Cloud-based technologies provide consumers and organizations a flexible, cost-effective solution to share, optimize, and scale digital activities. However, as more individuals, employees, and government agencies begin to rely on cloud platforms to process and store classified information, implementing cloud and cybersecurity infrastructure has become a priority to counter possible cyber threats.
In 2024, news surrounding data breaches made headlines several times throughout the year, with the biggest cyber hack seeing more than 2.9 billion records exposed on the internet.
A breach of the National Public Data (NPD) system exposed the names, addresses, Social Security numbers, and sensitive information of individuals dating back at least three decades that were obtained by malicious actors and then later dumped on the internet.
In the last several years, companies in Information Technology (IT), retail, healthcare, finance, and several government agencies have become victims of ultra-sophisticated data breaches carried out by a consortium of cyberhackers.
Tackling Digital Blindspots: Cloud Security Best Practices
Cloud computing presents a series of new security challenges and vulnerabilities. Individuals and companies that use cloud-based technologies will need to adopt more proactive security best practices to counter threats and minimize exposure to cyber criminals.
Implement network security measures
Keeping cloud networks safe requires individuals and organizations to use multiple security measures. One such measure is having a robust network security system in place, which minimizes outsiders' accessibility.
Users may often think that cloud security is the responsibility of a cloud provider, however, they are not solely responsible for securing these platforms, and users are required to implement a network security system that can secure underlying infrastructure, and protect applications, data, and other sensitive information.
This approach is commonly referred to as the Share Responsibility Model. Users of any kind need to understand that they play a critical role in minimizing security gaps in their network security infrastructure.
Use dynamic routing
Wherever possible, apply dynamic routing protocols to avoid excessive exposure to public networks. A dynamic routing protocol should help users employ a cloud VPN for on-premises devices that are supported by Border Gateway Protocols (BGP).
New advancements in cloud computing and cloud-based VPN routing enable users to better control selected proposed peer-to-peer algorithms. For instance, a USA VPN will initiate a VPN connection that proposes cloud-based VPN algorithms related to the supported network.
Dynamic routing is considered a more sophisticated security measure for safeguarding cloud networks; however, these tools can restrict IP addresses, configure individual VPN gateways, and further prevent the creation of unauthorized VPN tunnels.
Conduct security audits and routine updates
To ensure effective security measures are used throughout the cloud network, users should conduct routine security audits and updates to identify any gaps within their security infrastructure.
A security audit can be an effective tool to help gain a better understanding of current vulnerabilities and where a system might need to be improved. Additionally, these actions make it possible for organizations to develop new security policies, removing any loopholes or gaps that may have formed over the years.
Second to this is completing routine backups of all data stored or shared on the cloud platform. With a routine backup, users can configure data with new security measures and ensure effective recovery of data in the event of a breach or digital malfunction.
There are a host of automation tools that streamline the auditing and backup process. These technologies remove the potential for human error and complete routine tasks to maintain security continuity.
Implement data encryption
Data stored, shared, and configured on cloud platforms require scalable encryption. This type of encryption will allow rested and shared data to remain secure and minimize risks that it might be exposed to on the internet and other public servers.
Data encryption limits unauthorized access to information stored or shared via a cloud platform. Using data encryption security protocols helps to ensure the confidentiality of users and the integrity of data being shared over the network.
All individual users or those sharing a cloud network should follow security protocols that encrypt data during transfer. These controls should promote digital safety and cyber security practices throughout the cloud network.
Deploy access management controls
For organizations, it’s important to consider how access management controls can limit unauthorized access to sensitive information. These security practices should include routine updates of safety resources and training, reduced excessive permissions, and more efficient use of user identification.
Other measures that could be put in place to prevent the risk of data breaches include a role-based access control (RBAC) system. In this regard, only assigned individuals would have access to data, limiting the number of active users on the cloud network at any given time.
Access management controls implemented by cloud network providers should be used in conjunction with additional cybersecurity systems and should not be viewed as the sole solution for individuals and organizations.
Monitor and adapt security measures
Cybersecurity threats are continuously evolving, and data breach attempts are becoming increasingly complex to resolve. Following a thorough cybersecurity audit of the cloud network, users should adapt their security measures according to new proposed threats.
Users should stay up to date with new developments and consider how technology changes over time. By implementing the relevant cybersecurity measures, users can counter unauthorized access while monitoring and refining security protocols to meet near and long-term needs.
Final Thoughts
Staying safe online and protecting sensitive information has become a full-time job, and now requires advanced and seemingly futuristic cybersecurity measures to safeguard online cloud platforms and other digital assets.
Cloud technology enables users to effectively store and share information in a centralized network. Despite the opportunities that cloud technology provides, there are plenty of moving parts that users need to take into account. Digital security plays a crucial role in keeping online networks secure and mitigating cyber threats.