Securing the modern enterprise cloud

As cloud technology becomes more complex, SASE can help organisations secure their cloud workloads and meet compliance requirements

Cloud security refers to the measures and technologies that are used to protect cloud-based data, applications, and infrastructure from threats, such as cyberattacks, data breaches, and unauthorised access. Cloud security is critical for organisations that use cloud computing to store, process, and manage sensitive data, applications, and systems. It involves safeguarding data, infrastructure, applications, networks, and access control. It also includes measures to prevent unauthorised access, data breaches, and cyber-attacks, and manages who has access to cloud resources and data.

Gartner introduced the concept of SASE to address the evolving needs of modern networks and the growing trend towards cloud-based services and remote work.

Cloud security requires a multi-layered approach, incorporating a range of security measures and technologies, such as encryption, firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention, and identity and access management. Cloud security also requires ongoing monitoring and management, regular risk assessments, and security audits to ensure that cloud-based environments remain secure and compliant.

The need for a new approach

Gartner introduced the concept of SASE or Secure Access Service Edge to address the evolving needs of modern networks and the growing trend towards cloud-based services and remote work. SASE is a cloud-based security solution that integrates multiple security functions to provide secure access to cloud-based resources and applications from any device, anywhere in the world. It addresses the evolving needs of modern networks and remote work by enabling organisations to connect securely and reducing the risk of security breaches.

The future of cloud security may include the increased use of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to detect and respond to threats in real-time.

Traditional security solutions like VPNs and firewalls are inadequate, and SASE provides a cost-effective solution that simplifies security, reduces costs, and improves security effectiveness. ZTNA or Zero Trust Network Access can be used with SASE to secure access to cloud-based resources and create a secure, compliant cloud environment that protects against modern threats.

ZTNA is a security model designed to protect digital assets and users by assuming that every access request to a network, application, or resource is potentially harmful and must be verified and authenticated before granting access. The ZTNA model aims to provide secure access to resources from any device, location, or network without granting unnecessary privileges or exposing the network to cyber threats. It achieves this by implementing a multi-layered security approach that includes identity and access management, encryption, and network segmentation.

Securing the cloud environment

SASE is a critical component of a comprehensive Cloud Workload Protection Plan (CWPP) that outlines steps to secure cloud-based workloads. It provides secure access to workloads, centralised identity and access management, cloud threat protection, and visibility and control over cloud-based workloads to help meet compliance requirements for data protection, user access, security, auditing, and risk management. By implementing SASE, organisations can secure their cloud workloads effectively and meet compliance requirements while benefiting from the flexibility and scalability of cloud-based services.

CSPM or Cloud Security Posture Management is crucial for organisations to ensure the security and compliance of their cloud-based infrastructure.

CSPM or Cloud Security Posture Management is crucial for organisations to ensure the security and compliance of their cloud-based infrastructure. SASE or secure access service edge can be a key component of a comprehensive CSPM solution, providing capabilities such as threat detection and response, centralised identity and access management, data protection, compliance management, and visibility and control over cloud-based environments. SASE’s end-to-end encryption, data protection, and visibility and control features enable organisations to meet compliance requirements such as PCI DSS, HIPAA, SOC 2, and ISO 27001.

Steps to implementing a SASE approach

SASE is a modern security framework that combines multiple security functions into a cloud-based service, providing a more flexible, scalable, and cost-effective approach to securing networks. Here are the key steps to implementing SASE for your business.

• Evaluate your current network architecture and identify potential gaps in your security infrastructure.

• Assess the various SASE solutions available in the market and compare them with your business requirements.

• Choose a SASE provider that offers the necessary features required by your organisation.

• Plan the deployment of the SASE solution, including the migration process from your current security infrastructure to the new solution.

• Ensure proper configuration and optimisation of the solution for your organisation’s needs, such as bandwidth requirements, application access control, and security policies.

• Train your staff and provide them with the necessary documentation and resources to fully utilise the SASE solution.

• Continuously monitor the solution for any issues, such as performance degradation or security breaches.

• Periodically evaluate the SASE solution and ensure that it continues to meet your business requirements.

It is important to note that the adoption of SASE is a continuous process that requires ongoing evaluation and optimisation to ensure that it meets the evolving needs of your organisation.

The future of cloud security is likely to involve continued advancements in technology to better protect cloud-based systems and data from evolving threats. This may include the increased use of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to detect and respond to threats in real-time, as well as the continued adoption of zero-trust security models that prioritise access controls and identity management. Additionally, as cloud technology becomes more complex and more widely adopted, compliance and regulatory requirements will also continue to evolve, driving the need for more robust and flexible cloud security solutions.

By Rajat Goel & Nagendra Dhagarra

Rajat is the Head and Vice president of Product – Cloud and Information Security, and Nagendra is a Senior Technical Architect with 3i Infotechl

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