The Value-Added of Cloud Security Configuration Assessments

Introduction

Cloud computing is and continue to be a game changer. It offers flexibility, scalability, and cost savings. But with these benefits come risks that leads to security breaches, data loss, and financial damage.

The Problem of Cloud Misconfigurations

Cloud platforms offer numerous configuration options depending on the cloud deployment model.

While the cloud is awesome. Super convenient, scales like crazy, saves a ton of money, it comes with a catch: security risks. Screwing up cloud settings (misconfigurations) can lead to hackers stealing data, which is not in anyone’s best interest, including customers that rely on the environment to protect their data.

• Exposed Storage Buckets: Publicly accessible storage containers can leak sensitive data.
• Overly Permissive Access Controls: Weak access controls can allow unauthorized users to access resources.
• Unpatched Vulnerabilities: Unpatched software and systems can be exploited by attackers.
• Inefficient Monitoring: Without proper monitoring, theirs no visibility there’s a problem until it’s too late.

Here’s the thing: most cloud breaches are due to these types of mistakes, not some fancy hacking trick. Imagine data as a giant treasure chest overflowing with goodies. Now picture a bunch of little holes scattered around it. Those holes are misconfigurations, and any half-decent thief can find one and snatch the loot.

Why Should You Care?

So a company’s data and applications have moved to the cloud. It’s all backed up, and supposedly secure. But then, bam!. Hackers exploit a misconfigured security setting, waltzing right in, and steal everything. Unfortunately, this isn’t some Hollywood plot, it happens all the time.

Who Should Care?

Anyone using the cloud. Seriously, it doesn’t matter whether its a small business owner, a tech start-up, or a large enterprise, if the business operations depend on cloud services, they must understand the shared responsibility of securing the cloud.

What is the Solution to the Problem

A Cloud Security Configuration Assessment is essential to mitigate these risks. It’s like a security checkup for cloud environment, identifying weaknesses before they become major problems.

Now, you might be thinking, “Isn’t that what the cloud provider’s security tools do?”  Well, sort of.  The cloud providers offer some basic tools, but they’re usually limited in scope and don’t catch everything.  A good assessment goes way deeper.  It’s like having a seasoned top security expert personally inspect the environment. Why wouldn’t business want this again???

Why is this solution not being used? 

Honestly, it’s probably a combination of things:

• People don’t realize how common misconfigurations are. They think they’ve got everything under control, but they’re probably wrong.
• They seem expensive. Look, a data breach is way more expensive.  Consider a Cloud Security Configuration Assessment as an investment, not a cost.
• They think it’s a one-time thing.  It’s not!  Your cloud environment is constantly changing, so regular assessments to catch new misconfigurations is needed.

Nevertheless, kudos to those that have already taken the initiative to perform Cloud Security Assessments.

How does the solution work

So, what’s behind a Cloud Security Configuration Assessment, you may ask? Here’s a simplified breakdown:

• Assessment tools scan cloud environment. Crawling through configuration settings, looking for potential weaknesses.  They compare settings against industry best practices and identify deviations that could be exploited.
• Although, automated tools are great for initial discovery, an experienced security expert is needed to analyse the results, interpret the findings, and evaluate further for other findings.

Typically, this involves;

• Reviewing cloud configuration settings by looking at things like how cloud storage is set up, who has access to data, and what security features are turned on or off.
• Identifying security risks by pinpoint any weaknesses that could be exploited by hackers. For example, maybe accidentally a server is left publicly accessible, or secrets credentials are being stored in clear text.

Providing recommendations for fixing the problems

The assessment report won’t just report what’s wrong; it will also give step by step instructions on how to fix it, or if permitted to do so, they fix it themselves. This could involve changing security settings, adding additional security controls, or patching vulnerabilities. Finally, it will provide an overall global security level of the security posture of the cloud environment. Why wouldn’t business want this again???

How Often Should You Do This?

The cloud is a dynamic environment with new resources constantly being added, exiting configurations changing, and deployment new applications.  This means the cloud security posture can change quickly. That’s why doing the assessment regularly alleviate this gap. A good rule of thumb is to do them at least once a year, and more often if making frequent changes following a secure development lifecycle.

Is This Expensive?

The cost of an assessment can vary depending on the size and complexity of the cloud environment. But here’s the reality: the cost is way cheaper than a data breach. Think of it as an insurance policy, a small investment that saves a lot of trouble down the road.

The Bottom Line

The cloud is a powerful tool & platform, but it comes with security risks.

A cloud security configuration assessment might sound scary, but it’s a simple process that can dramatically improve a cloud environment security posture and is a secret weapon in the fight for cloud security adaptation and should be a major part of any cloud security strategy. 

Not to mention, they’re proactive, thorough, and can help identify and fix vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by attackers.

So don’t be the one who gets surprised when a hacker waltzes through a hole in cloud estate.

Just get a cloud security configuration assessment done!

How Can ITM Help You?

IT Minister covers all aspects of Cyber Security including but not limited to Home cyber Security Managed Solutions to automated, Manage Threat Intelligence, Digital Forensic Investigations, Penetration Testing, Mobile Device Management, Cloud Security Best Practice & Secure Architecture by Design and Cyber Security Training. Our objective is to support organisations and consumers at every step of their cyber maturity journey. Contact Us for more information.