What is Cloud Security Management?

This blog highlights the essentials of cloud security management, including tools and strategies to protect data in the cloud and ensure compliance with SentinelOne's advanced solutions.

Most data leaks happen when the data is in a vulnerable state, especially when it is being used or processed. This vulnerability poses significant risks to various industrial sectors confidentiality is critical.

But how does data become vulnerable? Most organization are setting up their workloads in multiple-cloud environments where they benefit from elasticity, capacity, and costs except security and protection. The key to the protection of data lies in authentication and access. This is where Cloud Security Management becomes an important aspect to consider. More so cloud security is a shared responsibility where the provider protects the infrastructure but the data is protected by the consumer.

Simply put, if you want to ensure your data is protected, you will need to do your part in managing your organization’s security posture. So how can you strengthen your cloud security management? Read our comprehensive guide to understand the strategies, best practices, and tools you can use to protect your data on the cloud and stay compliant.

What is Cloud Security Management?

Cloud security management refers to a set of strategies that work to protect data and applications in cloud services. The procedures include rules for access, technical controls, policies, and processes.

Cloud security relies on the model of shared responsibility. Here, the provider manages infrastructure while those working in service set up access across cloud services and make provisions and responsibilities for overall safety.

Importance of Security Management in the Cloud

Robust security management in the cloud is crucial for getting the most out of cloud applications while keeping risks in check. Unlike traditional storage, where you keep data on your own devices, cloud data is stored on servers run by service providers. This makes it super convenient to access your data from anywhere but comes with its own set of risks.

Even with well-integrated technology in place, Thales report suggests Human error plays a big role in data breaches, along with issues like poor vulnerability management and not using Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).

For instance, Slim CD, a company that provides software to merchants for processing electronic payments, suffered a data breach wherein the credit card information of nearly 1.7 million people was exposed to an “unauthorized actor” in June 2023. The breached data potentially included name, address, credit card number, and card expiration date.

Thus, cloud services require strong security measures, like encryption, access controls, MFA, firewalls, security software like anti-malware and anti-spyware, and regular updating of security systems to protect against evolving bugs and vulnerabilities.

3 Types of Cloud Security Management

Cloud security has an impact on three main areas: cloud database security, cloud migration security, and cloud data management. Each of these tackles specific weak points and problems unique to cloud computing.

1. Cloud Database Security

This aims to prevent data in cloud databases from being breached by distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks, malware, and unauthorized access through the network monitoring service provided by any off-shore data center.

A few ways in which cloud database security is achieved:

• Control system access: Restricts data visibility to only those who require it as part of their professional responsibilities to prevent unauthorized access
• Encryption: Uses a shared encryption key to protect data in transit or at rest
• Audits and monitoring: This enables you to detect and minimize threats to the data. Cloud security audits are performed by independent third-party auditors to test your security controls and compliance to regulations and industry standards. Monitoring enables you to detect threats in real-time by tracking user activity, system events, and data changes.

These steps together protect important information and improve the overall security of cloud databases.

Other measures such as keeping certain data concealed, frequently downloading and installing updates to software, making backup copies of key information, and even preparing disaster recovery programs also produce more secure, resilient systems.

2. Cloud Data Management

This involves storing company data in remote data centers operated by cloud providers such as Amazon Web Services (AWS) or Microsoft Azure. It facilitates automatic backups and allows data access from any location, which simplifies the management and accessibility of company data.

Key areas of cloud data management include:

• Data backup and recovery: Helps create data copies and develop recovery plans to tackle possible data loss or damage
• Data integration: Handles the syncing of data across different cloud and on-site systems
• Data governance: Aids in enforcing rules and meeting cloud-specific legal requirements

To manage cloud data well, begin with a thorough plan that spells out the scope, access rules, and various ways to process data. Keep an eye on data to make sure it’s correct and clean for trustworthy analysis and choices. Also, back up data to keep it intact and available.

3. Cloud Migration Security

It has an impact on the secure movement of apps, IT assets, and digital resources to the cloud. This could involve transitioning to a new cloud provider or utilizing multiple cloud services.

Steps include:

1. Data migration: Makes detailed plans with timelines, jobs, and who does what for the move
2. Data transfer: Ensure the use of secure methods and coding practices to safeguard data during transmission and storage.
3. Identity and access management (IAM) in cloud security: Puts rules in place to control data access and check who users are

To keep your data safe, make sure your management settings match your data operations. This helps stop data from getting messed up and keeps unwanted people out. Also, the cloud’s pay-as-you-go pricing can cut costs when you move data from your own servers to the cloud.

How Cloud Security Management Works

Cloud security management is a comprehensive process typically overseen by a cloud security manager alongside an IT team. It involves several important steps to protect organizational data and resources.

The process begins with a thorough assessment of security needs and the selection of appropriate tools and strategies.

• Evaluation

The IT team initially views the current security landscape to know what potential weaknesses there are in the cloud environment. This may involve an analysis of what cloud services are already being used and the specific risks that these services involve.

• Setting Up Defenses

Once the IT team has determined where the risks lie, it carries out key security measures.

• Access control: They lay down protocols for limited access to sensitive information, ensuring only people with proper authorization may enter. For example, by implementing role-based access controls, they may control, to some extent, who can read or change specific data.
• Data encryption: Data at rest and in transit are encrypted to protect privacy and block illicit access attempts.

• Network and Activity Monitoring

The team configures network security to allow legitimate traffic and block potential threats. They continuously monitor cloud activities to identify and react to anomalies promptly, using advanced monitoring tools that provide real-time alerts and insights.

• Incident response and recovery: Strong incident response plans are critical. This allows the IT team to react to security breaches quickly, reduce damage, and recover quickly. Regular exercises and updates of such plans help prepare for a variety of possible scenarios.
• Keeping compliant: During the whole process of enforcement, the cloud security manager makes sure all practices conform to applicable laws and regulations such as the GDPR or HIPAA, which govern data safety and privacy.
• Continuous improvement: Security settings and measures are regularly re-considered and altered to keep up with new threats. This includes handling user and device permissions as well as implementing comprehensive reporting and monitoring in order to strengthen risk management and operational control.

Implementing Cloud Security Management

Cloud security management protects data and applications that reside in the cloud. Here are some pointers to guide you in establishing effective cloud security measures:

1. Understand your Cloud Environment

Understand the cloud setup you’re working with—whether it’s a public, private, or hybrid cloud. Each type has its own features and needs different security tactics. For instance, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform all come with their own set of security tools to protect your data. AWS offers sophisticated identity management that lets you control access very precisely, while Azure has tools for managing security and dealing with threats that work great even in hybrid settings. Google Cloud focuses heavily on encrypting your data, both when it’s stored and when it’s sent over the internet.

2. Establish Strong IAM Policies

Implement strict IAM policies to determine who can see and use your data and services. Introduce MFA, which requires users to provide two or more verification factors to gain access, adding an extra layer of security. Also, apply the principle of least privilege, which means giving users only the access they absolutely need to perform their jobs. This minimizes the risk of an insider accidentally or maliciously affecting sensitive data.

3. Encrypt Data at Rest and in Transit

Encrypting data both when it’s stored and when it’s being sent somewhere helps keep it safe from unauthorized access. For data that’s being sent, you can use TLS (Transport Layer Security) and SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) protocols, which are like secure envelopes that help ensure that the data reaches its destination safely. For data that’s stored, using AES encryption acts like a strong lock that only lets the right people with the right keys access the data.

4. Regularly Update and Patch Systems

It’s really important to keep your cloud systems up to date. It’s like fixing a hole in your wall to keep the cold out. Updating your systems helps keep hackers away by fixing security gaps. Using automated tools to manage these updates means you’re always protected as soon as new updates are available. This way, you don’t have to check for updates yourself all the time.

5. Implement Network Segmentation and Firewalls

Think of your cloud network as a series of rooms in a building. By dividing this network into smaller sections—or segments—you can control who or what can move between rooms. This helps prevent any problems in one area from spreading to others, much like containing a spill in one room to keep the rest of the building clean. Firewalls act like the security guards at the doors of these rooms. They check the traffic, or the flow of data, coming in and out of your cloud network. Firewalls use rules to decide whether to allow or block traffic. This helps stop unwanted or harmful data from getting in or sensitive information from getting out.

6. Conduct Regular Security Audits

Staying compliant isn’t just a best practice—it’s often a legal requirement that can help you avoid fines and penalties. Security audits safeguard essential data, ensure compliance with legal standards like GDPR and HIPAA, protect the company’s reputation, enhance operational efficiency, and build stakeholder confidence in the organization’s commitment.

Here are some types of audits to consider :

• Vulnerability Assessments: Use automated tools to scan for known vulnerabilities in systems and applications, and keep these tools updated to address new threats.
• Penetration Testing: Engage ethical hackers to simulate attacks on your system, helping to uncover weaknesses before they can be exploited.
• Compliance Audits: Review policies and practices against relevant regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS, using a checklist to ensure all compliance areas are addressed.
• Network Security Audits: Examine network configurations, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems to confirm that all devices are properly secured and monitored.
• Application Security Audits: Assess the security of software applications by checking for vulnerabilities in the code and ensuring secure coding practices are consistently followed.
• Physical Security Audits: Evaluate physical security measures, such as access controls and surveillance systems, to protect data centers and offices.
• Policy and Procedure Audits: Regularly review security policies and procedures to ensure they remain effective and up-to-date, and involve employees in this process for valuable feedback.
• User Access Reviews: Conduct evaluations of user permissions and access rights to ensure employees have access only to the data necessary for their roles.

7. Backup Data Regularly

Regular data backups are crucial for recovering your operations in case of a security breach, technical failure, or disaster.

Ensure to backup data always in a different location. This way, if an issue arises at one site, the other will likely remain safe, allowing you to easily recover your information.

Consider automating your backup process and testing your recovery plans periodically to ensure everything works smoothly when you need it most.

8. Train Employees on Cloud Security Best Practices

Humans are the weakest link when it comes to cloud security threats. Even with the best firewalls and encryption in place, a simple action like clicking on a phishing email or using a weak password can result in serious security breaches. It is important to build a culture of cloud security where every employee feels motivated to contribute to it actively.

Creating a culture of cloud security involves implementing best practices in employee training that emphasize the importance of security for everyone. Here are some key elements:

• Strong Password Management: Educate employees on the importance of creating strong, unique passwords and the dangers of reusing or sharing them.
• Limit Personal Use: Encourage employees to minimize personal activities on work devices and avoid using work devices for personal activities.
• File Access Discretion: Remind employees to exercise discretion when sharing access to files or folders. Encourage them to password-protect sensitive files where appropriate.
• Cybersecurity Policy Manual: Distribute the organization’s cybersecurity policy manual to all employees, ensuring they have a reliable reference for best practices and guidelines.
• Incident Response Drills: Conduct regular drills that simulate security incidents, allowing employees to practice their response in a controlled environment.
• Comprehensive Training Programs: Offer regular training sessions that cover the fundamentals of cloud security, including phishing awareness, password management, and data protection.
• Interactive Learning: Use engaging methods such as simulations, quizzes, and real-life scenarios to help employees understand security threats and how to respond effectively.
• Clear Communication: Regularly share updates and best practices related to cloud security through newsletters, webinars, and team meetings to keep security top of mind.
• Feedback Mechanisms: Create channels for employees to ask questions or report concerns about security practices, fostering an open dialogue around security issues.
• Recognition and Rewards: Acknowledge and reward employees who demonstrate strong security practices, reinforcing the importance of their contributions.

Cloud Security Management Strategies

Strategies for cloud security management enable you to maximize the benefits of cloud technology while reducing the risks involved. By implementing the following cloud security management strategies, you can safeguard sensitive information, maintain compliance with regulations, and ensure continuous operational efficiency.

#1. Robust IAM policies

IAM enables you to control who can access your cloud resources. It involves user identity management, granting permissions, and the enforcement of access controls based on defined user roles.

For instance, a company may implement MFA for all users accessing its cloud-based customer relationship management (CRM) system and employ role-based access control (RBAC) to restrict the viewing of sensitive consumer data so that only senior sales managers have it.

#2. Comprehensive Data Encryption

Encrypting data in the cloud is a requirement to secure it from being accessed without permission. This strategy should include data in transit and data at rest.

A healthcare provider like Kaiser Permanente, for example, encrypts patient records before uploading them to cloud storage. This ensures that even if the storage provider is compromised, the data will still be secure.

#3. Continuous Security Audits

To detect any problems and address vulnerabilities in the cloud infrastructure, regular security audits are required. Continuous security audits involve examining the access logs, validating whether cloud infrastructure complies with security policies, and testing system vulnerabilities.

For instance, a retail company can perform security audits on a quarterly basis to detect whether there are some misconfigurations or outdated software.

#4. Reliable Backup and Disaster Recovery

Having strong backup and disaster recovery plans means that even in the event of a breach or other disruptions, you incur minimum downtime and data loss.

For instance, a financial services firm could set up automated daily backups and store them in multiple geographic locations, thus ensuring quick recovery in any disaster scenario.

#5. Enhanced Network Security

Securing the network infrastructure is crucial for safeguarding data being transferred to and from the cloud. This includes the deployment of firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and virtual private networks (VPNs).

A technology startup, for example, might use VPNs for secure remote connections and employ intrusion detection systems to monitor and respond to suspicious network activity.

#6. Advanced Endpoint Security

Securing all devices that access the cloud environment helps prevent breaches originating from compromised devices. For example, a consulting firm might use endpoint security solutions that monitor and manage the security status of the enterprise’s devices used by its workforce. This effectively prevents malware and other threats from spreading within the cloud infrastructure.

#7. Mitigating Ransomware-as-a-Service

Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) has played a big role in the surge of ransomware attacks we see today. It gives cybercriminals—no matter their technical skills—easy access to the tools and infrastructure needed to carry out these attacks. This has made it much simpler for anyone to get involved in digital extortion.

Tackling Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) involves maintaining up-to-date systems with regular patches, ensuring that all software is protected against known vulnerabilities.

Employee training is critical; staff must be equipped to recognize potential threats, particularly phishing attempts. Strong access controls are also vital to limit exposure to sensitive data. Additionally, a robust backup strategy will enable swift recovery without the need to pay ransoms.

Finally, organizations must remain vigilant and adaptable, continuously monitoring the threat landscape and evolving their defenses to address emerging risks.

Cloud Security Management Benefits

While companies continue to adopt cloud computing as a means to decrease costs and improve system modernizations or upgrades, security becomes a necessary consideration for business. Our own research shows that 77.5% of organizations believe that investment in cloud security management tools, services, and staffing can significantly protect organizations from potential threats.

• Risk Reduction

By applying advanced cryptographic methods that are recognizable, like the RSA triple DES and Elliptic Curve Cryptography, cloud security management reduces the risk of data breaches. With this process, data is transformed into an unrecognizable form that unauthorized users cannot decipher when it leaves or reaches storage space.

• Regulatory Compliance

Companies must follow the requirements of various laws, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS).

Cloud security management ensures that data handling and storage practices comply with these regulations. This makes it possible for firms to avoid fine payment and still retain customer confidence in their products.

• Business Continuity

Continuance of operations is guaranteed, even if there are security incidents and accidents. This leads to reduced periods when businesses have to be shut down temporarily for repair work. It becomes an affordable long-term program of recovery rather than merely an occasional episode.

• Competitive Advantage

If you are a company that values and maintains cloud security, it serves as a critical selling attraction that gives potential customers confidence. In a competitive marketplace where clients examine everything carefully before making their decision to purchase, robust cloud security could at once distinguish you from the rest and create trust in your services.

Common Challenges in Security Management in Cloud Computing

Security management in cloud computing has several challenges due to the complexity of cloud environments, rapidly evolving cyber threats, and a shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals. Some of the key cloud security management challenges include the following:

• Lack of Visibility

Cloud environments lack visibility into network traffic, resource configurations, and user activities. Due to this, companies find it difficult to detect unauthorized access, misconfigurations, and other security vulnerabilities. Since cloud services are dynamic and resources can be commissioned and decommissioned rapidly, it adds another layer of difficulty for companies to get an up-to-date view of the cloud infrastructure.

• Shadow IT

This happens when cloud applications or services are used without the knowledge and consent of an organization’s IT department. This can mean security risks because these services may not be guarded enough or closely audited, for example. The risks, of course, include data breaches and unauthorized access.

• Compliance and Legal Ramifications

Since larger volumes of sensitive data are being stored in the cloud, it is becoming a challenge to adhere to complex regulations for data privacy and security. Different regions and industries require adherence to different regulations, like the GDPR in the EU, HIPAA in the US, and PCI DSS globally. This also complicates compliance for organizations operating across borders.

• Shared Responsibility for Security

In the model of shared responsibility, both the cloud service provider and the customer are responsible for ensuring that data is protected and adheres to applicable regulations. This, combined with misunderstandings about who is responsible for what could potentially mean that gaps occur in security coverage.

• Account Hijacking

Attackers can gain illegal access to cloud accounts through phishing, weak passwords, authentication subversion, credential misuse, or malware. This leads to data breaches, data theft, injection of ransomware, service disruptions, financial loss, and reputational damage. It is essential to implement strong authentication methods such as MFA, and advanced endpoint security, enforce Zero Trust principles, segregate access duties, and establish a strong password policy.

• AI-generated Code

Researchers at HP Wolf Security have discovered a campaign where attackers used Generative AI to craft VBScript and JavaScript code. This code was then used to distribute AsyncRAT, a readily available malware that lets attackers take control of a victim’s computer.

As companies increasingly adopt AI technologies, it’s essential to set clear policies for how AI is used and who has access to it. One key step is to automate the discovery of sensitive data to ensure that confidential information doesn’t end up in model training. Additionally, we need to be aware of the risks posed by AI-generated code in third-party software supply chains, as this can create vulnerabilities.

• Data Migration

83% of the data migration projects fail or go over budget and schedule. Data migration failures can not only affect both timelines and costs but also have potential risks associated with them.  Here are some challenges associated with data migration.

• Data Loss: Loss of critical data can lead to gaps in security protocols or essential information being unavailable during incidents.
• Semantic Risks: Misinterpreted data can lead to incorrect decision-making, potentially exposing the organization to security threats.
• Application Stability: Instability in applications can create exploitable weaknesses, increasing the risk of attacks.
• Extended Downtime: Extended periods of downtime can leave systems unmonitored, providing opportunities for malicious activities.
• Data Quality and Volume: Large volumes of data can complicate security oversight, making it easier for vulnerabilities to go unnoticed. Poor data quality can lead to incorrect or ineffective security measures, leaving systems exposed.
• Integration with Existing Systems:  Compatibility issues can create weak points in security, as improper integration may bypass safeguards.
• Regulatory Compliance: Non-compliance can result in legal penalties and security gaps, particularly with sensitive data.
• Performance Degradation:  Reduced performance can lead to delays in detecting or responding to security incidents.
• Incompatibility:  Mismatched systems may create blind spots in security monitoring, increasing susceptibility to attacks.
• User Adoption Challenges: Resistance to new systems can lead to poor security practices, as users may revert to less secure methods.
• Complexity in Data Management: Increased complexity can lead to gaps in security practices, making it difficult to enforce consistent security policies.

Reduce Critical Risks With SentinelOne Cloud Security Solution

SentinelOne is an exceptional choice for meeting all your organization’s cloud security needs. It offers a comprehensive range of features that effectively address everything from identifying misconfigurations and managing vulnerabilities to implementing proactive security strategies and monitoring for credential leaks. All of this is integrated into one powerful platform, providing the robust cloud security that organizations require.

One of SentinelOne’s standout features is its ability to identify cloud assets linked to known vulnerabilities. The Compliance Dashboard is another valuable tool, allowing you to track new vulnerabilities and concerns affecting your ecosystem. By staying informed about potential risks in real-time, organizations can act quickly to mitigate issues before they escalate.

Additionally, SentinelOne enhances security with agentless scans of Virtual Machines (VMs) to identify vulnerabilities. It provides detailed reports on software components, ensuring that businesses can maintain secure VM environments while staying aware of any flaws that could become risks over time.

With its Cloud Detection and Response (CDR) capabilities, SentinelOne can detect, analyze, and remediate issues in AWS CloudTrail and GCP Audit Logs, helping to uncover misconfigurations and security threats.

The platform also allows you to customize policies specifically for detecting misconfigurations and enforcing security protocols. Its event analyzer feature enables easy querying and filtering of events for quick investigations and rapid responses. SentinelOne’s agentless CNAPP offers a complete solution for your cloud security needs, featuring over 2,000 built-in rules and real-time secret detection.

With patented Storyline Technology and Binary Vault, SentinelOne provides enterprises with enhanced forensic visibility. Plus, with PurpleAI acting as your personal cybersecurity analyst, you receive real-time insights into your hybrid and multi-cloud environments.

Wrapping Up

As cloud infrastructures become essential to how businesses operate, securing them is increasingly critical for organizations across all sectors. CSA suggests that nearly two-thirds (65%) of security and IT management professionals now view cloud security as a top concern, with 72% believing it will be even more important in the future.

A one-size-fits-all approach just doesn’t cut it; organizations need a comprehensive security strategy that meets the unique needs of their diverse cloud setups. SentinelOne’s platform offers modern and comprehensive capabilities to keep your cloud secure. Our solution eliminates the need for your to navigate the complexity of multi-point solutions with data silos, triaging, and investigation with incomplete pipe data.

SentinelOne can enhance your cloud security strategy with a powerful mix of real-time detection and response, autonomous threat hunting, and runtime solutions designed to combat cloud-based threats. Discover how Singularity Cloud can protect your workloads. Speak to our experts.

FAQs

What is cloud security management?

Cloud security management involves a combination of strategies, tools, and practices designed to help businesses safely and efficiently host workloads and data in the cloud. Effective cloud security management is essential for protecting your assets and maintaining operational integrity in the cloud. It is vital for preventing unauthorized access and safeguarding data privacy. It provides robust access controls, encryption, and monitoring, ensuring that only authorized users can access critical resources.

What are the three categories of cloud security?

The three categories of cloud security are cloud database security, cloud migration security, and cloud infrastructure entitlement management.

What is a cloud security tool?

Cloud security tools are software solutions or services designed to safeguard cloud assets from cyber threats. They employ techniques such as vulnerability scanning, firewalls, encryption, and threat detection and remediation. These tools can be deployed across diverse cloud environments, including hybrid, private, and multi-cloud networks, ensuring comprehensive protection based on your organization’s needs.

Who is responsible for cloud security?

Cloud security is a shared responsibility. While cloud providers handle some security measures, customers must actively protect their own data and applications. This partnership is key to ensuring a secure cloud environment. Organizations need to take proactive steps to safeguard their cloud infrastructure from specific threats. This means updating security strategies and tools to address the distinct requirements of cloud environments.