7 Things CTO Needs to Consider While Selecting a Cloud Security Solution

A recent survey conducted in 2021, states that approximately 64 percent of respondents listed data leakage or data loss as the most crucial cloud security concern. This makes selecting a cloud security solution an important decision that drives the scalability of the organization. As this may be a tricky business, we have brought to you a few considerations every CTO should take into account while selecting the cloud security solution.

Before we dive into the details, let us first understand more about Cloud Security. 

What is Cloud Security?

Cloud Security is a method of protecting data and software in the cloud from unauthorized access. It protects cloud data, applications, and infrastructure against miscellaneous threats. In other words, it refers to technologies, policies, controls, and services dedicated to securing cloud computing systems. This includes security against both external and insider cybersecurity threats.

Why do you need Cloud Security Solution?

There has been a consistent rise in organizations shifting their applications and data to the cloud. The major reason is that cloud-based platforms are able to offer better security and protection for strong applications and data. 

However, the benefits can be fully availed only after ensuring security levels. Needless to say, the amount of security required depends mainly on the type and sensitivity level of the data. If the data is highly sensitive or classified, more precautions are required to ensure security and protection.

Read more: Security Challenges in Mobile Cloud Computing ( MCC )

7 points CTO needs to consider while selecting a Cloud security solution

To understand the security requirement for an organization’s applications and data, certain steps are taken. This further evaluates which cloud security solution will prove to be beneficial for the organizational structure. Below are a few points to understand this further:

1. Data access policies

Are your data and application sensitive and only accessible to certain people, or is it open for anyone to use? If the latter, then you will need to make sure that adequate security measures are in place to ensure open access does not affect the availability of your data or application.

Data access policies allow administrators to determine which users have access to specific data. This helps companies avoid compliance issues and tailor their security programs to specific users.

Enforcing data access policies prevents users from unauthorized access to cloud applications and files. This ensures that only those allowed to access the data can retrieve it. 

2. Clear communication

The importance of clear communication cannot be overstated regarding cloud security. The CTO needs to ensure that all parties are on the same page with regard to the threat landscape, security policies, and procedures.

The cloud security solution should have an easy to use interface that is designed for maximum accessibility. This ensures that both administrators and end-users can access the necessary security protocols.

Communication is key when it comes to making sure that end users are aware of both their responsibilities and security policies. Once the end-user understands what is expected of them, they will be more cognizant of their actions and less likely to make mistakes.

3. Data encryption

Encryption is the best way to ensure that data in the cloud remains secure. Not only does encryption protect files while they are in transit, but it also ensures that only the user has access to the information.

A cloud security solution needs to have encryption capabilities that are easy for administrators and end-users to manage. This prevents unauthorized entry into data, even if it is intercepted.

At the very least, data stored in the cloud should be encrypted. This will prevent unauthorized users from accessing it and gives managers the ability to control who has access to what information.

4. Strong data breach policies

While cloud security should help prevent a data breach, there are still some things that end users can do to protect themselves. For instance, end-users should only send data to the cloud that's actually needed.

Managers need to include strong data breach policies as part of their cloud security solution. The policies should list specific steps for when data is breached and what administrators need to do in response.

These policies add an additional layer of security by preventing a breach from escalating into a full-blown crisis.

Read More: How DevSecOps Implementation Can Transform Cloud Security

5. Cross-platform protection and access

While many cloud security solutions are designed to work with multiple platforms, some still only protect specific operating systems. Therefore, it is essential to make sure that the solution works with all of the needed platforms.

Administrators need to look for a cloud security solution that's compatible with all of the most used operating systems and devices. In addition, security measures should be applied regardless of the device being used so that administrators don't need to switch back and forth between platforms.

6. API and Integrations

One of the most significant benefits of using a cloud security solution is increased connectivity with other platforms. Therefore, administrators should look for a solution that is compatible with common platforms such as Salesforce and Google Drive.

A cloud security solution should have an open API that allows for easy integration with other applications and services. This ensures that the most commonly used programs can work together seamlessly.

An API is a set of requirements for how software components in a platform should interact with each other. By working together, these programs can securely share data and information.

7. Compatibility with SD-WAN

Software-defined wide area networks (SD-WAN) are the newest trend in the connectivity industry. Therefore, cloud security solutions should be compatible with this technology, as it is widely expected to grow in popularity.

Administrators need to find a cloud security solution that is compatible with SD-WAN. Functionality across all devices should not be lost or diminished when cloud security is introduced into the network.

At the very least, the solution should be able to work alongside SD-WAN without interfering with its core functions.

Good Read: Understanding Cloud Security Considerations for AWS, Azure, and GCP

How Appknox Can Help You with Cloud Security?

Appknox is the world's most powerful plug-and-play security platform that integrates security into every phase of your cloud journey. This makes a great impact on ROI, investment and of course, the security of data and applications. Our platform aims to offer robust, high-performing and researched-backed security solutions.

The association with the high-security plug-and-play solution will provide you protection against unauthorized access, cloud attack surface, and other vulnerabilities. We also work towards protecting cloud connections such as HTTP(S) protocol, TCP/UDP including SSH, SMTP and SFTP. 

Conclusion

Now that you know everything about cloud security and why your organization needs it, it is time to take the next step and select the right security solution for your business. The above-mentioned points will guide the CTO to make the correct decision and safeguard important applications and data owned by the company.