With most business operations switching to cloud computing for scalability, storage, and convenience, its security has become a top priority. Infrastructure security in cloud computing is about protecting applications and data stored in the cloud from external and internal attacks.

As per the latest survey, 82% of data breaches involve cloud environments. Additionally, IBM revealed that an average data breach costs companies $4.35 million. This shows how cloud cyberattacks can significantly affect an organization.

This blog highlights the key areas of cloud infrastructure security, its techniques, and the tools for the best outcomes. If you are a cloud service provider or a cloud computing user, you should know what security threats are common in these environments and how to prevent them.

What is Infrastructure Security in Cloud Computing?

Cloud infrastructure security protects computing environments, applications, and confidential data from cyber threats by implementing authentication measures and limiting user’s access to the resources.  

A comprehensive cloud infrastructure security includes a broad set of policies, technologies, techniques, and applications. It includes certain security measures that help detect and mitigate vulnerabilities that may result in unauthorized access and data breaches. For example, data encryption, endpoint security, identity and access management (IAM), penetration testing, and more.

Infrastructure Security in cloud computing Helps With:

• Data Protection
• Access Management
• Real-Time Threat Detection
• Cloud Compliance
• Scalability
• Network Security
• Application Security
• Centralized Security
• Business Continuity

Overall, the main goal of cloud infrastructure security is to protect this virtual environment from a range of potential security threats by implementing the necessary measures. With more than 92% of organizations using cloud computing globally, it is important to prioritize cloud security to continue business operations smoothly.

5 Key Components of Cloud Infrastructure Security

To secure a cloud environment, it is necessary to control who can access the data and applications. The 5 main components of infrastructure security in cloud computing are:

1. Identity and Access Management (IAM)
2. Network Security
3. Data Security
4. Endpoint Security
5. Application Security

1. Identity and Access Management (IAM)

Identity and access management (IAM) is a security measure that involves who can access cloud resources and what activities they can perform. IAM systems can implement security policies, manage user identities, track all logins, and do more operations.

IAM mitigates insider threats by implementing least privilege access and segregating duties. Additionally, it can also help detect unusual behavior and provide early warning signs of potential security breaches.

2. Network Security

Network security in the cloud means protecting the confidentiality and availability of data as it moves across the network. As data reaches the cloud by traveling over the internet, network security becomes more critical in a cloud environment.

Security measures for networks include firewalls and virtual private networks (VPN), among others. However, all cloud providers offer a virtual private cloud (VPC) feature for organizations that allows them to run a private and secure network within their cloud data center.

3. Data Security

Data security in the cloud involves protecting data at rest, in transit, and in use. It includes various measures such as encryption, tokenization, secure key management, and data loss prevention (DLP). Additional data security measures include adding access controls and secure configuration to cloud databases and cloud storage buckets.

Moreover, data protection laws also play a critical role in protecting cloud data. Industry regulations like GDPR, ISO 27001, HIPAA, etc. mandate organizations to have proper security measures to protect user data in the cloud.

4. Endpoint Security

Endpoint security focuses on securing user devices or endpoints that are used to access the cloud, such as smartphones, laptops, and tablets. With new working policies like remote work and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD), endpoint security has become a vital aspect of cloud infrastructure security.

Organizations must ensure that users access their cloud resources with secured devices. Endpoint security measures include firewalls, antivirus software, and device management solutions. Additionally, it may include measures like user training and awareness to avoid potential security threats.

5. Application Security

Cloud application security is probably the most critical part of cloud infrastructure security. It involves securing applications in the cloud against various security threats like cross-site scripting (XSS), Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF), and injection attacks.

Cloud applications can be secured through various ways such as secure coding practices, vulnerability scanning, and penetration testing. Additionally, measures like web application firewalls (WAF) and runtime application self-protection (RASP) can provide added layers of security.

Best Tools for Cloud Infrastructure Security

Cloud infrastructure security tools protect sensitive data, detect and respond to security threats, and ensure regulatory compliance in cloud-based systems. Here are the top tools for cloud infrastructure security:

1. Amazon Web Services (AWS) Security Hub

AWS Security Hub centralizes visibility and offers actionable insights in security alerts. Additionally, it helps organizations strengthen their cloud posture with advanced threat intelligence, automated compliance checks, and seamless integration with other security tools.

2. Microsoft Azure Security Center

Microsoft Azure Security Center is a cloud-native security management tool that provides continuous security monitoring, threat detection, and actionable recommendations to improve Azure environments. It uses machine learning and behavioral analytics to help identify and respond to potential threats and ensure compliance with industry standards.

3. Google Cloud Security Command Center

Google Cloud Security Command Center offers centralized access to cloud security solutions. As a result, it allows the organization to have complete visibility and control over the resources and services on Google Cloud Platform (GCP). Its wide range of capabilities includes advanced threat detection technologies, real-time insights, and security analytics.

4. Cisco Cloudlock

Cisco Cloudlock is an advanced cloud security platform that operates natively on the cloud. It offers comprehensive data protection, access controls, and threat intelligence. It offers security measures to various cloud applications, especially for Software-as-a-Service (SaaS).

5. IBM Cloud Pak for Security

IBM Cloud Pak for Security is an integrated security platform for cloud environments that offers threat intelligence, security analytics, and automation functionalities. As a result, it helps organizations to effectively detect, investigate, and respond to security threats in both cloud and hybrid environments. Additionally, it used advanced analytics and AI-driven insights for better cloud security.

5 Advanced Techniques for Cloud Infrastructure Security

To protect data and applications in the cloud environment, organizations can implement these foundational (yet advanced) techniques:

1. Encryption

The goal of encryption is to make data unreadable for those who access it. Once data is encrypted, only authorized users i.e. individuals with decryption keys will be able to read it. Since encrypted data is useless, it cannot be stolen or used to carry out other attacks.

You can encrypt data while it is stored (at rest) and also when it is transferred from one location to another (in transit). This technique is critical when transferring data, sharing information, or securing communication between different processes.

2. Identity and Access Management (IAM)

We have already established this above as a key component of infrastructure security in cloud computing. The purpose of IAM tools is to authorize user identity and deny access to unauthorized parties. IAM checks the user’s identity and determines whether the user is allowed to access the cloud resources or not.

Since IAM protocols are not based on the device or location used while attempting to log in, they are highly useful in keeping cloud infrastructure secure.

Key capabilities of IAM tools:

• Identity Providers (IdP): Authenticate the identity of users.
• Single Sign-On (SSO): enables users to sign in once and access all cloud resources associated with their account.
• Multi-factor authentication (MFA): Measures like 2-factor authentication add extra security layers for user access.;
• Access Control: Allows and restricts user access.

3. Cloud Firewalls

Just like traditional firewalls, cloud firewalls are a shield around the cloud infrastructure that filters malicious traffic. Additionally, it helps prevent cyberattacks like DDoS attacks, vulnerability exploitation, and malicious bot activity. There are basically 2 types of cloud firewalls:

• Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFW): They are deployed in a data center to protect the organization’s Infrastructure-As-a-Service (IaaS) or Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) models.
• SaaS Firewalls: These secure networks of the virtual space are just like traditional firewalls but for those hosted in the cloud such as the Software as a Service (SaaS) models.

4. Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) and Security Groups

A virtual private cloud (VPC) provides a private cloud environment for a public cloud domain. Additionally, a VPC creates highly configurable sections of a public cloud. This means you can access VPC resources on demand and scale up as per your needs.

To secure your VPC, you can use certain security groups. Each security group acts as a virtual firewall that controls the traffic flow in and out of the cloud. However, these groups can be implemented at the instance level and not at the subnet level.

5. Penetration Testing

Cloud penetration testing is a technique to find vulnerabilities present in a cloud environment by simulating real attacks. Organizations can appoint third-party penetration testing companies to conduct the testing on their cloud applications.

Penetration testers (a.k.a ethical hackers) use a process to check each part of the application to find where the security flaws lie. They document each vulnerability they find, along with their impact level, and also provide recommendations for remediations.

Cloud Penetration Testing offers you:

• Security vulnerabilities present in a cloud infrastructure
• Impact level of the vulnerabilities (low, high, or critical)
• Ways to address these vulnerabilities
• Meet compliance needs
• Strengthen overall cloud security posture

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