By its essential nature, public cloud security operates as a public trust because its overall security must be a shared responsibility to be effective.
So, while private companies like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure provide the cybersecurity infrastructure for shared cloud environments, individual clients must safeguard their respective workloads and processes, making everyone’s role vital to the security of the entire ecosystem.
As a result, shared responsibility is twofold: cloud service providers (CSPs) must secure the underlying architecture of the public cloud, while users are responsible for protecting their applications and proprietary data, including implementing adequate system configurations and policies.
Here, you’ll learn the key differences between public and private cloud security, their unique challenges, and best practices to safeguard your cloud environments.
What Are the Key Differences Between Public and Private Cloud Security?
What Is Public Cloud Security?
The distinguishing feature of a public cloud is its shared responsibility model, which applies in cloud security where both the cloud service provider and the client play vital roles in ensuring total security.
To comprehensively understand public cloud security, a good place to start is by differentiating between it and its counterpart, private cloud security.
Public cloud security refers to the measures and protocols employed to protect data, applications, and infrastructure within a public cloud, which is a model wherein a service provider makes resources, such as virtual machines, applications, or storage, available to the general public over the internet. Public cloud services often exist in the cloud provider's infrastructure.
Private cloud security, on the other hand, refers to the set of security measures designed for a private cloud, which is a cloud computing model where IT services are delivered over a private IT infrastructure for a specific business or organization. This may be managed internally or by a third party and hosted either internally or externally.
The key difference between these two types of cloud security lies in who is responsible for managing the security protocols:
- In a public cloud, the cloud provider is responsible for all the management and system resources, as well as many layers of security.
- In a private cloud, the organization and its IT team have greater control and are responsible for managing the system's resources and security.
Furthermore, the level of security in a private cloud can often be more rigorous as it is tailored to meet the business's specific needs. While maintaining strict security standards, public clouds could be more vulnerable due to their exposure to multiple clients.
The choice between the two usually depends on the specific needs of a business, the sensitivity of the data they handle, and regulatory requirements related to their industry.
What Are the Unique Challenges of Securing Data In a Public Cloud?
Shared Security Model
Under the shared security model implemented by most public cloud providers, the CSP is responsible for securing the cloud infrastructure, while clients are responsible for securing their data and applications. This can lead to confusion and gaps in security strategy if not properly managed.
In the shared responsibility model of public cloud security, the cloud provider takes on the onus of securing the underlying cloud infrastructure, which includes the physical data centers, servers, networking equipment, and virtualization layer. This encompasses measures like physical security, network security, and host security.
On the other hand, the cloud customer retains responsibility for securing their data and applications residing in the cloud. This encompasses a wide array of security measures, including:
- Data security: Encrypting data at rest and in transit, managing cloud access controls, and implementing data loss prevention measures.
- Application security: Developing secure applications, performing code reviews, and conducting vulnerability assessments.
- Identity and access management: Managing user identities, controlling access to resources, and implementing multi-factor authentication.
- Network security: Configuring firewalls, implementing intrusion detection and prevention systems, and segmenting networks.
- Compliance: Ensuring that data and applications comply with relevant regulations and industry standards.
The division of responsibilities under the shared security model can lead to confusion and gaps in security if not properly managed. For instance, a customer might mistakenly assume that the cloud provider is responsible for all aspects of security, leading to a false sense of security and inadequate protection of their data. Conversely, a cloud provider might not clearly communicate their security responsibilities, leading to misunderstandings and potential security breaches.
To effectively manage security in the public cloud, it is crucial for both cloud providers and customers to have a clear understanding of their respective roles and responsibilities.
This requires clear communication, collaboration, and a shared commitment to security. Additionally, organizations should implement a comprehensive cloud security strategy that encompasses both technical and organizational measures.
By taking a proactive and collaborative approach to cloud security, organizations can leverage the benefits of the public cloud while minimizing the risks.
Data Privacy and Compliance
Adhering to regulatory requirements for data privacy in the cloud can be a complex endeavor. This challenge is exacerbated when cloud service providers store data across multiple geographic locations. Each location may be subject to distinct and potentially conflicting data privacy laws and regulations.
This necessitates that organizations not only understand and comply with the regulations of their own jurisdiction but also those of all jurisdictions where their data is stored or processed by the cloud provider.
Failure to comply with these regulatory requirements can result in severe consequences, including financial penalties, reputational damage, and legal action.
Visibility and Control
In the realm of public cloud computing, organizations relinquish a degree of control and visibility over their infrastructure when compared to the private cloud model, making it harder to detect and mitigate potential threats.
Consequently, the inherent characteristics of public clouds can create challenges in maintaining a robust security posture. The shared responsibility model, while beneficial in some aspects, can also introduce complexities in threat detection and mitigation. The dynamic and multi-tenant nature of public cloud environments can make it difficult to pinpoint the origin of a security threat and respond in a timely and effective manner.
Also, the reliance on the cloud service provider for certain security controls can lead to a potential blind spot if those controls are not adequately implemented or monitored.
Multi-Tenancy
In public cloud environments, the multi-tenant architecture, while offering scalability and cost-efficiency, introduces a significant security risk. This shared infrastructure model means multiple clients or tenants utilize the same underlying hardware and resources.
While logical isolation is implemented to separate tenants' data and applications, vulnerabilities in one tenant's environment could potentially be exploited to breach the isolation and gain unauthorized access to another tenant's sensitive information.
For instance, if a malicious actor successfully exploits a vulnerability in one client's application, they might be able to escalate their privileges and move laterally within the shared environment to access data belonging to other tenants. Similarly, misconfigurations in a tenant's cloud resources or inadequate security controls could be leveraged by attackers to compromise the entire cloud environment and impact multiple tenants.
Therefore, it is crucial for cloud service providers and tenants to implement robust security measures to mitigate the risks associated with multi-tenancy. This includes strong isolation mechanisms, rigorous access controls, continuous monitoring and threat detection, and regular security updates and patching.
Vulnerability to Attacks
Threat actors are constantly probing for public cloud infrastructure vulnerabilities, employing tactics like phishing, malware, and brute force attacks.
Public cloud servers, due to their accessibility over the internet, present a larger attack surface than private networks. Moreover, the shared nature of public cloud environments can lead to "noisy neighbor" issues, where the activities of one user might impact the performance or security of others.
This heightened risk necessitates robust security measures to thwart unauthorized access and potential data breaches.
Therefore, organizations leveraging public cloud services must implement a multi-layered security strategy, employing security tools like firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, and vulnerability scanners, which can further enhance the security posture.
Data Leakage
Data leakage can occur at various points during data transfer, posing a significant security risk. One such vulnerability exists when transferring data between different cloud environments. The process of moving data from one cloud provider to another, or even between different regions or services within the same provider, can create opportunities for unauthorized access or interception.
To mitigate these risks, organizations should implement robust security measures for data transfer. This includes encrypting data in transit, using secure transfer protocols, and implementing strong access controls. Additionally, organizations should carefully monitor data transfers and have procedures in place to detect and respond to any suspicious activity.
Identity and Access Management
Managing user identities and access privileges within a cloud environment can be a formidable task, particularly for large organizations or those that employ a substantial number of temporary or contract workers. This complexity arises from the need to track and manage numerous user accounts, each with potentially different levels of access and permissions.
Furthermore, the dynamic nature of cloud environments, where resources can be provisioned and de-provisioned rapidly, further complicates identity and access management. Therefore, organizations must ensure that user access is granted only to the resources they require and that this access is revoked promptly when no longer needed.
Failure to do so can lead to security breaches, where unauthorized users gain access to sensitive data or systems.
Dependence on Cloud Provider Security
Organizations that utilize public cloud services heavily rely on the security measures their cloud providers implement. These providers are responsible for safeguarding the infrastructure, platforms, and services they offer.
However, if these security measures are not robust or comprehensive enough, the data and applications hosted on the cloud could be exposed to various threats.
These threats include unauthorized access, data breaches, malware infections, and service disruptions. Therefore, organizations must carefully assess their cloud provider's security posture before entrusting them with sensitive data and critical applications.
Resource Misconfiguration
Misconfigurations of cloud resources are a prevalent security risk in public cloud environments and a frequent cause of data breaches. These misconfigurations can arise from a variety of factors, including a lack of understanding of cloud security best practices, insufficient oversight of cloud resource configurations, and the complexity of managing cloud environments at scale.
Some common examples of cloud resource misconfigurations that can lead to data breaches include:
- Storage Buckets or Containers with Overly Permissive Access Controls: This occurs when data storage resources are configured to allow unintended public access or overly broad permissions to users or applications.
- Unsecured Network Ports and Protocols: Leaving network ports open that are not required to operate a cloud service can create vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit to gain unauthorized access to systems and data.
- Inadequate Classification & Encryption of Data at Rest and Transit: Failure to properly classify and/or encrypt sensitive data can result in unauthorized exposure if data storage resources are compromised, sensitive data is mistakenly sent to a party who should not have access to it, or network traffic is intercepted.
- Weak or Default Credentials: Using weak or default passwords for cloud accounts or services can allow attackers to gain unauthorized access easily.
- Lack of Multi-Factor Authentication: Failure to implement multi-factor authentication for cloud accounts can leave them vulnerable to compromise even if strong passwords are used.
Organizations should adopt a defense-in-depth approach to cloud security to mitigate the risk of data breaches due to cloud resource misconfigurations.
This includes implementing strong access controls, encrypting sensitive data, using strong passwords and multi-factor authentication, regularly monitoring cloud resource configurations for misconfigurations, and providing ongoing training for employees on cloud security best practices.
The Best Practices For Securing Data in Transit and At Rest In Public Cloud Environments
Securing data in transit and at rest in public cloud environments involves several best practices:
Data Encryption: Use strong encryption mechanisms for both data at rest and data in transit. Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) with 256-bit keys is the recommended encryption standard.
Use SSL/TLS: To secure data during transmission over networks, use the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) or Transport Layer Security (TLS).
Encryption Keys: Managing encryption keys securely is crucial. Keys should be stored separately from the data they encrypt and should be frequently rotated.
Access Controls: Implement strict access control policies to ensure only authorized users can access the data.
VPNs: Encourage the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to provide an encrypted connection over the internet for remote employees.
Intrusion Detection & Prevention: Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) and Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS) are used to monitor and block potential threats in real-time.
Regular Audits: Regularly audit your security measures and practices to ensure they align with data regulatory standards and updates.
Use of CASBs: Cloud Access Security Brokers (CASBs) can provide visibility, data security, threat protection, and compliance with cloud services. Many organizations now adopt unified cloud data protection platforms that combine CASB, DLP, ZTNA, and secure web gateway capabilities for broader coverage.
Data Classification: Classify data based on sensitivity and risk levels. High-risk data should receive the highest levels of protection.
Regular Backups: Regularly back up data and ensure the backups are encrypted and secure.
Use of DLP solution: A Data Loss Prevention (DLP) solution can help detect and prevent data breaches, data exfiltration, and unwanted destruction of sensitive data.
How Organizations Can Ensure Compliance and Regulatory Adherence In a Public Cloud
Ensuring compliance and regulatory adherence in a public cloud involves several steps:
- Understanding Responsibilities: In a public cloud environment, the cloud provider and the client are both responsible for cloud data protection. The cloud provider is typically responsible for the security of the cloud itself, while the client is responsible for securing the data they put into the cloud. This is often referred to as the shared responsibility model.
- Choosing a Reputable Cloud Provider: Select a cloud provider with a strong reputation for security and compliance. Make sure the provider is compliant with the necessary regulatory standards of your industry.
- Using Encryption and Access Controls: Data should be encrypted both in transit and at rest. Implement strict access controls to ensure only authorized personnel can access the data.
- Regular Audits: Regular auditing and reporting to monitor user behavior, data access, and system configurations can alert organizations to potential data compliance issues.
- Implementing Data Loss Prevention: Data loss prevention (DLP) strategies are critical for maintaining compliance. This can include regular data backups, disaster recovery plans, and strategies to prevent data breaches.
- Training Staff: Staff training on cloud security and compliance is essential to ensure that all team members understand the rules and protocols involved in maintaining compliance in the cloud.
- Compliance Monitoring: It is essential to enable visibility into all data and user activity across the entire cloud environment and implement automated tools for compliance monitoring.
- Updating Compliance as Regulations Change: Compliance is not a set-and-forget process. As regulations change and new ones are introduced, organisations need to update their compliance measures accordingly.
- Working with a Cloud Consultancy: Consultancies can provide expert knowledge and assistance by performing audits, providing training, and helping set up processes and tools that ensure compliance.
- Creating a compliance risk management program: This should include the identification, assessment, and mitigation of security risks related to regulatory compliance.
How Businesses Can Build a Security-First Culture For Their Public Cloud Usage
Building a security-first culture for public cloud usage is instrumental for businesses to address potential threats and ensure the integrity and security of their data. Here are ways they can do it:
Security Awareness Training: Increase awareness of security risks and threats through regular training sessions. Educate employees about best practices for safe internet usage, password management, and recognizing phishing or other malicious attempts.
Prioritize Security: Security should play a leading role in decision-making at all levels, from executive decisions to daily operations. This means integrating security considerations into project management, software development, and deployment processes.
Role-Based Access Control: Implement role-based access controls, ensuring employees can only access and manipulate data necessary for their roles.
Foster Collaboration: Encourage collaboration between the security team and the rest of the organization to create a unified, holistic approach toward security.
Implement and Enforce Security Policies: Develop comprehensive security policies that cover every aspect of cloud operations. This includes data management, access control, risk management, incident response, etc. Regularly review and update these policies.
Regular Auditing: Conduct regular audits to detect vulnerabilities. Addressing these security holes on time mitigates risks associated with data breaches.
Promote Transparency: Ensure transparency in security processes. Employees should know their roles in maintaining security and clearly understand the potential consequences of violating security policies.
Use Secure Cloud Services: Engage with reputable cloud service providers that prioritize security and comply with relevant regulations and standards.
Incorporate Security Tools: Leverage cloud security tools and technologies to protect cloud environments against potential threats.
Embrace a Culture of Continuous Improvement: Regularly review and update security measures based on evolving threats and business requirements.
Partner With Fortra Data Classification To Fortify Your Public Cloud Security
Creating a security-first culture is not an overnight task. It requires commitment, continuous effort, and the involvement of every member of the organization. But data protection tools that are specifically designed to keep users productive, as opposed to disrupting their workflows, can be majorly beneficial in those efforts.
Enter Fortra Data Classification—a tool that will not only facilitate improved visibility over sensitive data, but also use context and metadata to improve downstream security solutions like Data Loss Prevention and Secure Collaboration, ensuring your most sensitive data is protected even when moving in and out of the cloud.
Schedule a demo with us today to chat with our data protection experts and learn more.