Cloud App Development, Cloud Deployment Models, Cloud Security
Article | June 29, 2023
Mastering strategies for Privileged Access Management is essential for fortifying Hybrid Cloud Infrastructure. Discover strategies such as role-based access control and just-in-time privilege access.
1 Essentials of Privileged Access Management (PAM)
1.1 Why Use PAM in Enterprises and Hybrid Cloud Infrastructures
2 Key Challenges in Hybrid Cloud PAM Implementation
2.1 Privileged Access Management Across Cloud and On-premises
2.2 Security Policy and Compliance in Hybrid Environments
2.3 Dynamic Cloud Resource Scaling and PAM Solutions
3 Advanced Strategies for Effective PAM in Hybrid Cloud
3.1 RBAC and JIT Privileged Access
3.1.1 Granular Access Controls Based on User Roles
3.1.2 JIT Access for Reduced Attack Surface
3.2 Privileged Session Management and Monitoring
3.2.1 Real-time Session Monitoring for Privileged Users
3.2.2 Privileged User Activities Analysis for Compliance
3.2.3 Suspicious Activity Detection and Alerts
3.3 Automation and Orchestration of PAM Processes
3.3.1 Automating Privileged Access Provisioning and Deprovisioning
3.3.2 Integrating Orchestration Tools in PAM for Hybrid Cloud
4 Conclusion
Safeguarding critical assets in hybrid cloud operations and ensuring data integrity becomes crucial to cloud security compliance for organizations, as monitoring and logging of privileged access are prone to getting compromised due to elevated access control, which allows privileged accounts to erase the logs. With more access, attackers with access to privileged access accounts can gain access to the company’s vital resources and even erase the logs, so the threat can go undetected. This underscores the importance of privileged access management. Striking the perfect balance between enhanced security measures and streamlined access controls empowers organizations to harness the full potential of hybrid clouds while mitigating the risks associated with privileged access.
This article delves into the key strategies and best practices for managing privileged access in a hybrid cloud environment, encompassing both cloud-hosted and on-premises-hosted digital assets. It explores the effective utilization of cloud Privileged Access Management (PAM) solutions to safeguard critical resources while ensuring comprehensive logging and precise access control.
1. Essentials of Privileged Access Management (PAM)
1.1 Why Use PAM in Enterprises and Hybrid Cloud Infrastructures
PAM safeguards sensitive data, mitigates security risks, and maintains a strong security posture in enterprise hybrid cloud infrastructures with support from hybrid cloud providers.
The functions of PAM for cloud include:
Enhances security by centralizing control and minimizing risks
Ensures compliance through access controls and auditing
Enforces the least privilege principle, limiting access
Provides session recording and monitoring for visibility
Manages privileged access in hybrid clouds, maintaining consistent security
2. Key Challenges in Hybrid Cloud PAM Implementation
The challenges in hybrid cloud PAM implementation include managing access across diverse cloud environments, ensuring policy consistency and compliance, and addressing dynamic resource scaling.
2.1 Privileged Access Management Across Cloud and On-premises
Hybrid cloud with a cloud platform and an on-premises system poses challenges in control and oversight. Establish a unified approach to granting, monitoring, and revoking privileged access across diverse infrastructure types to maintain security and minimize vulnerabilities. It requires a robust PAM solution that supports multiple authentication mechanisms and integrates with various cloud providers' identity and access management services. It involves ensuring secure and auditable access to resources across these environments.
2.2 Security Policy and Compliance in Hybrid Environments
Ensuring consistent security policies, controls, and compliance in hybrid environments is another significant challenge, as it involves harmonizing access management practices and maintaining regulatory requirements across multiple infrastructures. Organizations must define and enforce consistent access policies across all systems, regardless of their location or deployment model. Compliance requirements, such as regulatory frameworks and industry standards, add complexity to this task.
2.3 Dynamic Cloud Resource Scaling and PAM Solutions
Addressing the dynamic nature of cloud resources and scaling PAM solutions is crucial, as hybrid environments often involve frequent changes in resource allocation and scaling, necessitating adaptable PAM systems capable of seamlessly accommodating such fluctuations. Cloud environments are characterized by the rapid provisioning and deprovisioning of resources. PAM solutions need to adapt to this dynamic nature by automatically discovering and managing privileged accounts associated with new resources while also scaling to accommodate increasing demands.
3. Advanced Strategies for Effective PAM in Hybrid Cloud
Advanced strategies for effective PAM in hybrid clouds involve dynamic access controls, real-time monitoring, and integration with identity management solutions to ensure comprehensive security and compliance across diverse environments.
3.1 RBAC and JIT Privileged Access
RBAC and JIT privileged access enable secure and efficient user access based on roles and responsibilities, reducing unauthorized privileges and minimizing security risks.
3.1.1 Granular Access Controls Based on User Roles
It enables granular access controls by assigning privileges based on user roles and responsibilities, allowing organizations to enforce least privilege principles and restrict access to sensitive resources. These are crucial components of an effective PAM. Role based access control (RBAC) allows organizations to assign granular access controls based on user roles and responsibilities. This ensures that individuals have only the necessary privileges to perform their tasks, minimizing the risk of unauthorized access.
3.1.2 JIT Access for Reduced Attack Surface
It minimizes exposure and reduces the attack surface by granting temporary, time-limited access to privileged accounts when needed, mitigating the risks associated with permanent or long-term privileged access. It enables organizations to grant temporary privileges to users on a ‘just-in-time’ basis. This approach reduces the attack surface by limiting privileged access to specific timeframes, tasks, or systems, thereby minimizing the window of opportunity for malicious actors.
3.2 Privileged Session Management and Monitoring
Control, record, and analyze privileged user sessions for enhanced security and unauthorized activity detection by utilizing privileged session management and monitoring.
3.2.1 Real-time Session Monitoring for Privileged Users
It is essential for maintaining a secure PAM environment. Real-time session monitoring provides visibility into privileged user activities, allowing immediate detection of any unauthorized actions or policy violations. Recording and analyzing privileged user activities further aids compliance efforts and forensic investigations.
3.2.2 Privileged User Activities Analysis for Compliance
Recording and analyzing privileged user activities is crucial for both compliance and security in privileged session management. By capturing and monitoring privileged user sessions, organizations can maintain a detailed audit trail, detect suspicious activities, and ensure accountability. This enables proactive threat detection, investigation of potential breaches, and adherence to regulatory requirements, ultimately bolstering the overall security posture of the organization.
3.2.3 Suspicious Activity Detection and Alerts
Detecting and alerting on suspicious or unauthorized activities is crucial for proactive threat detection and incident response. PAM solutions should employ advanced analytics and anomaly detection techniques to identify potentially malicious actions, triggering alerts for immediate investigation and mitigation.
3. 3 Automation and Orchestration of PAM Processes
Automating and orchestrating PAM processes streamlines privileged access workflows, improving security and efficiency in managing privileged accounts.
3.3.1 Automating Privileged Access Provisioning and Deprovisioning
It minimizes the risk of human errors and ensures consistency in access management. Automated workflows can be established to handle user onboarding, role changes, and offboarding, reducing administrative overhead and enhancing security.
3.3.2 Integrating Orchestration Tools in PAM for Hybrid Cloud
It enables seamless management across hybrid cloud environments. Orchestration tools can facilitate the synchronization of access policies, user directories, and authentication mechanisms, simplifying the administration and enforcement of PAM practices.
4. Conclusion
Privileged Access Management (PAM) is of paramount importance in modern enterprises and hybrid cloud strategies for infrastructure. Effectively implementing PAM requires overcoming challenges related to managing privileged access across diverse environments, ensuring consistent security policies, and addressing the dynamic nature of cloud resources.
Advanced strategies, such as RBAC and JIT privileged access, privileged session management and monitoring, and automation and orchestration, enhance the effectiveness of PAM in hybrid cloud environments. By adopting these strategies, organizations can strengthen their security posture, reduce the risk of unauthorized access, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. Keeping up with technological developments by attending cloud security conferences helps organizations make the most of their budgets when choosing the appropriate cloud security solutions from the cloud security companies.
Read More
Cloud App Development, Cloud Security, Cloud App Management
Article | July 31, 2023
Unveil protectors of cloud environments with the top 25 cloud security companies, defending the digital fortress with unmatched expertise and solutions for the ultimate shield against cyber threats.
Cloud security is a crucial aspect of protecting data and cloud environments from cyberattacks, breaches, and unauthorized access as more organizations adopt a remote work culture. Cloud security computing companies offer solutions and services that help organizations secure their cloud infrastructure, applications, and data using policies, procedures, technologies, and controls.
In this article, explore the top 25 cloud security companies that are leading the industry in providing cloud security software, services, and solutions. These companies have been selected based on their reputation, customer reviews, product features, innovation, and market presence. Discover the benefits and challenges of cloud security and how to choose the best cloud security company for business needs.
According to the IBM Cost of a Data Breach Report 2022, organizations that had mature cloud security procedures showed a cost decrease of more than half a million dollars over those in the early stages of securing their cloud environments. The highest maturity level in the application of cloud security practices reported a cost of USD 3.87 million, i.e., 15.7% less than the lowest maturity level in cloud security practices where no controls are used, which had a higher cost of USD 4.59 million.
Cloud security challenges include compliance with regulations, visibility and control over resources, shared responsibility, integration with existing tools, and managing complexity and risk. Proactive measures and a robust security strategy help organizations leverage cloud benefits while mitigating risks. Cloud security companies enable experimentation with new technologies. Factors for selecting a suitable provider include the cloud environment, security expertise, features and functionality, reputation and reliability, and cost and value.
It is easy for businesses to get the right type of cloud security services for their scope, functionality, and size from a curated cloud security companies list. Whether businesses are looking for the best cloud security companies, cloud based security companies, or cloud data security companies, find them in this list of top cloud security companies.
1.Aqua Security
Aqua Security is a leading cloud-native security company specializing in cloud-native security solutions. Its unified console streamlines the transition from scanning and visibility to workload protection in cloud-native environments. Aqua Security's platform offers scanning, cloud security posture management (CSPM), sandboxing, and workload protection capabilities. It can be deployed as a SaaS or self-hosted solution. The platform provides comprehensive container activity visibility, enabling organizations to detect and prevent suspicious activity and attacks. It offers automated security and policy enforcement and simplifies regulatory compliance.
2.Aujas Cybersecurity
Aujas Cybersecurity provides a range of services, including cloud security, managed detection and response, security testing, security engineering, IAM, and risk advisory services. The company aims to enhance security resilience by reducing attacks, threats, and risks. Through a strategic partnership with Microsoft, Aujas offers Managed Azure Sentinel security services to protect identities, clouds, data, applications, and endpoints from complex threats. As a leading cybersecurity service provider in the Middle East, Aujas secures digital ecosystems and value chains. Its comprehensive portfolio of next-generation security services addresses risks across networks, the cloud, and mobile devices.
3.Cloud and Things
Cloud and Things is a company that presents cloud security consultation services to businesses. It offers advisory, analysis, and implementation services to help clients secure their cloud environments. Its goal is to drive the value of technology to business and foster an innovation culture within organizations. Its Strategic Advisory services include Extended CxO Services, Strategic Plan and Roadmap Development, and Emerging Technology Advisory. The team at Cloud and Things consists of Senior Business Leaders, Technology Leaders, Academic Researchers, and top Graduates who are dedicated to making a positive impact for clients. Choosing Cloud and Things enables businesses to access a team of experts who can guide them through the complexities of cloud security.
4.Cloud Direct
Cloud Direct is an Azure Expert MSP and Microsoft Security Gold Partner, uniquely positioned to assist businesses in implementing a comprehensive security strategy. It utilizes Microsoft technologies and best practices across Azure Security, Microsoft 365 Security, Cloud Security, and Compliance. Its offerings include security assessments, deployments, and managed services, focusing on Azure Secure Score, Azure Sentinel, and advanced Azure cloud security. With a top 0.2% ranking among global Microsoft partners, it provides increased visibility and control over security estates through its in-house tool integrated with Microsoft Secure Score.
5.Eagle Eye Networks
Eagle Eye Networks gives a smart video surveillance system that allows businesses to manage their operations anywhere, anytime, on any device. It uses artificial intelligence to transform video surveillance systems into critical business intelligence platforms. Its system enables businesses to gain visibility across their operations, react swiftly to opportunities, and improve overall processes and performance. Its system provides real-time motion alerts and allows businesses to create unlimited, personalized detection areas for each camera. Its system is secure by design, with security measures implemented both on-premises and in cloud transmission to ensure video is secure and encrypted with the highest reliability.
6.Fastly
Fastly supplies an edge cloud platform that includes a content delivery network (CDN), image optimization, video and streaming, cloud security, and load balancing services. Its cloud security services offer protection against denial-of-service attacks, bot mitigation, and a web application firewall. Fastly ensures secure data storage and transfer with flexible and scalable Transport Layer Security (TLS) and Web Application Firewall (WAF) solutions. It offers a range of TLS options to meet different security needs, including PCI DSS Level 1 certification for handling sensitive information. Fastly's edge cloud network enables the caching of sensitive data while maintaining compliance standards.
7. Fidelis Cybersecurity
Fidelis Cybersecurity is an industry innovator in Active XDR enabling proactive cyber defense and defense-in-depth. It helps safeguard data, assets, and services – no matter where they are located on networks. Fidelis offers two platforms: Fidelis Elevate and Fidelis CloudPassage Halo. Fidelis Elevate is an Active XDR platform that enables proactive cyber defense across cloud environments and on-premises. Fidelis CloudPassage Halo provides everything businesses need to make cloud computing security fast, automated, scalable, and cost-effective. This company is helpful for decision-makers and designations of people such as security teams, compliance auditors, IT managers, and DevOps teams.
8.Gigamon
Gigamon is the leading provider of an intelligent Visibility Fabric that empowers cybersecurity and infrastructure professionals with pervasive and unfiltered visibility across physical and virtual environments. Its flagship product, GigaVUE Cloud Suite, is an essential component of the Gigamon Hawk architecture, offering businesses unparalleled control over their assets in private or hybrid cloud infrastructures. With GigaVUE Cloud Suite, companies can achieve comprehensive and granular visibility across popular platforms like AWS, Azure, Google Cloud Platform, Kubernetes, Nutanix, OpenStack, Red Hat, and VMware. Gain a unified view of all data in motion within organization’s hybrid, single, or multi-cloud network and effortlessly acquire, optimize, and direct traffic from any cloud workload to any desired destination. With Gigamon's cloud solutions, unlock rich and contextual network metadata for in-depth analysis, surpassing the limitations of traditional logs, events, and traces.
9.iboss
iboss is a cloud security company offering fast and secure internet access for organizations on any device, from any location. Its iboss cloud platform delivers network security as a service, utilizing containerized architecture for web filtering, malware defense, and data loss prevention. Trusted by over 4,000 global enterprises, iboss enables cyber risk reduction through a Zero Trust service that safeguards resources and users in a distributed world. Its cloud-based approach ensures consistent and feature-rich protection for all users, regardless of location, simplifying internet access security and policy implementation for IT and Security Staff.
10.ISmile Technologies
ISmile Technologies is a trusted Technology Advisor and Implementation Partner, delivering automation-enabled Intelligent Solutions and Managed IT services. With expertise in disruptive technologies like AI, Robotics, Data, and Analytics, it helps businesses compete and accelerate agility with enhanced security. Its streamlined delivery models leverage industry best practices and decades of experience across diverse industries. It offers business-specific cloud solutions to drive maximum impact at minimum cost and improve cloud monitoring capabilities for swift threat detection and response. Its solutions reduce errors by minimizing reliance on human intervention.
11.Lookout
Lookout is a cloud security management tool that provides data-centric cloud security for protecting corporate data in the cloud, on-premises, or on devices. It offers a single, unified vantage point to effortlessly safeguard sensitive data in motion across apps, networks, and clouds. Lookout Cloud Security Platform is the only cloud-native solution that delivers zero trust security by reducing risk and protecting corporate data on any device, app, or location. With a centralized dashboard and unified policy framework, Lookout helps consolidate vendors for endpoint security and cloud security. It is among the top three vendors with the highest scores across all use cases in the 2023 Gartner Critical Capabilities for SSE Report. This tool is helpful for decision-makers and individuals responsible for securing endpoints from internet, device, network, and app-level threats.
12.Matilda Cloud
Matilda Cloud enables businesses to reduce IT costs, accelerate application delivery, and drive digital transformation. Its software solution facilitates quick application migration, ongoing cost management, and automated software release pipelines. The platform offers a repeatable deployment framework, expense control across cloud partners, risk mitigation for software and security vulnerabilities, and accelerated application delivery through automated release management. It ensures a controlled and transparent cloud journey with a focus on optimizing costs and resource management. Matilda Cloud also prioritizes compliance, data security, and alignment with major cloud providers' well-architected frameworks.
13.Menlo Security, Inc.
Menlo Security Inc. provides a complete, global cloud security platform that secures cloud transformations with zero compromise on risk, user experience, visibility, and control. Its solutions are built on the world's first and only Isolation Core. It solves for email security, web security, data protection, and threat prevention. It sets out to make online work secure, seamless, and simplified for everyone. It believes that security should prevent, not react.
Organizations shouldn't have to sacrifice productivity for security. It pioneered an entirely reimagined, impervious approach to security that's built on zero-trust principles and leverages isolation as a core architectural pillar. It empowers organizations to adapt and map their journey to Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) and beyond.
14.Netwrix Corporation
Netwrix Corporation empowers information security and governance professionals to reduce breach risk and strengthen their security and compliance postures. Its solutions enable the detection, response, and recovery from attacks with ease. Trusted by over 13,000 organizations worldwide, Netwrix addresses all three primary attack vectors: data, identity, and infrastructure. It offers a comprehensive platform for on-premises, hybrid, and cloud environments, covering diverse data types, applications, workstations, servers, and network devices. By eliminating blind spots and complexity, Netwrix mitigates breach risks efficiently and provides guidance using security frameworks like NIST. Its solutions secure organizations across all three primary attack surfaces: data, identity, and infrastructure.
15.Orca Security
Orca Security is a leading Cloud Security Platform that identifies, prioritizes, and remediates security risks and compliance issues across major cloud providers. It offers instant-on security and compliance without agent-related challenges, delivering simplified operations through a single SaaS-based platform. Orca Security prioritizes risks based on severity, accessibility, and business impact, allowing organizations to focus on critical alerts. Renowned businesses like Databricks, Lemonade, Gannett, and Robinhood trust it because it provides complete visibility of the entire cloud estate.
16.Perimeter 81
Perimeter 81 offers simpler, smarter, and more accessible network security solutions to meet present and future needs. It has gained significant traction in the Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) and SASE markets. Its technology replaces legacy VPNs and firewalls, providing a unified zero-trust network as a Service. It integrates local and cloud resources, safeguards user traffic and endpoints, and enables customizable and scalable network access policies from a single platform. Perimeter 81 seamlessly integrates with major cloud providers like AWS, Google Cloud, and Azure. It complies with stringent software security standards such as SOC 2 Type 2, GDPR, CCPA, and ISO 27001. Its cloud-based service allows companies to effortlessly manage their networks and security, breaking free from legacy hardware.
17.RSI Security
RSI Security is a compliance and cybersecurity provider that assists organizations in achieving success in cybersecurity risk management. It specializes in mitigating risk and protecting data, serving leading companies, institutions, and governments worldwide. RSI Security helps organizations develop comprehensive cloud security plans aligned with strategic business goals, covering the entire organization and partner network. It offers expertise in cloud solutions, providing detailed guides and assisting with the setup of tailored cloud solutions. With a systematic approach, it helps implement and manage IT and security for data, assets, networks, and devices. RSI Security also offers compliance advisory services, enabling seamless compliance attainment for standards such as PCI DSS, HIPAA, HITRUST, CCPA, GDPR, NIST, NERC, SOC 2, EI3PA, and more.
18.Safe Security
Safe Security is a global leader in cybersecurity and digital business risk quantification. It provides an AI-Fueled Cyber Risk Cloud platform that predicts and prevents cyber breaches. It aggregates signals across people, processes, and technology to provide real-time, data-driven visibility of organization’s risk posture. It provides AI-driven breach predictions and prioritized actions to prevent breaches. It helps organizations prioritize security investments based on the potential risk to their businesses. It empowers boards with a defensible dollar-value estimate of their financial risk. It helps organizations get the right cyber insurance coverage by translating security controls into financial exposure for accurate underwriting. It is trusted by industry leaders and manages the cyber risk posture of Fortune 500 companies.
19.Saviynt
Saviynt is a leading provider of next-generation Cloud Security and Identity Governance solutions. It provides a unique platform that manages high-value assets in the cloud and on-premises effectively. It is on a mission to safeguard enterprises through intelligent, cloud-first identity governance and access management solutions. It provides a single solution that can manage high-value assets in the cloud and on-premises effectively. It helps customers manage their exposure to risk and manage risk in their environment. It provides unique cloud security intelligence. It has achieved Leader Status in the Gartner IGA Magic Quadrant. It has won the Customer’s Choice Award from Gartner Peer Insights.
20.Sonrai Security
Sonrai Security delivers enterprise cloud security for the public cloud. It provides a unique platform that combines workload, platform, identity, and data security in one platform. It offers unparalleled visibility and risk mitigation tailored for large enterprises. Its patented analytics reveal company’s unique cloud and provide a clear picture of all identities, activities, and relationships in an enterprise cloud. It helps organizations identify, prioritize, and reduce danger with their sensitive data. It provides best practices, workflow, advisors, and automation to support amazing cross-team cloud security operations. It provides a single solution that can manage high-value assets in the cloud and on-premises effectively. It helps customers manage their exposure to risk and manage risk in their environment.
21.Sysdig
Sysdig is a cloud-native intelligence company that delivers cloud and container security. It provides a platform that helps stop cloud and container security attacks with no wasted time. It created open-source Falco, the standard for cloud-native threat detection. Using Falco, its platform provides real-time threat detection with the detail to immediately respond. It helps organizations prioritize vulnerabilities and trim excess. It provides real-time threat detection with the detail to immediately respond. CTO Loris Degioanni, one of the co-creators of WireShark, a visibility tool for monitoring and troubleshooting network infrastructure, founded it in 2013.
22.Tessian
Tessian is an Intelligent Cloud Email Security platform that defends against threats and protects sensitive data using context-aware AI. It automates threat detection, prevention, and response, freeing up security teams for critical tasks. No configuration needed, it deploys quickly and integrates with existing email environments. Tessian stops various email attacks (ransomware, ATO, BEC, executive impersonation) legacy security misses. Its behavioral-based AI identifies anomalous employee activity, preventing email data loss. Trusted by leading enterprises, Tessian automatically detects and prevents advanced email threats. It alerts employees in real-time with tailored messages on appropriate actions. Recently, Tessian launched Tessian Respond, improving email threat identification and response. A new M365 add-in simplifies deployment.
23.Tufin
Tufin, a leading cloud security company, automates hybrid cloud security for efficiency in diverse environments. It reduces access change times, enhancing security while enabling swift adaptation. By integrating security policy adherence into the CI/CD pipeline, it ensures faster and safer application delivery. Manual audit tasks are eliminated, saving time and resources through automation. Real-time visibility aids proactive monitoring and vulnerability identification. Continuous compliance ensures regulatory adherence in hybrid cloud setups, reducing risks. It seamlessly integrates with DevOps workflows, enhancing collaboration, efficiency, and security. Automating network access changes expedites audit preparations and addresses vulnerabilities promptly. Overall, Tufin empowers businesses to strengthen their security posture and achieve operational excellence in cloud security.
24.Vectra AI
Vectra AI is a cloud security company that unifies the cloud, data center, networks, and IoT devices. It offers seamless integration, customized detections, and real-time monitoring for hybrid cloud environments. It excels at detecting attacker movement between public and private clouds, enabling comprehensive attack tracking. The platform enables automatic responses to attacks and utilizes security-led AI to detect various attack methods. It prioritizes threats by correlating behaviors across data centers and the cloud, providing clear visibility to security teams. Vectra AI delivers cloud-native threat detection, seamless integration, real-time monitoring, attacker tracking, automatic response capabilities, security-led AI, and effective threat prioritization, making it an ideal choice for businesses seeking cloud security solutions.
25.Vehere
Vehere specializes in Cyber Situation Awareness (CSA) and provides real-time visibility into network activities. It offers cloud security services and scalable solutions for Network and Infrastructure Security, Security Operations, Cloud Security, and IoT Security. Vehere's Cyber Situational Awareness provides a comprehensive view of regulatory changes, cyber-attacks, and vulnerabilities. Its solutions enable continuous network monitoring, enhance security, and reduce risks. Intelliworker, its Network Intelligence Analytics solution, leverages AI and machine learning to identify hidden threats from large-scale data, aiding in signal intelligence. Vehere ensures comprehensive protection across networks, clouds, workloads, and data with real-time threat detection, actionable Cyber Threat Intelligence, unscripted threat hunting, and streamlined incident response.
Cloud security is an essential part of an organization that uses cloud computing services. It provides extensive benefits but poses some challenges. The top 25 cloud security companies showcased in this article are at the forefront of driving the evolution and innovation of cloud security. With their focus on data protection and securing cloud environments, they are revolutionizing cybersecurity for the cloud.
Through proactive measures, seamless integration with IoT devices, and advanced surveillance systems, these companies fortify organizations against emerging threats. To ensure effective cloud security, organizations need to choose the best cloud security company for their needs by considering factors such as reputation, experience, compatibility, and cost for a robust cloud security posture.
Read More
Cloud App Development, Cloud Security, Cloud App Management
Article | July 21, 2023
Efficiently safeguard cloud: Unleashing automation for enhanced security in the digital realm. Elevate cloud security posture with smart strategies and best practices with advanced automation.
Contents
1 Cloud Security Automation for a Secure Cloud Posture
1.1 Cloud Security Automation for Business Scalability
1.2 Automating Security in the Cloud
1.3 The Cloud Security Posture
2 Enhancing Cloud Security: Vital Components of Automation
2.1 Infrastructure as Code (IaC)
2.2 Cloud Based Continuous Integration and Deployment (CI/CD)
2.3 Configuration Management
2.4 Security Automation and Orchestration
3 Implementing Automation for Cloud Security
3.1 Provisioning and Configuration Automation
3.2 Security Policy Enforcement through Automation
3.3 Cloud Detection and Response Automation
3.4 Compliance and Audit Automation
3.5 Cloud Security Automation Approaches for Business
4 Best Practices for Cloud Security Posture Improvement
4.1 Security Automation Frameworks and Tools
4.2 Integrating Security into DevOps Processes
4.3 Security Testing and Vulnerability Management Automation
4.4 Continuous Monitoring and Remediation
5 Futureproofing Cloud Security Automation with AI
In an increasingly interconnected digital world, where cloud-based assets and data are the lifeblood of organizations, ensuring their security is of paramount importance. The answer lies in the power of cloud security automation—a game-changing solution that not only protects vital resources but also empowers businesses with scalability and flexibility. This article unveils how cloud security automation revolutionizes the way organizations safeguard their most valuable assets.
1 Cloud Security Automation for a Secure Cloud Posture
1.1 Cloud Security Automation for Business Scalability
Cloud security automation is an indispensable shield that effectively safeguards cloud-based assets and data, ensuring secure, scalable, and flexible operations. By automating security processes, organizations can efficiently detect and respond to potential threats, minimize human error, and ensure consistent security practices across the cloud infrastructure. This allows businesses to scale and adapt swiftly without compromising on protection, establishing a cloud environment where threats are easily and quickly identified and neutralized and growth remains unhindered.
1.2 Automating Security in the Cloud
Automating security in the cloud offers advantages such as enabling real-time cloud threat detection and response, reducing the time it takes to identify and mitigate security incidents. Automation also enhances scalability, allowing organizations to handle increasing workloads without compromising security, while providing a centralized view of security controls and compliance measures.
1.3 The Cloud Security Posture
The cloud security posture refers to the overall security state and readiness of an organization's cloud environment. By implementing cloud security automation, organizations can proactively manage their security posture, ensuring proper configuration, patch management, and access control. This helps prevent unauthorized access, data breaches, and other potential vulnerabilities, enhancing the overall security of the cloud infrastructure.
2 Enhancing Cloud Security: Vital Components of Automation
2.1 Infrastructure as Code (IaC)
Infrastructure as Code automates the deployment and management of cloud resources using machine-readable code. It ensures consistency, scalability, and reduces human error in security configurations.
2.2 Cloud Based Continuous Integration and Deployment (CI/CD)
CI/CD automates the build, testing, and deployment of applications and infrastructure changes. By integrating security testing and compliance checks with monitoring the continuous integration metrics, organizations ensure consistent and validated security measures throughout the development and deployment processes.
2.3 Configuration Management
Configuration Management maintains the desired state of cloud resources and enforces security configurations. It defines and manages the configuration settings of cloud components, enabling organizations to enforce security policies, track changes, and remediate deviations.
2.4 Security Automation and Orchestration
SOAR (Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response) combines security orchestration, automation, and incident response to streamline security operations. It integrates security tools, processes, and workflows to automate incident detection, response, and remediation, enhancing incident management efficiency and strengthening the cloud security posture.
3 Implementing Automation for Cloud Security
3.1 Provisioning and Configuration Automation
Automating resource provisioning, network configuration, and access controls ensures efficient deployment and management of cloud resources. It reduces errors, accelerates deployment, and maintains a secure cloud environment.
3.2 Security Policy Enforcement Through Automation
Cloud security automation helps enforce security policies consistently across cloud environments. It automates the application and validation of security controls like access controls, encryption, and logging, reducing human error and strengthening the overall security posture.
3.3 Cloud Detection and Response Automation
Automated threat detection and incident response processes enable prompt identification and response to security incidents. Leveraging automated monitoring, log analysis, and threat intelligence tools allows proactive identification, faster containment and mitigation, and minimizes the impact of security breaches.
3.4 Compliance and Audit Automation
Automating compliance and audit processes ensures regulatory adherence and a strong security posture. It automates compliance checks, configuration assessments, and audit trail generation, enabling cloud continuous monitoring, identification of non-compliant areas, and streamlined audits, ensuring a compliant and secure cloud environment.
3.5 Cloud Security Automation Approaches for Businesses
3.5.1 DevSecOps Integration:
Small Enterprise: Integrate security practices into DevOps workflows for secure software delivery.
Medium Enterprise: Strengthen security posture through automated security testing and vulnerability management.
Large Enterprise: Implement advanced security testing, threat modeling, and secure software supply chain management.
3.5.2 Machine Learning-based Anomaly Detection:
Offers benefits for all enterprise sizes in detecting and responding to security threats in real-time.
3.5.3 Infrastructure as Code (IaC) security:
Small Businesses: Secure infrastructure code and configurations using automated code scanning.
Medium Enterprises: Adopt dedicated tools and frameworks for secure infrastructure code.
Large Enterprises: Establish comprehensive IaC security frameworks with code review and security-focused testing.
3.5.4 Cloud-native security tools:
Small Businesses: Leverage built-in security features from cloud service providers.
Medium Enterprises: Utilize cloud-native and third-party security tools.
Large Enterprises: Invest in comprehensive cloud-native security toolsets for centralized management.
3.5.5 Continuous compliance monitoring:
Small Businesses: Use automated compliance monitoring tools for security standards and regulations.
Medium Enterprises: Automate compliance checks and generate reports for audits.
Large Enterprises: Implement enterprise-wide continuous compliance monitoring with real-time monitoring.
3.5.6 Security Orchestration and Automation Response (SOAR):
Small Businesses: Streamline incident response processes with basic SOAR solutions.
Medium Enterprises: Enhance incident response capabilities with advanced SOAR platforms.
Large Enterprises: Deploy comprehensive SOAR systems for complex incident response workflows.
3.5.7 Threat Intelligence Automation:
Small Businesses: Utilize automated threat intelligence feeds and tools for insights into threats.
Medium Enterprises: Invest in advanced threat intelligence automation solutions for proactive monitoring.
Large Enterprises: Establish dedicated threat intelligence teams and leverage advanced automation systems.
3.5.8 Cloud workload protection platforms (CWPP):
Small Businesses: Protect cloud workloads with automated security controls and monitoring.
Medium Enterprises: Enhance cloud workload security across multiple cloud providers.
Large Enterprises: Implement CWPP at scale with centralized management and automation.
3.5.9 Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM):
Small Businesses: Assess and manage cloud security risks with CSPM, i.e., cloud security posture management tools.
Medium Enterprises: Automate security checks and enforce compliance with CSPM solutions.
Large Enterprises: Establish comprehensive CSPM programs for vast and complex cloud deployments.
3.5.10 Identity and Access Management (IAM) Automation:
Small Businesses: Automate IAM processes for user provisioning and access controls.
Medium Enterprises: Implement advanced IAM automation solutions for improved security and compliance.
Large Enterprises: Adopt comprehensive IAM automation platforms for complex access management.
The following cloud security automation approaches are critical for small, medium and large enterprises:
3.5.11 Threat Modeling and Simulation:
Utilize automated tools to identify vulnerabilities and simulate attacks on cloud infrastructure.
3.5.12 Cloud-native Encryption and Key Management:
Implement automated encryption and key management solutions for robust data protection.
3.5.13 Immutable Infrastructure:
Automate changes to infrastructure components to minimize misconfigurations and reduce the attack surface.
3.5.14 Integration with Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) Systems:
Automate the ingestion of security logs and events into a centralized SIEM platform for comprehensive monitoring and analysis.
3.5.15 Automated Security Training and Awareness:
Use automated training platforms to educate employees and cloud users about cloud security best practices and cloud security monitoring best practices.
4 Best Practices for Cloud Security Posture Improvement
4.1 Security Automation Frameworks and Tools
Implementing security automation frameworks and specialized tools streamlines and scales security operations.
Automating tasks like -
Configuration management
Incident response
Threat detection
enables -
Efficient enforcement of security controls
Reducing manual effort and
Enhancing the overall cloud security posture
4.2 Integrating Security into DevOps Processes
Embedding security considerations throughout the software development lifecycle by integrating security into DevOps processes ensures proactive addressing of security risks.
Incorporating practices like
Secure coding,
Vulnerability scanning, and
Secure configuration management
into DevOps workflows minimizes vulnerabilities and delivers secure applications and infrastructure.
4.3 Security Testing and Vulnerability Management Automation
Automating security testing and vulnerability management identifies and remediates weaknesses in cloud environments. By using automated vulnerability scanning, penetration testing, and code analysis tools, cloud infrastructure can be constantly evaluated, security gaps can be found ahead of time, and vulnerabilities can be fixed to improve cloud security.
4.4 Continuous Monitoring and Remediation
Continuous monitoring and remediation practices maintain a robust security posture in the cloud. Employing automated monitoring tools and security information and event management (SIEM) systems enables real-time detection and response to security incidents. Automating incident response and remediation processes swiftly mitigates threats, minimizes downtime, and ensures a secure cloud environment.
5 Futureproofing Cloud Security Automation with AI
Automating cloud security improves posture by streamlining processes, reducing errors, and increasing efficiency. Benefits include real-time cloud threat detection, rapid response, and scalability. Adopt a holistic approach using cloud-native tools, security-as-code practices, and DevOps integration for successful cloud posture security management. Leverage AI and machine learning for advanced threat detection. Stay updated with the latest trends in the cloud security sphere through networking events and cloud security conferences. Embrace cloud security and DevOps automation for stronger resilience and proactive threat mitigation.
Read More
Cloud App Development, Cloud Deployment Models, Cloud Security
Article | June 29, 2023
Boost cloud security with advanced privileged access monitoring (PAM) and logging principles. Get insights and compliance assurance by implementing monitoring and logging best practices in the cloud.
Contents
1 Essentials of Privileged Access in Cloud Environments
1.1 Understanding Privileged Access
1.2 Significance of Privileged Account Monitoring and Logging
1.3 Overview of PAM in Cloud Environments
2 Monitoring and Logging Principles in PAM
2.1 Principle 1: Granular Access Control
2.2 Principle 2: Real-time Monitoring
2.3 Principle 3: Comprehensive Logging
2.4 Principle 4: Intrusion Detection
3 Implementing Monitoring and Logging in Cloud Environments
3.1 Access Monitoring Solutions
3.2 Log Management and Analysis
3.3 Integration with Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) Systems
3.4 Continuous Monitoring Best Practices
4 Best Practices for Privileged Access Monitoring and Logging
4.1 Role-based Access Controls
4.2 Privileged User Behavior Analytics
4.3 Incident Response and Alerting
4.4 Auditing and Compliance Requirements
5 Conclusion
1 Essentials of Privileged Access in Cloud Environments
Privileged Access Management (PAM) solutions are essential for privileged access security and privileged remote access in cloud environments. By implementing robust monitoring and logging principles, organizations can bolster their security defenses and meet rigorous auditing and compliance standards.
According to Gartner, cloud security failures will be at least 99% the fault of the customer through 2023, with 50% attributed to insufficient access, identity, and privilege management.
1.1 Understanding Privileged Access
Privileged access entails granting elevated permissions to users or accounts with administrative privileges, enabling critical operations and access to sensitive data. It involves bestowing administrative privileges like root access or superuser rights, which can exert a profound impact on the security and stability of the cloud infrastructure.
1.2 Significance of Privileged Account Monitoring and Logging
Effective monitoring and logging of privileged accounts are vital for uncovering unauthorized activities, detecting potential security threats, and establishing an audit trail of privileged access events.
Robust monitoring and logging mechanisms aid in:
The detection of potential security incidents,
Tracking user activities, and
Facilitating swift responses to mitigate risks or breaches
1.3 Overview of PAM in Cloud Environments
Privileged Access Management (PAM) solutions deliver centralized control and management of privileged accounts and access in cloud environments. PAM solutions reinforce robust access controls, implement the principle of least privilege, and streamline workflows associated with privileged access, thereby enhancing security, compliance, and operational efficiency in cloud environments.
2 Monitoring and Logging Principles in PAM
Effective monitoring and logging are essential in privileged access solutions for robust security and accountability.
Follow these principles for optimal practice:
2.1 Principle 1: Granular Access Control
Provide fine-grained access controls so that privileged accounts can only be accessed and used by authorized users. Granular access controls ensure that privileged access is granted solely to authorized individuals or accounts based on their specific roles and responsibilities.
2.2 Principle 2: Real-time Monitoring
Continuously monitor privileged accounts in real-time to swiftly detect and respond to suspicious activities or anomalies, bolstering the security of these critical accounts. Real-time monitoring enables proactive tracking of privileged access events, swiftly identifying anomalies or suspicious activities, and facilitating prompt response measures.
2.3 Principle 3: Comprehensive Logging
Maintain detailed logs of privileged access activities for thorough auditing, investigation, and forensic analysis. This aids in incident response and ensures compliance with regulatory requirements. Comprehensive logging captures detailed information about privileged access activities, including user actions, timestamps, and system events, enabling meticulous analysis and forensic investigations.
2.4 Principle 4: Intrusion Detection
Employ intrusion detection mechanisms within the PAM solution to promptly identify and alert potential unauthorized access attempts or suspicious behavior associated with privileged accounts. Stay one step ahead by proactively mitigating threats. Effective intrusion detection mechanisms empower organizations to pinpoint potential security breaches or unauthorized access attempts, triggering appropriate alerts or countermeasures.
3 Implementing Monitoring and Logging in Cloud Environments
Implementing monitoring and logging in cloud environments is essential for ensuring the security, performance, and reliability of cloud-based systems. This involves deploying the best PAM solutions for monitoring, effective log management and analysis, integrating with security information and event management (SIEM) systems, and following continuous monitoring best practices. By adopting these measures, organizations can proactively identify and address issues, mitigate risks, and optimize their cloud infrastructure.
3.1 Access Monitoring Solutions
Implement comprehensive access monitoring mechanisms to track user activities and resource access within the cloud environment. Utilize cloud provider tools or third-party solutions that offer granular visibility into user actions, API calls, and system events. Set up alerts and notifications to promptly detect unauthorized access attempts or suspicious activities.
Deploying access monitoring solutions, such as session recording, termination, and isolation, enhances visibility into privileged access activities within cloud environments.
3.2 Log Management and Analysis
Establish a robust log management strategy to collect, store, and analyze logs generated by various cloud services and applications. Leverage centralized log management platforms that enable efficient log aggregation, indexing, and retention. Utilize log analysis techniques, such as search queries, filtering, and correlation, to identify patterns, anomalies, and potential security incidents.
Establishing robust log management practices encompassing centralized collection, storage, and analysis enables effective monitoring, auditing, and incident response capabilities.
3.3 Integration with Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) Systems
Integrate monitoring and logging solutions with SIEM systems to enhance threat detection and incident response capabilities. Feed relevant log data into the SIEM platform to correlate events, perform real-time monitoring, and generate actionable insights. Leverage SIEM functionalities, such as automated alerts, incident workflows, and reporting, to streamline incident management processes.
Integrating PAM solutions with SIEM systems enables the correlation and analysis of privileged access events alongside other security events, augmenting threat detection capabilities.
3.4 Continuous Monitoring Best Practices
Implement continuous monitoring practices to ensure ongoing visibility and detection of changes and potential issues. Set up automated monitoring tools and scripts for regular checks on system metrics, performance indicators, and security configurations. Establish predefined thresholds and triggers to initiate proactive actions like resource scaling, administrator alerts, or automated remediation processes.
Embracing continuous monitoring practices ensures ongoing scrutiny of privileged access activities, enabling swift detection and response to potential security incidents.
By implementing comprehensive monitoring and logging in cloud environments, organizations can bolster their cloud security posture, optimize resource allocation, and enhance incident response capabilities. Regular review and refinement of these practices are critical to staying ahead of evolving threats and technological advancements in the cloud ecosystem.
4 Best Practices for Privileged Access Monitoring and Logging
Privileged access monitoring and logging are critical practices for tracking and recording activities performed by privileged users within an organization's network or data ecosystem. With elevated access rights, privileged users can perform critical tasks and access sensitive information with elevated PAM network security and PAM data security using a PAM security solution.
Effective monitoring and logging practices for privileged access are essential to maintaining security, preventing unauthorized actions, and ensuring compliance.
Here are four best practices to consider:
4.1 Role-based Access Controls
Assign specific roles and permissions based on users' job responsibilities and functions using Role-based access controls (RBAC).
Implement RBAC to ensure users have only the necessary privileges required for their tasks, reducing the risk of unauthorized access.
Regularly review and update access controls to align with organizational changes, such as role changes or terminations.
Implementing role-based PAM access control enforces the principle of least privilege, limiting privileged access to authorized individuals or accounts based on their specific needs.
4.2 Privileged User Behavior Analytics
Use Privileged User Behavior Analytics (PUBA) to monitor and analyze privileged user actions for detecting suspicious or anomalous behavior.
Implement PUBA solutions leveraging machine learning and behavioral analytics to establish a baseline of normal user behavior and identify deviations that may indicate malicious activities.
PUBA helps detect unauthorized access attempts, privilege abuse, or insider threats, enabling organizations to take immediate action and mitigate risks.
Leveraging privileged user behavior analytics empowers organizations to identify anomalous behavior, deviations from normal usage patterns, and potential insider threats.
4.3 Incident Response and Alerting
Establish an effective incident response and alerting system for timely detection and response to potential security incidents involving privileged access.
Implement robust monitoring tools that generate real-time alerts for suspicious activities like multiple failed login attempts or unauthorized privilege escalation.
Define clear incident response procedures and assign responsibilities to ensure prompt investigation and resolution of identified security incidents.
Establishing an incident response framework and configuring real-time alerts facilitates the prompt identification, assessment, and remediation of security incidents.
4.4 Auditing and Compliance Requirements
Regularly audit privileged access activities to ensure compliance with industry regulations and internal policies.
Implement a centralized logging system that records all privileged access events, including user actions, executed commands, and critical configuration changes.
Periodically review and analyze access logs to identify non-compliant actions or potential security gaps, taking appropriate measures to address them.
Meeting auditing and compliance obligations entails regular auditing of privileged access logs, conducting periodic reviews, and generating audit reports to satisfy regulatory mandates.
5 Conclusion
Organizations gain visibility into privileged access events, including user identities, timestamps, and performed actions by implementing comprehensive monitoring and logging solutions. This information facilitates compliance audits, helps identify suspicious behavior, and supports forensic investigations in the event of a security incident. Continuous monitoring and real-time alerts enable proactive threat detection, enhancing the overall security posture of cloud environments.
By implementing the outlined PAM security principles, best practices, and PAM software solutions, organizations can fortify their cyber security privileged access management strategies, mitigating the risks associated with unauthorized access and potential security breaches.
Read More