Cloud Security as a Service, also known as Security as a Service (SECaaS), is a Cloud-based solution that delivers outsourced cybersecurity services. Within a cloud computing environment, companies can leverage specialized providers to manage cybersecurity in a complex digital landscape. Just as Cloud computing has increased in recent years, so have the number of cybersecurity threats that can access the Cloud. This has led many companies to outsource Cloud security services just as they would any other service.
Companies that are highly dependent on IT systems, in particular those that own an app, need to understand the different security solutions and what these alternatives mean for their business. More importantly, companies with Cloud Apps need to understand why having a reliable and trusted SECaaS provider is essential to their business success.
In this post, we discuss what the Cloud is, its benefits and risks, as well as the importance of having Cloud security services for your app.
What Is the Cloud?
The ‘Cloud’ is a term commonly used to refer to third-party servers that are used by companies to meet their computing needs. This means that, instead of having their IT infrastructure, companies can hire a Cloud computing service provider that delivers the necessary computing power while helping manage all the activities related to maintaining the IT infrastructure, including network security.
What Is a Cloud App?
Cloud applications are a specific type of app that uses Cloud services. Most apps nowadays are considered to be Cloud apps, as they almost all use Cloud computing in one way or another. Using Cloud services for an app has the following advantages:
- Great performance
- Reliable uptime
- Scalability
- Easy to maintain
- Secure
However, to guarantee security, it is necessary to go beyond the traditional security software approach. Specific Cloud-based solutions need to be implemented to prevent cybersecurity threats, and they are best delivered by qualified SECaaS providers. Data loss prevention is a critical aspect of these solutions, ensuring both stored and in-use data are monitored and secured.
The Benefits of Cloud Computing
Cloud computing has several benefits for all sorts of companies. In particular, it is very useful for companies that own an app. Having an app requires delivering users a reliable User Experience, and this requires not only having a great design but also guaranteeing a reliable experience. Failing to build a secure app can tarnish the reputation of an app in just a matter of hours.
Since most companies’ core operations do not require in-house knowledge to run their IT infrastructure, IT security-related activities can easily be delegated. This helps companies focus on what they do best instead of having to spend valuable resources on secondary processes.
This also means that companies can improve their uptime and reduce server-related risks. A company can reduce risks by diversifying the location of its data centers in different places, helping prevent a catastrophic failure. They can also use redundant IT infrastructure built specifically to deliver continuous and reliable service. Continuous monitoring enables ongoing surveillance of both the network and the security tools in place to ensure robust protection against threats.
Lastly, companies who use Cloud services can reduce their costs significantly by making use of third-party infrastructure. Hiring Cloud services means that a company won’t have to buy the necessary hardware, such as servers, to run a given software or their IT operations.
The Risks of Cloud Computing
However beneficial Cloud services are for any company, this does not mean that they do not entail any risk. Failing to guarantee Cloud security may compromise a company’s operations, or in some cases, even sensitive data. Thus, finding a trusted third-party Cloud service provider is essential for any business.
One of the greatest risks that exist when it comes to Cloud computing is the software quality of other companies that are also hosted on the same servers as you. You will never be able to guarantee what other companies do; thus, their potential risks can, in a way, also become your risks. The silver lining is that these risks can be mitigated in many ways. The best way to do so is through an SECaaS provider. Conducting a security assessment to evaluate existing security tools and ensure compliance with industry standards is crucial in managing these risks effectively.
What Is Cloud Security as a Service?
Cloud Security as a Service is a third-party solution to cybersecurity threats. Providers of these services help app companies manage their risks in various ways. One of the most important ones is through DevOps best practices. Having a rigorous Quality Assurance process also helps. By guaranteeing that Continuous Integration (CI) and Continuous Deployment (CD) processes are done correctly, many risks related to the software of your app can be minimized.
Another important Cloud security solution is to implement an Intrusion Management system, something that many Cloud security providers offer. Intrusion Management refers to the possibility of identifying in real-time who has access to your network through the use of Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) and Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS). This involves robust access management and identity and access management (IAM) frameworks to control user permissions and interactions within the network. Having clear information on who the perpetrator of a system is can help manage security threats. Event management is also a critical aspect, as it involves monitoring and analyzing security event logs to detect intrusions and address potential security issues. Thus, these tools are very useful in identifying and preventing cyber-attacks. Cyberthreats are becoming more common, as Microsoft’s hack shows.
Cloud Security Solutions
Companies like AWS offer some of the industry’s best and most secure cloud services. Ideally, any company that wants its app to work correctly should always look out for an AWS partner to guarantee the best results. This applies to both complex enterprise data centers and smaller startup projects.
Having a Cloud service provider is not a safeguard against cybersecurity threats. Cloud servers can become compromised if the right security measures are not in place. This includes physical measures to protect servers and using the right security software. In this context, integrating a VPN with a dedicated IP can significantly enhance security by ensuring that access to cloud resources is controlled and consistent. Such a VPN setup not only masks the actual IP address but also allocates a static IP that can be whitelisted to allow secure and specific access, thereby reducing the risk of unauthorized entry. Utilizing security tools is essential for protecting businesses from various threats.
By partnering up with an experienced managed security service provider, you will reduce the chances of your app being compromised, helping your business and its reputation stay safe.
