5 ways enterprises can boost their cloud security posture

In today's digital landscape, cloud computing has become an essential component of business operations. As enterprises and organizations increasingly migrate to the cloud, ensuring robust cloud security measures has become paramount. With industries poised to invest significantly in cloud infrastructure in 2024, it is crucial for enterprises to understand the importance of enhancing their cloud security posture. This article will explore five key strategies to strengthen your cloud security, safeguard sensitive data, and stay ahead of emerging cyberthreats.

1. Conduct a risk assessment.

It's best to start with a comprehensive risk assessment. A risk assessment helps gain an overall understanding of the organization's security posture and its vulnerabilities. It will reveal the security requirements of the enterprise and the areas where it is most at risk of an attack. Using this, organizations can prepare themselves for the cloud security threats they are most likely to face by choosing the right security tools and implementing the right measures.

1. Choose the right cloud security provider (CSP) for your needs.

There are several CSPs in the market, each with their own specifications and features. Before choosing the right CSP that best addresses your cybersecurity requirements, you must consider certain factors like data security and management. If you are an organization that handles EU citizen data, you will be subject to GDPR laws, and if you handle the healthcare information of US citizens, you are obliged to comply with HIPAA. While we've used compliance requirements as an example here, you must select a provider that can provide you with the specifications you require, beyond data management.

1. Invest in the right security tools.

According to the 2023 Cloud Security Report by Cybersecurity Insiders, 44% of enterprises prefer third-party vendors for their cloud security needs over native cloud security tools provided by CSPs. Again, the choice must be made according to the requisites of each enterprise. While an organization that has a robust security program in place might go for a native security tool, more vulnerable organizations might strongly consider a third-party vendor. If you're serious about purchasing a third-party tool for your cloud security needs, you should consider a cloud security provider management (CSPM) tool. While on-premises software lets you have complete control over your data and network, when it comes to the cloud, it is a shared responsibility between you and the CSP. A CSPM tool like ManageEngine Log360 can help you gain visibility over your network, look out for misconfigurations, and carry out remedial actions.

1. Address compliance requirements.

Adhering to compliance and regulatory requirements can be challenging for organizations. Regulatory standards are constantly updated and need to be implemented with care to ensure a smooth audit and accreditation process. Apart from this, organizations also need to periodically conduct internal audits to comply with these standards. While selecting your cloud security tool, look for one that comes with built-in compliance management features that can help automate resource-heavy processes like generating audit reports.

1. Empower your workforce.

One of the most pressing challenges in the cybersecurity realm is the shortage of a skilled workforce. To adopt a cloud environment, you need a dedicated team of employees who know how to manage databases and are familiar with AI, machine learning, and cloud deployment and migration across multiple platforms. Enterprises must empower their employees through regular training and certification programs to develop expertise in these fields.

As cloud infrastructure investments are set to increase in 2024, enterprises must prioritize enhancing their cloud security posture to protect their valuable assets and maintain the trust of their customers. By implementing robust security measures, adhering to industry-leading practices, and fostering a security-conscious culture, organizations can confidently embrace the benefits of cloud computing while mitigating the risks associated with cybersecurity threats. Remember, protecting your enterprise in the digital age requires a proactive approach, continuous monitoring, and staying abreast of emerging security trends and technologies.