Avoid Being Hacked: How to Improve Your Cloud Computing Network Security

More and more, companies are turning to cloud computing as their go-to system for data storage because it is a fast and reliable way to access data. It is also typically less expensive than using physical servers and networking. Cloud systems are ideal for teams who collaborate remotely because they are accessible anywhere and anytime, however, they are vulnerable to hacking and security breaches when improperly configured. To take advantage of the accessibility of cloud computing while protecting your data from bad actors, it is important that you implement threat prevention and detection solutions that improve your cloud computing network security. Keep reading to learn more about the solutions your team needs to implement in order to keep not only your business’ but your customers’ data safe.  

1. Multi-Factor Authentication

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is one of the least expensive, yet most effective threat prevention controls. Stolen credentials is one of the most common strategies hackers employ to access online data. MFA helps reduce your risk of stolen credentials because it adds an extra layer of protection by requiring a user to confirm their identity through an additional authentication method to ensure that only authorized personnel can log into cloud apps.  

2. Manage User Access  

Does every single employee need to access every available file or piece of sensitive information in your cloud infrastructure? Probably not. Manage your user access by setting levels of authorization so employees are only viewing data that is actually necessary for them to perform their job. Assigning access control limits the number of unnecessary eyes on data and limits the avenues of access that hackers could use to get into your systems.  

3. Automatically Monitor and Log Activities.  

In the event that a hacker manages to bypass existing security measures, it is important that your company has real-time monitoring. By monitoring and logging activity, you can detect if user accounts deviate from their typical activity pattern, which enables security administrators to contain security breaches early on. These tools are powered by Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence engines that reduce noise, allowing security teams to focus on critical events.  

4. Comprehensive Off-Boarding  

When an employee leaves the company, you want to make sure that they do not continue to have access to your cloud systems and data. A secure off-boarding process involves completely removing access as soon as possible to avoid IP theft and data breaches. One solution is to consolidate user IDs and passwords into a single identity, which can be turned off all at once.  

5. Microsegmentation

Allowing general network addresses full access to sites and systems is a legacy model that no longer adequately protects your environment from modern threats which can bypass your firewall. Network microsegmentation allows your IT team to easily create policies to monitor and block network traffic from an IP address, port, asset, user, and even application or system process. Microsegmentation allows for granular labeling from a combination of these variables to enhance your overall Zero Trust framework and give you better visibility into your systems.  

Superior Cybersecurity Solutions

Entara can help you improve your cloud computing network security. We offer cloud security integration, including real-time risk assessment, threat detection, investigation, and response. Protect your business from hackers and prevent cyber attacks with Entara.