It's something we have to remind clients whenever they talk about moving into the cloud: Simply being in the cloud is NOT a security measure in and of itself. While having cloud migration does bring a few advantages, particularly in not having central on-site data servers, that's really only the beginning from a security standpoint.
With cyber-attacks continuing to grow in both number and severity, a company really can't rely solely on cloud services and\or their cloud provider for all their security needs. A more proactive approach is needed, one where the company still takes as much responsibility as they can for security issues.
These are the key areas one should focus on when moving onto the cloud, to minimize chances of security troubles.
Six Security Must-Haves When Performing A Cloud Migration
1 - Well-implemented access management.
Remember: The vast majority of data breaches are the result of human error, not machine attacks or security flaws. Good cloud security begins and ends with smart access management. You need a safe and secure way to govern access to files, along with proper password policies to keep that access secure.
2 - Local network security.
If attackers breach your local network, they can probably breach your cloud network as well. While perhaps this is common sense, there's really no such thing as "too much" security when it comes to monitoring and defending your local network. The good news here is that an increasing number of brands, (such as Meraki and Sophos to mention a few) are implementing robust in-hardware security solutions that go a long way towards maintaining local network integrity.
3 - Application- and device-level security.
Beyond human error, probably the next biggest threat to corporate network security are the devices your employees are using while at work. A single compromised tablet or smartphone can cause immense harm. If you develop your own applications, they need to be created with a strict eye on security and plenty of testing before they go live. If you use BYOD policies, you need network systems capable of giving you very granular oversight of what's happening on each device and its network usage.
Network hardware capable of "Layer 7" oversight is highly recommended.
4 - Network admin visibility and oversight.
Jumping off point 3, administrators need tools that allow them to see in great detail what's happening on their networks. Some of the "old school" network admins may turn their noses up at GUI-based network management, but in most situations, a GUI presentation paired with good granular network data is going to make it easier to spot problems. The variety of graphs, charts, and warnings they can put on a central dashboard make it more likely an admin will spot a problem before it's too late.
5 - File and data protections.
You shouldn't ever assume that data is safe solely because it's in the cloud. With most data -particularly mission critical files- it's a good idea to double-down on security and encryption systems. Uploading files which are individually encrypted, onto cloud drives which are themselves also encrypted, creates a nearly unbreakable layer of protection. This double-encryption method might seem like overkill, but it's one of the few defenses you have against a potential breach of your cloud provider.
6 - Updating and patching policies.
Finally, don't forget about the constant need to update. There should be a set schedule for firmware, OS, and malware protection upgrades to ensure everything remains up-to-date. Or, even better, select a hardware vendor that handles updates automatically so there's less chance of human error.
Hummingbird Networks can help you craft a network with top-of-the-line security. Contact us for a free consultation!
