Intelligent CISO Issue 27 | Page 75

Another major source of cloud data loss? Improper identity, credential and access management, which can enable unauthorised access to information via unprotected default installations. Now that we have the bad news out the way, how about some good news? To combat these threats, there are a few standard best practices IT teams can focus on to secure the modern day cloud. First and foremost, IT should focus on controls and data management. Security starts with process: Controls and data management To start a cloud security strategy off on the right foot, the right controls for cloud architecture need to be in place. Cloud security controls provide protection against vulnerabilities and alleviate the impact of a malicious attack. By implementing the right set of controls, IT teams can establish a necessary baseline of measures, practices and guidelines for an environment. These controls can range from deterrent and corrective to preventative and protective. In tandem with controls, IT teams need to establish a process or system for As the use of cloud services grows, it is critical to understand how much data now lives in the cloud. continually monitoring the flow of data, since insight into data and how it is managed is vital to the success of any cloud security strategy. A robust data loss prevention (DLP) tool can help organisations secure data by extending on-premises data loss prevention policies to the cloud for consistent DLP, protecting sensitive data wherever it lives, tracking user behaviour and more. Solving for visibility, compliance and data protection When it comes to securing data in the cloud, visibility and compliance must be top of mind for IT teams as well. Teams need to gain visibility into the entirety of applications and services in use, as well as have proper insight into user activity to have a holistic view of an organisation’s existing security posture. They also need to be able to identify www.intelligentciso.com | Issue 27 75