The Best Ways to Maximize Cloud Service Security

The rapid move that many companies are making to cloud services is leading to more concerns over the security of these systems, along with issues of compliance. There are several ways in which cloud security differs from the security of on-premises data centers.

Companies need to consider various factors that go into securing their cloud service, including data encryption, data security, privacy controls, and maintenance and management controls. Without sufficient security measures to cover these aspects, companies can be at a much higher risk of data breaches and loss on a massive scale.

Here are some best practices for securing cloud systems.

Complete SSL Encryption

As companies transition to cloud services, it’s important to make sure that all server connections occur over SSL transmission to maximize security. The only network that should ever be without SSL encryption at any point is the providers.

Encryption for All Stored Data

In addition to securing all server interactions, data at rest should also benefit from proper encryption. This is necessary for compliance with all privacy policies, contractual obligations, and regulations for data handling. These steps will include AES-256 encryption for all data stored on disks over the cloud, encryption keys with a set of master keys that frequently rotate, and custom field-level encryption for specific data entry fields such as social security and credit card numbers.

Always Test for Weaknesses in Cloud Service

A single instance of system vulnerability could result in severe data compromises. To avoid this, companies should consistently test their cloud service for vulnerabilities using the latest incident response tools. The great thing about these tools is their ability to increase the number of security checks through automation, potentially performing them on a daily basis or upon request.

Implement a Strict Data Deletion Policy

Once a client’s contract has expired and they’re no longer using the cloud service, providers should ensure that all of their data on the system is systematically deleted for safeguarding.

Use Role-Based Access Control

To give customers further control over who can see and make changes to system data, they should be able to set up role-based access control (RBAC) systems, with features that allow them to set viewing and editing privileges for specific authorized individuals.

Get a VPC and VPN

Providers may also be able to isolate cloud services that only enable access for the client, with complete control through a virtual private cloud (VPC). Using a VPC, customers can access data on a corporate data center through traffic that’s sufficiently encrypted using a virtual private network (VPN) connection.

Meet All Compliance Certification Requirements

There are two main certifications that companies need to keep in mind for cloud service. The first is PCI DSS, which requires providers to undergo frequent audits to make sure that all sensitive data is properly secured, with strict requirements for policies, procedures, security management, and more. The second certification is SOC 2 Type II, which covers compliance for risk management, regulation oversight, and vendor management programs to help further ensure that a cloud service has the highest level of security.

Using these practices, businesses can benefit from top-quality cloud service that leaves minimal to no risk of security issues at all times on any system.

Categories

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Share this post with your friends