex Cloud Environments

Implementing more than one cloud platform or creating a hybrid cloud environment can also increase complexity. Additional platforms mean that more configurations and tools are necessary to effectively manage your cloud environment.  Most organizations are using more than one cloud, with 89% using multicloud environments.

Data Privacy and Compliance

Security protocols need to not only protect sensitive data in the cloud. They must be implemented in a way that’s compliant with relevant regulatory standards. Data privacy regulations include GDPR, HIPAA, and CCPA, and what is required of a business will depend on the industry and the type of data being stored and transferred. Rigorous data governance and security controls can ensure compliance and keep data safe.

Containerization and Microservices

Containerization and microservices are used to build cloud-native applications. Microservices break down large applications into more bite-size, independent services geared toward focused business capabilities. Containerization can package and deploy these microservices into standalone units. These technologies allow applications to run consistently in different computing environments. However, they also increase the attack surface and complexity of security management.

Cybersecurity Skills Gaps

One of the biggest problems organizations can face is simply not having enough in-house cybersecurity talent to tackle common cloud security challenges. IT skills shortages are expected to impact 9 out of 10 businesses by 2026, according to IDC. Businesses must find and retain qualified talent or invest in expert third-party help to keep complex cloud environments secure.

Strategies to Help Overcome Cloud Security Complexity

To navigate the complexities associated with safeguarding data in cloud environments, businesses should take a proactive approach. Implement the following strategies to improve your security posture and effectively mitigate security risks.

Use Advanced Security Technologies

Technologies such as cloud security posture management (CSPM), cloud workload protection platforms (CWPP), and security orchestration, automation, and response (SOAR) can help you manage your cloud security in more sophisticated ways.

• Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM): CSPM can assess your cloud environment to help you understand compliance risks, vulnerabilities, and current security configurations. Any deviations from security best practices will produce findings.
• Cloud Workload Protection Platforms (CWPP): CWPP offers protection for cloud-based workloads using a combination of security controls, including threat detection, vulnerability management, and intrusion prevention. A good extended Detection & Response (XDR) solution will also include CWPP.
• Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response (SOAR): SOAR platforms improve incident response and security operations processes by improving collaboration across teams, integrating disparate tools, and automating previously manual, repetitive tasks.

Perform Continuous Monitoring

Threats and anomalies that are caught in real time via continuous monitoring pose a much lesser threat than those that go undetected for longer. AI-powered analytics can support continuous monitoring and learn from previous incidents and emerging threats to identify anomalous behavior and suspicious activities. Artificial intelligence tools can also help prioritize alerts to assign importance to certain actions and accelerate incident response for the most urgent threats.

Adopt a Zero-Trust Security Model

A zero-trust security model assumes that no devices or users are trustworthy, requiring authentication for login every time. While this can add extra steps for users who need to log in frequently, it also greatly reduces the risk of unauthorized access and creates stronger controls.

Regularly Update and Patch Systems

Attackers can exploit known vulnerabilities, and every day that passes with that vulnerability unaddressed can increase the likelihood of infiltration. Regular patching can significantly cut down on the risk of software vulnerabilities.

Standardize Security Protocols and Practices

If your security protocols are inconsistent across teams, it’s easier for errors to cause greater risks. Establish consistent practices by documenting them, communicating them regularly, and training team members on best practices. Standardization can unify your security posture and support any compliance efforts.

Conduct Regular Security Audits and Assessments

Without regular security audits and assessments, vulnerabilities and security weaknesses can cause data breaches, ransomware, and malware attacks. Use tools that help you gain visibility over your entire cloud environment, configure automations to flag suspicious activity, and stay informed about the latest security threats so you can prepare a stronger defense against them.

Partner with a Managed Security Services Provider

Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) can fill the gaps in your in-house security capabilities. Working with the right MSSP will bring your organization specialized expertise, valuable resources, and 24/7 monitoring, making addressing cloud security challenges much easier.

Navigating Cloud Security Complexity

If you’re starting to navigate cloud security complexity and encountering obstacles, TierPoint can clear your path. Our IT Security Consulting services can help you make sense of your cloud complexity, simplifying the way forward and solidifying your security posture. In the meantime, download our whitepaper to discover how to develop defenses against top cloud security threats today.