Several companies have rapidly adopted cloud computing due to its efficiency and flexibility. Also, most cloud service providers present it as the holy grail of data storage and security. One thing is certain, though, cloud security is still a significant concern in the tech industry. Businesses must, therefore, consider extensively their needs and business model before making the jump to cloud computing.

Should I Go for IaaS, PaaS, or SaaS?

The decision starts from knowing what kind of cloud service you should choose. As may be common knowledge, there are three basic models of cloud computing: IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS.

• IaaS – Infrastructure as a Service

IaaS is a self-service cloud service that allows businesses to buy storage, networking, and other cloud services as needed. The provider offers the resources, and users get to control the infrastructure as they wish. It is basically like having a data center without having to manage it physically.

• PaaS – Platform as a Service

PaaS provides the components for the development of customized applications, mainly used by software developers. The providers maintain the servers, networking, and storage while the developers manage the applications they create. PaaS provides the platform for developers to create without worrying about the underlying systems, infrastructure, or storage.

• SaaS – Software as a Service  

SaaS is the most utilized cloud service. It provides clients with fixed applications for cloud storage, networking and other cloud computing needs. All the clients usually do to register and pay for the service, and they can use it. The providers handle all the technical aspects of the cloud service like the servers and infrastructure.

Different Cloud Providers

There are several kinds of cloud providers with different services. Some of these providers allow clients to choose between IaaS, PaaS, or SaaS.

• IaaS – Amazon EC2, GoGrid, Rankspace.com, Google Compute Engine (GCE), Cisco Metapod
• PaaS – AWS Elastic Beanstalk, Google app engine, Windows Azure, Force.com, Heroku, Apache Stratos, OpenShift
• SaaS – Google Workspace (Gmail, DropBox, Sheets, Word, etc.), Microsoft 365, Salesforce
• You can use any of these cloud service providers to get your business’ cloud computing done. But you still need to take careful note of your cloud security as you move to the cloud.

What is Cloud Security?

Cloud security refers to all the practices, policies, and measures used to protect cloud-based data, infrastructure, and applications from cyber threats and attacks. This is necessary because, even though the cloud has its many benefits of allowing organizations to share data seamlessly and store data without stress, it also comes with its risks. These risks can be reduced to the minimum by implementing specific measures and practices.

It is important, therefore, that an organization knows what security measures the cloud provider offers so as to implement their own complementary security controls.

What Organizations Should Do?

When starting in cloud computing, there are certain things you should do to ensure you have a secure experience. We have highlighted four essential steps to take.

1.     Know What You Are Doing

You need to understand what you are doing on the cloud before you can implement suitable measures. What kind of cloud model is implemented and why? You should also know the kind of data stored in your cloud and which ones you don’t want to store there.

This information would guide the security measures you put in place. The knowledge of the people with access to sensitive data, for instance, would help you know where your security should be heaviest. Therefore, take time to understand every detail of what your organization does on the cloud.

2.     Set a Security Governance Framework

Create a governance framework that dictates every aspect of your security. This framework will help ensure that no external control can disrupt the measures you have in place in your organization. It would also ensure the continuance of all security measures, even when employees change.

Ensure that this framework and its guardrails are clear to everyone in your organization. Some cloud providers already have fixed measures that you can implement. However, make sure you read through the terms and conditions.

3.     Enforce Security Measures

One weak link in your security system can cost your organization. It is then essential to ensure that all employees are adequately trained and follow all the cloud security measures in your framework. They should not only know what to do. They should always do it.

The primary measures and practices you should be looking to enforce include creating strong passwords, protecting sensitive data, and encrypting fixed data and data in motion.

4.     Employ Experts

No matter how small your organization is, it would be best to be diligent about your cloud security. If you are at a point where you don’t understand what to do, get cloud security experts involved. You would get to know the best measures for you and how to enforce them in your organization.

You can contact CyberKach for consultation on any cloud security challenges you may be facing by clicking here.