Cloud adoption is rising rapidly, with companies choosing a cloud-first approach for their database infrastructure and app-development projects. Unfortunately, increased adoption means more organizations move data to the cloud, leading to security challenges. A few significant cloud security challenges that companies may face in 2023 include network monitoring, data protection, identity, and access management. Fortunately, several innovations and shifts in cloud security culture among organizations in 2022 will further fortify data protection in 2023.
Cloud security challenges still make organizations vulnerable to several cyberattacks. According to Forbes, 39% of respondents indicated that identifying workloads not compliant with data protection and industry-standard policies is a significant challenge. One possible solution to this problem can be observability. We will discuss many solutions and issues as well as latest cloud security trends in 2023.
Zero trust policy
Zero trust breaks down the barriers between computers and users allowing users to share data easily. This methodology removes users’ need to consent before sharing information, as everything is assumed to be okay unless proven otherwise. Such a secure experience has pushed companies to adopt zero-trust architecture and policies. This is why the market for zero trust security is set to rise to $59.69 billion by 2027, making it an important trend to watch out for in 2023.
It allows users to share data without worrying about the security of that information. As long as everything is properly authenticated, there are no worries about malicious actors trying to get their hands-on confidential information. This reduces the need for complex security measures and makes computer use more efficient by removing barriers between people and technology.
Benefits of zero trust policy
- Zero trust policy increases efficiency by reducing the need for complex security measures.
- It removes barriers between people and technology, allowing users to share information easily without worrying about potential threats.
- It reduces anxiety around data security. As long as all data is authenticated, users need not worry about malicious actors trying to steal confidential information.
Cloud Security-as-a-Service
Cloud security as a service (saas) is where security services are provided from anywhere in the world, unlike the conventional local approach. In other words, it is a platform that helps companies protect their data in the cloud. Using CSaaS, businesses can deploy security mechanisms to encrypt data, monitor access, and use policies to govern how users access information. It will be a key trend in 2023 with increasing cloud adoption and more traction towards CSaaS.
Key benefits of choosing a CSaaS
- Increased security: CSaaS can help businesses protect their data in the cloud from cyberattacks.
- Improved UX: With policies in place, users can access information more effectively and safely.
- Reduced costs: It allows businesses to outsource some security functionality, saving them money.
- Faster deployment: Businesses can get their security measures up and running faster than if they were to implement them independently.
- More flexibility: Businesses can choose the security solution best suits their needs
Cloud security requires a collaborative effort as multiple data access points, interaction gateways, and services run. It is the sole reason why over the years, DevSecOps has seen massive adoption among organizations.
DevSecOps Adoption
DevSecOps is a set of practices that helps businesses integrate security practices into software development and delivery. It aims to ensure that security is considered at every stage of the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) through collaboration between development, safety, and operation teams. This approach helps to reduce the risk of security vulnerabilities and breaches, enabling organizations to build secure software more efficiently. It also leverages continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD) practices to streamline the delivery process.
Collaborative efforts of security experts, developers, and designers allow organizations to identify and address security issues early in the development process. Unlike the conventional approach of waiting until after the software is released, DevSecOps employs a fail-fast mindset. In other words, companies design their builds for failure and ensure the identification of vulnerabilities faster.
Benefits of DevSecOps to watch out for in 2023
- DevSecOps helps to reduce the cost and impact of security breaches.
- It also allows organizations to respond quickly to new threats and vulnerabilities.
- DevSecOps implementations become easy through integrations of code scanners, vulnerability scanners, and penetration testing tools.
- Organizations can adopt security-focused agile development methodologies with DevSecOps for enhanced capabilities.
- Companies can improve the security of their software and better protect their customers, users, and data.
DevSecOps is not a tool or development approach but a culture that companies must embrace for better cloud security. It benefits not just the security aspects but also the development and operations.
Observability Matters!
2023 will be when observability adoption is maximum due to the increased need for higher availability. Observability is a term used to describe how easy it is for someone to monitor the behavior of a system. This can be done in various ways, such as by logging data, monitoring system performance, or collecting error reports.
Observability is essential for two reasons. First, it enables system administrators to track the performance of their systems and identify problems early. Second, if observability problems are identified early on, they can be addressed before they cause significant damage or data loss.
Many different factors can affect observability. Some of these include the system architecture, the tools and technology used to monitor the system, and how those tools are configured. Additionally, it is essential to consider how system changes or components will impact observability.
Benefits of observability
- Increased transparency and visibility: It provides increased transparency and visibility within an organization, leading to a better understanding of how systems work and improved problem-solving.
- Improved communication: Observability facilitates effective communication between different parts of an organization, allowing for faster resolution of issues.
- Enhanced safety: By monitoring system performance indicators regularly, organizations can identify potential safety hazards early on and take appropriate measures to prevent them from happening in the first place.
- Improved efficiency: It also helps to improve overall organizational efficiency, as it can ensure that all relevant information is quickly and easily accessible.
- Enhanced accountability: Observability helps improve organizational accountability, making it easier for individuals and teams to be held accountable for their actions.
Cloud Security Intelligence is Worth It!
Cloud security intelligence is a subset of the broader term “security intelligence” that refers to activities and processes aimed at detecting, understanding, and mitigating threats posed by malicious actors to cloud-based applications and services. It encompasses everything from creating visibility into attack vectors in public clouds to developing proactive measures for defending against insider threats.
Benefits of cloud security intelligence
- Increased vigilance and awareness of potential threats: Cloud security intelligence systems help organizations keep tabs on their network activity, identify suspicious behavior, and take appropriate action promptly.
- Reduced reliance on manual processes: Automated detection of abnormal events through cloud security intelligence can free up administrative time for more important tasks, improving productivity overall.
- Enhanced data protection: Monitoring access permissions and logs throughout the organization’s infrastructure can provide data security.
- Reduced vulnerability rates: Identifying and addressing vulnerabilities before they become significant problems, cloud security intelligence can help organizations reduce the likelihood of cyberattacks.
- Increased compliance with regulations: Cloud security intelligence systems can provide accurate information on company data practices to meet regulatory requirements.
Focus on Network Security
Cloud adoption can improve network security in several ways. Organizations can reduce their dependence on centralized servers and data stores by moving critical applications to the cloud. This reduces the potential for malicious actors to gain access to sensitive information or launch cyberattacks against systems located on corporate networks.
Additionally, by using cloud-based authentication mechanisms such as remote user management (RUM) and two-factor authentication (2FA), companies can help ensure that only authorized users can access system resources. Finally, by regularly monitoring network traffic and logging activity, administrators can detect signs of malicious activity before it causes significant damage. By taking these steps, companies can help protect their systems and data from unauthorized access and cyberattack.
Benefits of cloud-based network security
- With a cloud-based security solution, you can quickly set up an efficient, secure network with minimal effort.
- A cloud-based security solution lets you know that your data is always protected against threats in real-time.
- Many cloud-based network security solutions are affordable and require minimal setup time or investment.
- Cloud-based security solutions allow administrators to manage their networks remotely with minimal effort or training required.
Conclusion
Increased cloud adoption means more data and the need for enhanced safety. However, your business can avoid the wrath of cyberattacks by monitoring data assets and cloud security intelligence. So, plan your cloud security for 2023 to reduce risks and improve user experience. One of the best ways is to invest in a cloud intelligence engine that offers key insights into system security, data risks, and vulnerabilities. So, start securing your cloud data now.
