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As wonderful as the cloud may seem to be for flexibility, efficiency and collaboration, the added security gaps can make any IT department quiver.
In this article, we’ll cover the basics of what cloud network security is, how it differs from on premise cybersecurity and clear examples of how you can increase your network security in your cloud computing environment.
What is Cloud Network Security?
Companies all over the world are moving their data to the cloud in droves (1 in 6 businesses in 2021!). This means significantly more sensitive information is being stored in cloud networks, which poses unique challenges on the cybersecurity front.
What is the Difference Between Cybersecurity and Cloud Network Security?
The key difference between cybersecurity and cloud network security is their core function. Cybersecurity is the tools, policies and safeguards used in tandem to protect networks and devices against cyberattacks or unwanted access to sensitive information.
While cloud network security is a more focused area of cybersecurity that controls the security of data stored in cloud platforms, its fundamental function is to encrypt data and detect threats before they happen.
So just because your data may be in the cloud doesn’t mean you can stop there…Read on to learn more about the ways you can enhance your cloud network security for your business.
1. Implement MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication)
The classic “username/password” combination is no longer the gold standard, and can actually put your company at higher risk than using 2FA (2-factor authentication) or a MFA tool. Once a password is compromised, hackers can access your data and applications easily.
MFA requires to authenticate their credentials using multiple factors to gain access to important business data or applications. This easy-to-implement solution makes a world of difference in the battle against cyberthreats.
2. Get User Access Under Control
If every employee has access to every application, document, folder or file, then you’re creating unnecessary vulnerabilities in your cloud network. Instead, determine which employees should access what type of information, and deploy a strategy to get access under control.
Crafting an Identity Access Management plan that works for your organization will support efforts to cut down on the amount of users that can access your most sensitive data.
3. Fortify Your Offboarding Processes
If someone exits your organization, their access doesn’t always automatically get revoked, it can sometimes take days or even weeks. In that time, former employees could continue accessing sensitive data and classified information from their personal devices.
Take another look at your company’s offboarding processes to confirm the process of removing access as quickly as possible for former employees.
4. Provide Regular Phishing and Cyber Attack Awareness Training
Knowledge is power. By regularly exposing and training your organization to identify common social engineering tactics or phishing attempts, you’ll empower your team to defend your sensitive data and information on the front lines.
5. Get a Risk Assessment Before Any Big Investment
If you’re thinking to yourself that all of these examples would be great to implement, but you just don’t have the resources, know-how or bandwidth to do them yourself, we’ve got you covered. Consider a risk assessment of your current network to determine what is critical and what can be implemented over time.
At SSE, we’re cybersecurity experts, including cloud network security. Our comprehensive and customizable solutions will support your team as much or as little as you need. Interested in partnering to enhance your security? Let’s schedule an initial consultation.