Cloud computing has become indispensable for modern organizations, providing unparalleled access to essential data at a time when mobile device usage and remote work are exploding in popularity. However, its convenience comes with its share of drawbacks, and security concerns are among them.
How can your organization approach identity and access management for cloud computing and prepare for its challenges?
Best Practices for Cloud IAM
Here is a look at some of the best practices modern businesses should follow regarding IAM in cloud computing.
Use Least-Privilege Access Controls
The least-privilege access control principle entails giving users the minimum level of access they need to perform their job. By preventing users from accessing data or areas within the system they do not need, businesses can prevent employees from misusing their access rights.
This is useful even if the data is not sensitive, as it reduces the potential damage from accidental misuse. Once least-privilege access controls have been set up, businesses should review and update them periodically to ensure that they still align with each employee’s job requirements.
Revisions should also be made when employees are promoted or moved to a different role within an organization.
Implement Multi-Factor Authentication
Many businesses use multi-factor authentication for privileged administration accounts. Still, the current security threat outlook calls for this extra layer of protection for all users.
Multi-factor authentication requires users to begin with a traditional username and password. They will then be prompted to provide a second and possibly third proof of their identity before accessing cloud services, applications, and data.
These additional factors often entail something a user must have access to, such as an SMS code delivered to their phone or a mobile app or token-based authentication such as a key fob or smart card.
Some systems also require biometric authentication via facial recognition or fingerprint readers for an additional layer of security. This approach makes it significantly more difficult for attackers to access accounts. It can render many of the most popular credential attacks ineffective.
Educate Users On Security Risks
In cloud computing, human error is one of the biggest security vulnerabilities. Businesses should educate their users about potential security risks and provide thorough training on using IAM systems properly.
Many breaches are accidental and can be traced to well-meaning employees who lack a solid knowledge of safety protocols or fall victim to hackers. Education and training can go a long way toward preventing these problems.
Challenges In IAM in Cloud Computing
Organizations need to be aware of the challenges they may encounter in their IAM efforts related to cloud computing and take steps to address them before they pose a threat.
Ensuring Compliance With Regulations
Organizations must contend with various regulations and standards, many of which are industry-specific. Everything from GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS can affect a business’s IAM strategy.
IAM solutions must have the power to enforce these standards and regulations across the board and guarantee that sensitive information is adequately protected. Otherwise, organizations could face significant penalties, including reputational damage, fines, and legal repercussions.
These solutions must also be adaptable. Security teams need to stay on top of the latest regulatory changes and establish that their solutions can be easily updated to align with new requirements.
Threat Materialization
Cloud-based identity providers pose different challenges than organizations may have faced with on-premises identity providers. It is important to recognize that when a cloud-based identity service is compromised, its impact will be much broader, thanks to its accessibility over the Internet.
Therefore, organizations must take a more proactive approach to detecting and responding to threats and staying on top of the evolving threat outlook. IAM solutions should provide real-time security intelligence, monitoring, and alerts for maximum protection.
Managing Identities for External Users
Many organizations must provide access to sensitive information to external users, suppliers, and other types of partners over the cloud. This requires using an IAM solution that can control access in ways that align with external users’ needs, such as providing time-boxed access.
Security can be further enhanced by building in least privilege, rotating access keys regularly, and carefully tracking third-party activity. Third parties are also prone to compromise, which can threaten your own organization’s systems and data. External users will often require even greater security measures than those within your organization.
Partner With Advantage Tech to Learn More About Identity & Access Management Best Practices
Is your organization ready to take the next step toward more secure and efficient user access control? The experts at Advantage Tech can assess your requirements and develop customized identity and access management solutions that address your concerns and provide top-notch security. Contact us today to get started on the path to greater cloud security!
