What is the purpose of SSL certificate?

With the right tools, it is possible to achieve cloud security that allows businesses to safely transmit and store sensitive data. Encryption is one the basic tenets of cloud security and it is supported by SSL security certificates. Employing these security practices not only adds credibility and security, it also contributes to SEO efforts that will help you generate more business. Keep reading to learn more about security certificates and how they work.

History of Security Certificates

Security certificates or Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificates were first introduced in 1994 as a tool to help send encrypted data. If a website is protected by an SSL certificate, the address will begin with https://. Initially, security certificates were mainly used by websites that transmitted sensitive data, but this changed in 2014 when Google announced that it would be rewarding websites with an SSL certificate. This meant that less secure sites wouldn’t be receiving optimal search engine rankings, which prompted websites to add this layer of security. In 2017, Google took measures a step further by including a “Not Secure” message in the browser address bar and the message has been made a permanent fixture for all websites that don’t use an SSL certificate.

How Does an SSL Work?

SSL certificates use both a private and public key for asymmetric encryption that prevents third parties and malicious actors from viewing sensitive information. To generate a certificate, you must obtain a Certificate Signing Request (CSR) from your server. A Certificate Authority (CA) will issue the SSL certificate once your business and other information has been verified.When the SSL has been added to the website, the browser will be able to ask the website to identify itself. The server will then send the file with a copy of the SSL Certificate and check to make sure that it has been issued by a trusted CA and hasn’t expired. If everything checks out, the server and browser will use the keys to encrypt and decrypt the data. For the user, all this happens in a matter of seconds and provides a secure way to make payments and share other personal data.

Why You Need an SSL Certificate

If you are an ecommerce business that takes online payments, a health organization that stores patient data or even a non-profit that doesn’t handle any sensitive data, you need an SSL certificate. This security tool represents a new standard in cloud security and plays an important role in your business. 

Here are just three of the reasons you need an SSL certificate:

Better search engine rankings and SEO. Now that Google and all other major search engines recognize and label websites that don’t have an SSL, your SEO will be affected by not having an SSL. Without this security tool, you won’t be able to earn optimal rankings and connect with potential customers. Taking just a few minutes to update your security protocols can directly translate into more business.

Up-to-date security. Unfortunately, hackers and malicious actors will continue to try to find ways to access sensitive data. Using SSL certificates will help you stay at the forefront of security practices and take a proactive approach to protecting your business and your customers.

Provide a trustworthy website. If a visitor lands on your site and sees a message that reads “Not Secure” they may begin to question your business and security practices. Consumers want to support credible and trustworthy businesses. Providing secure and encrypted communications can only reflect well on your business and help to build trust.

Cloud security can feel a bit overwhelming if you aren’t familiar with available tools and protocols. However, there are clear steps you can take to provide better security and safely take advantage of cloud technology. SSL certificates are just one simple tool that go a long way in protecting user information and building a better business. To learn more about cloud security, contact the experts at prancer.

What Is Zero Trust for the Cloud?

If security is your main concern and first priority when it comes to cloud technology then the Zero Trust model may be your best bet. This method avoids relying on a single technology to provide security. Instead, Zero Trust incorporates a variety of different best practices and technologies for a more comprehensive approach. Learn more about this model and how it can help protect your business.

Defining Zero Trust

Other security models operate on the principle of trust but verify. Zero Trust, on the other hand, takes the never trust and always verify approach. This model relies heavily on identity verification to make sure that every person, program, or technology that is trying to access your cloud is fully verified before they can cross security perimeters. The same process applies to both in-office and remote access.

Traditionally, security has tended to focus on protecting against outside threats, but Zero Trust recognizes that breaches often occur from within the company. Whether these breaches are malicious or accidental, Zero Trust prevents them from happening. While recognizing perimeter threats is an important part of cloud security, fixating on this aspect can allow for internal vulnerabilities.

Basic Tenants of Zero Trust Security

– Never trust. Verification is essential. Start from a stance of zero trusts and require users to work through a verification process.

– Cloud segmentation. It is important to divide the network into smaller segments that each require their own access credentials. If a malicious actor does manage to enter one segment, they will have limited access, which can help mitigate damage.

– Multi-factor authentication. Instead of simple password protections, users are required to use at least two different ways to prove their identity.

– Adaptive system. It isn’t enough to simply put solutions in place and hope for the best. Cloud technology is a dynamic system that is constantly in flux. This requires security controls that are operating in real-time to identify emerging threats. These controls will be able to detect abnormal behaviors and send alerts through the proper channels for faster response times.

Why Use the Zero Trust Model

Zero Trust is quickly becoming the standard in business security. It has become clear that creating a perimeter is no longer an effective security strategy. This is especially true as cloud technology allows for more remote workers and devices. The boundaries are continuing to expand and there is no central location to protect. The Zero Trust model takes this into account and also assumes that not all threats are coming from the outside.

Increases in cybercrimes are a clear indication that trust-based security models that prioritize perimeter protections simply aren’t working. Experts predict that by 2021, cybercrimes will cost businesses $6 trillion in damages. Zero Trust models may be the key to curbing these crimes.

How to Build Your Zero Trust Architecture

Before you can begin to change access protocols, you need to have a clear understanding of various access needs. If you don’t have a clear picture of your network and all the various moving parts, it can be easy to overlook vulnerabilities. This also means knowing which employees need to access what information. From there, you can operate from the least privileged standpoint where employees only have access to what they need and nothing more.

It is also important to recognize that any company’s security plan is only as good as its employees. Security training and education are essential to effectively implementing and using Zero Trust architecture. Education will also help cultivate a workforce that is supportive of security efforts, which can be an invaluable tool.

On a more practical level, you will need to onboard some new technology to build your Zero Trust security model. Start with an advanced firewall that can help with network segmentation, allow you to encrypt data, and provide other protections. From there, look for adaptive security tools that can go beyond identifying existing risks and find emerging threats as they are happening. Finally, include a multi-factor authentication tool that fits your company’s needs.

Cloud technology is an essential part of today’s business world, which means that cloud security is also a concern. While there is no way to prevent all threats and breaches, the Zero Trust model provides the most effective and comprehensive approach. If you would like to learn more about this model and other ways to improve your cloud security and compliance, contact the experts at prancer.

Cloud Access Security Brokers

In part three of our series on how to create a cloud security plan, we took a closer look at cloud security best practices that can help any business across all industries. We briefly mentioned that using a Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) as an advantageous option. Since many people aren’t aware of this technology and how it works, we thought it would be important to take a deeper dive into the details of CASB and how it can help your company create a comprehensive cloud security plan.

What is CASB?

Essentially, a CASB is a software that forms an additional layer of protection between your company and the cloud. Instead of sending information directly to the cloud, it will first pass through the CASB where it will be checked against a variety of security standards. This makes it easier to enforce security measures and meet compliance standards. The CASB can either be located on-premise or hosted in the cloud.

Advantages of a CASB

One of the biggest challenges of maintaining cloud security is ongoing monitoring. This is an essential component, especially as new attacks emerge and cloud resources evolve, potentially creating new vulnerabilities. A CASB will provide an additional defense against high-risk events. The software includes malware prevention along with encryption services so that even if there is a data breach, outside parties won’t be able to decipher the information.

Additional advantages include:

Better visibility. A CASB will allow you to easily view all aspects of cloud applications and how they are being used. You can see who is using the platform, where they are located and what devices they are using. Without full visibility, information is not being properly controlled, which creates unnecessary risks.

You can use the CASB to constantly test your data and protocols against compliance standards. This will help you comply with government and industry regulations that are designed to protect consumer information and implement security best practices.

Insider threat reduction. In some cases, employees are the most pressing threat to vital data. A CASB will allow you to detect and quickly respond to unauthorized users accessing different areas of the cloud. You can easily create privileges and authentication protocols that will more effectively protect data and limit access.

All of these advantages are essential to a comprehensive cloud security plan. A CASB simply makes it easier to execute all of these steps and provide a more secure approach that continues to monitor changes.

CASB Deployment Options

Ultimately, a CASB can be deployed in three different ways:

Forward Proxy. In this case, the CASB is used to proxy traffic to multiple platforms. This places the CASB behind the firewall and adds protection before connecting to the internet. It also provides inline security so that security measures are actively deployed and monitoring live traffic.

Reverse Proxy. With a reverse proxy, the CASB sits in front of the cloud provider, blocking the network traffic and forcing information to go through the same set of inline security measures.

API Mode. With API mode, the CASB can be directly integrated into the cloud service. The main advantage of this approach is that you can secure both managed and unmanaged traffic.

You can also use any combination of these deployment approaches to enhance security even further. Fortunately, there are many reputable CASB providers who have well-established and proven solutions. Microsoft, Symantec, McAfee, and other big names all offer CASB services so that you can take your cloud security plan to the next level.

To learn more about CASB options and how you can use this tool to adhere to cloud security best practices and maximize your cloud technology without compromising data, contact the experts at prancer. We help businesses continue to meet cloud compliance standards by creating validation networks. Our team can answer all your cloud security questions and help take full advantage of the latest resources without compromising security.

Cloud Security Guidelines

Every cloud security plan is going to look different based on your business and your industry. However, there are some general rules when it comes to best practices that will help provide guidance as your work towards establishing a flexible and scalable cloud security plan. In the third installment of our series, we will take a closer look at cloud security best practices and how you can use these to shape your security plan.

1.  Partner with a Trusted Cloud Provider

The very first step in establishing solid cloud security is to partner with a trusted and reputable cloud provider. As you shop around, look for providers who offer built-in security protocols that will support your efforts to secure data and meet compliance standards. The right provider will have earned a range of security compliance certifications that are publicly advertised for maximum transparency. In addition, you want a provider who can offer a marketplace of partners so that you can shop different solutions and integrate them into your deployment for a customized security plan.

2.  Understand Your Responsibilities

When you partner with a cloud provider, you are both responsible for certain aspects of security. It is important that you understand which tasks fall to which party. You don’t want to assume that the provider is taking care of a security protocol only to discover that it was your responsibility. A reputable cloud provider will provide a transparent shared responsibility model so that you have easy access to this information.

3.  Train All Users

When it comes to cloud computing, the users can either be an asset or a liability. Well-trained users will understand and implement security practices and avoid creating unnecessary vulnerabilities. By making users aware of the dangers of poor security practices and training them to spot abnormalities that could signal malware or phishing scams, you can turn them into a powerful security tool. If you work in an industry with complex compliance standards, it may be worth investing in having an employee complete industry-specific training and earn a certification. This will provide valuable in-house oversight.

4.  Create Secure Endpoints

Cloud technology has made it easier than ever for employees to work remotely and use mobile devices to access the cloud. Oftentimes, they are using personal devices, which means they won’t automatically have extra security that may come with company owned devices. In addition, in most cases, they are using a web browser to access documents. All of these endpoints must be secured. A reputable provider will offer protections that include: antivirus tools, firewalls, mobile device security features and other detection tools that can be used to identify any breaches.

5.  Ensure Visibility of Your Cloud

Using resources on the cloud can create a fast-paced environment. This can be further complicated by the fact that many companies use multiple cloud services. These factors can affect visibility and make it difficult to avoid creating blindspots. You will want a solution that allows for maximum visibility so that you can identify risks and maintain a clear vision of the entire system.

6.  Create a Password Policy

One of the easiest things you can do to support cloud security is to create a company-wide password policy. For example, require that users change their password every 90 days and prevent simple passwords by either generating unique passwords or requiring that they are 14 characters long and include a symbol, number and one uppercase letter. Multi-factor authentication can also help prevent unauthorized access. These types of policies can go a long way in preventing attacks.

7.  Encrypt All Your Data

Whether your data is being stored or in transit, it should always be encrypted. While a provider may offer encryption services, keep in mind that going this route means that they will have access to the encryption key. You can further increase security by using your own encryption solution. Even if a malicious party is able to access your data, they won’t be able to do anything with the information.

Any business can benefit from putting these cloud security best practices into place and working with a reputable provider who will work to support your security efforts. In the next part of our series, we will take a look at one final best practice: using a Cloud Access Security Broker. Many people aren’t familiar with this tool, so we will be using the next post to take a deep dive into this option and discuss what it is and how it can help.

If you have any additional questions about cloud security and compliance, contact the experts at prancer. We offer a pre and post-deployment could validation framework for IaC that supports continuous compliance. A team member will be happy to answer all your question and get you started on the road to better cloud security and compliance.

Cloud Computing Security Plan

In this series, we will take a closer look at how to create a cloud security plan that will protect your cloud-based systems, infrastructure, and important data. A comprehensive and flexible security plan is key to protecting your clients’ information and complying with industry and governmental regulations. Security breaches can result in a loss of business along with fines. Fortunately, establishing a cloud security plan can be easier than you might think. The first step is to recognize potential threats. That is part one will take a closer look at cloud security risks.

Common Cloud Security Risks

1.   Loss of visibility

One of the major advantages of cloud computing is the ability to connect people in various locations through the use of different devices. As the workforce becomes more mobile, employees are accessing company portals and files on smartphones, tablets, and other tools. This can create a complex system that can be hard to monitor. It is easy to lose sight of who is accessing what data. If you don’t know exactly what is happening, you can’t take the necessary steps to protect data and restrict access. The right cloud security plan will take this into account and maximize visibility for relevant parties.

2.   Compliance Issues

Different industries are governed by compliance regulations that are designed to protect both businesses and clients. It is important to continue to test for compliance in order to avoid costly violations and security breaches. You must work closely with your cloud provider to ensure continuous compliance even as new people, resources, and applications are added to your cloud.

3.   Poor Security Strategies

Oftentimes, businesses make the move to the cloud too quickly. There can be a rush to migrate to the cloud and become operational before there has been enough time and energy put into creating strategies that will protect the infrastructure. While it can be tempting to move quickly, taking the time up front to create security strategies can save time and money in the long run.

4.   Contract Breaches

It is important to fully understand how your data will be stored and exactly who will have access. You may have non-disclosure agreements with clients and it is possible to upload information to the cloud that might be in violation of these agreements. This type of breach may be accidental, but it can still come with serious consequences. The first step in avoiding this risk is to make sure that you understand the terms and conditions of your cloud provider.

5.   Insider Threats

Not all security threats involve malicious outside parties trying to gain access to your infrastructure and data. Security risks also exist on the inside of the company. Employees may not intentionally violate security rules, but intention doesn’t change the results of their actions. In most cases, these incidents are the result of poor training. Employees should be well-versed in security best practices and every company should have these clearly documented in order to avoid problems.

6.   Vulnerable API

Programmers use Application Programming Interfaces (API) to create software. External APIs can create vulnerabilities in the cloud and make it easier for cybercriminals to access data. This is a security risk that should not be overlooked or underestimated.

7.   Misconfiguration

As more resources are added to the cloud, there is the potential for services to become misconfigured. Misconfiguration issues commonly occur when companies maintain default security settings and fail to update access controls. As a result, data can become exposed and unauthorized individuals will gain access to restricted areas. You can end up with manipulated and even deleted information.

No matter what size company you have or what industry you are a part of, these common cloud security risks could be putting your business in danger. Remember that the first step to creating a secure cloud environment and meeting compliance regulations is to understand existing risks. This information is vital to any security plan.

In part two of our series on cloud security, we will take a closer look at why cloud security is required and the potential consequences of poor security practices. If you have any additional questions about cloud security or compliance, contact the experts at prancer. We specialize in providing companies with cloud validation frameworks so that you can continuously test and maintain security throughout the DevOps Pipeline.