Have you thought about your approach to cloud security? Here are three quick ways to make sure your security stance is off to a good start.
I normally write about Microsoft 365 and Azure products and strategies, but I’ve begun to see a growing number of general security deficiencies among my clients. Therefore, I won’t limit this blog to a product or service. Instead, I’ll share a more holistic philosophy about cloud security.
Historically, most organizations were apprehensive about moving to the cloud – primarily because of security concerns. Today, however, when we ask clients how they feel about their security posture in the cloud, they will typically respond with affirmations on encryption, email sanitation, or other security services.
But simply implementing encryption and email sanitation policies won’t make your cloud security program last. Are these services configured optimally and verified regularly? What about additional layers of security, like people and information? What can your users do to add to your cloud security program rather than be a hindrance?
You need to implement longer-term policies and programs to help your team members and other users help your organization stay secure.
Let’s explore that.
Cloud Security Best Practices to Put in Place
Before diving into best practices, you need to understand the basics of cloud security. So, what is cloud security? It’s the cybersecurity measures you’ve put in place to address threats to and protect cloud-based applications, infrastructure, and data. That’s why encryption can’t be the only way a company implements cloud security.
Technology cannot be the only way to protect cloud security. You also need people and processes. A few cloud security best practices to ensure a positive stance would be something like the following:
- An ongoing user education program.
- An identity protection program.
- An information protection program.
These are all items a cloud user is responsible for, which means you must ensure your team members understand and participate in these programs.
1. User Education Program
According to a recent cloud security study, 55 percent of security and IT pros consider “human error” the leading cause of data breaches. This shows how much your users need more information about preventing them. So, foremost on the list is an ongoing user security awareness program.
Users will help if they know how to help, and it is your responsibility as an IT professional to educate them. They need to know not only how to be actively secure but also why security is important.
Like most IT functions, the easiest way to do this is to get the proper buy-in and support from the executive levels. This way, when your team members ask, “Why do I need cloud security?” your managers can explain why it’s important. They can also help explain how individuals affect the security of the company, its people, and its data.
The simplest way forward is to publish a professional video or videos related to work functions. The program’s goal is to raise awareness of what is and isn’t acceptable.
Most people will abide by the security policies in place if they understand the what and why.
2. Identity Protection Program
12345678. password. Pass@word1.
You know them. Still, you are amazed when you find that one of your users has a password like this.
This has been the case for 30 years (probably longer), and it isn’t going to change. It’s easy to remember these but also easy to guess if you’re a bad guy looking to crack the code. As an IT Pro, you are responsible for helping people protect themselves.
If you have personal banking or insurance accounts, you probably already use a second authentication factor. If you don’t, start doing so now. And protect your employees in the same way by rolling out a multifactor authentication program.
Identity protection providers all offer it now, and if they don’t, then select one that does. This is, without question, the simplest way to protect all your user accounts.
A prompt from an authentication app is a good way to introduce a multi-factor solution that is easy for users to follow.
3. Information Protection Program
Our client, Hildrup, needed a robust security program in place as the company handles a lot of personal data for clients all over the United States. As more data privacy laws come online in the U.S., it needs to ensure that it is both in compliance and protecting its customers’ information.
After transitioning to the cloud and implementing a strong cybersecurity infrastructure, we helped Hildrup streamline its tools and implement change management so the company could strengthen its cybersecurity.
Part of this transformation included knowing our client’s data, where it lives, how current it is, and to whom it was being transmitted. Similarly, the work you need to do to protect your company’s information is not a small task.
What locations do you allow? Is data encrypted there? Is it encrypted when it’s in transit or in use? Most people I talk to aren’t 100 percent sure. Be 100 percent sure.
It’s our responsibility as IT Pros to strike the right balance between what our people can do with company-owned information and what they cannot.
Are you monitoring shadow IT? If users need to do something that you don’t allow, and they need to do it, they will find a way in many cases. Actively monitor this activity and adjust policies as needed.
Classify your information, archive what’s no longer required daily in a safe location, and monitor sensitive information transmission.
Take a Holistic Approach to Cloud Security
While cloud security offers a ton of benefits, it requires a holistic approach that goes beyond simply technological solutions.
Implementing a security strategy that includes ongoing user education, robust identity protection programs, and information security protocols can empower your users and ensure the safety of your data in the cloud.
Remember, a secure cloud environment is a shared responsibility. By working together, your IT team and users can create a strong defense against cyber threats.
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Ready to enhance your cloud security? Our Modern Workplace and Cloud experts can help you develop a tailored security strategy that safeguards your data and empowers your team. Contact us
