Learn about the workings of cloud cybersecurity and its benefits. In this article, we'll also reveal the top ten cybersecurity service providers who can help safeguard your valuable information.
Table of Contents
What Is Cloud Security?
Cloud security, or cloud computing cybersecurity, is the process of protecting cloud-based data, infrastructure and applications from cyber threats and cyber-attacks.
The scope of cloud network security includes:
- All the information you access, modify or store
- Data storage items such as hard drives
- Data servers such as core network computing software and hardware
- Physical networks including cabling, electrical power, routers, and climate control
- Computer virtualization frameworks include host machines, guest machines, and virtual machine software
- Operating systems
- Runtime environments are responsible for program execution
- Applications including email, productivity suites, or other software services
- End-user hardware such as mobile devices, computers, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and more
How Does Cloud Security Work?
Cloud computing operates in three environments:
- Private clouds, hosted by or for the purposes of a single organization
- Public cloud services, hosted by Cloud Service Providers (CSPs) such as Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS)
- Hybrid clouds, which combine public and private clouds
Cloud-based cybersecurity is either provided by the Cloud Service Provider or implemented by the user. Typically, security is a joint effort, using a shared responsibility model that outlines the responsibilities of both the provider and the customer.
1. CSP Security Responsibilities
Servers and storage are always the responsibility of the CSP.
They secure the infrastructure and configure the networks, physical data centers, and hardware that powers the infrastructure.
- IaaS environment - servers and storage are the only responsibilities CSPs have
- PaaS environment - the CSPs cover more areas, such as operating systems, virtualization, data, and securing runtime
- SaaS environment - their responsibility extends further to application and middleware security
2. Customer Security Responsibilities
To increase the security the CSPs provide, clients can implement additional cybersecurity mechanisms.
- IaaS environment - these might include virtualization, application, data, middleware, operating systems, runtime security, and more
- PaaS environment - the CSPs cover more areas, such as operating systems, virtualization, data, and securing runtime
To add your own security tools to the cloud architecture, for example, your IT team can apply virtual network security measures. This will allow you to handle specific policy settings and security configurations.
You can also implement the security tools you use in your local area network (LAN) to your public cloud. In this case, you will need to create a single security policy and apply it to identical security tools, both in the cloud and on the premises.
Read more on the best cybersecurity tips.
Top Six Pillars of Cloud Security
Organizations can employ the same approach to maximum security against cloud security challenges as they would for their on-premises environment.
These are the six cloud security pillars you should know:
- Secure Access Controls
- Change Management
- Zero-Trust Network Security Controls
- Data Protection
- Web Application Firewall
- Continuous Monitoring
1. Secure Access Controls
The initial step in establishing a solid security framework is to enforce secure Identity Access Management (IAM) protocols, which include implementing Secure Access Controls.
It's crucial to ensure that team members have the least access required to perform their duties regarding systems, assets, and APIs. As the level of privileges increases, the level of authentication needed to access them should also increase.
Additionally, employees should be responsible for enforcing password policies.
2. Change Management
Utilizing the change management protocols provided by your cloud security provider to regulate any changes and enforce compliance controls whenever a change is requested, a new server is provisioned, or sensitive assets are altered or relocated.
This enables you to investigate the issue or trigger automatic mitigation to correct it. By employing change management applications, you can access auditing functionalities that monitor for any unusual activities or deviations from the established protocol.
3. Zero-Trust Network Security Controls
To enhance the security of your cloud network, it is recommended to isolate mission-critical assets and applications in strategically separated portions.
For instance, you can use a virtual private cloud via AWS or a vNET through Microsoft Azure.
Doing so allows you to segregate secure workloads from those that do not necessitate data security protocols and implement strict security policies to enforce these micro-segments.
4. Data Protection
For heightened data security, your organization needs to implement encryption for data at every transport layer.
Furthermore, security protocols should be applied to file sharing, communication applications, and any other areas in your environment where data could be stored, utilized, or transmitted.
This ensures that all sensitive information remains secure and protected.
5. Web Application Firewall
To enhance endpoint security and prevent breaches, it is recommended to employ a web application firewall (WAF), which examines the incoming and outgoing traffic of your web application and servers.
The WAF scrutinizes the traffic and alerts the administrator of any unusual behavior, enabling them to take prompt action to prevent potential breaches.
6. Continuous Monitoring
Several cloud security providers can provide visibility into your cloud-native logs by cross-referencing them with internal records from your other security tools, including asset management, change management, vulnerability scanners, and external threat intelligence insights.
This approach can accelerate incident response and the implementation of remediation workflows, resulting in a more effective security strategy.
Top Six Types of Cloud Security Solutions
Shifting business operations to the cloud presents a cost-efficient approach for companies to cater to a diverse global customer base and workforce.
Nevertheless, cloud computing poses added security concerns that demand practical management tools. These tools provide comprehensive monitoring of various cloud environments and facilitate the automatic identification of susceptibility and compliance risks.
Below, we elaborate on six types of cloud security solutions that businesses can implement to enhance their security stance.
- Cloud Access Security Brokers (CASB)
- Static Application Security Testing (SAST)
- Secure Access Service Edge (SASE)
- Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM)
- Cloud Workload Protection Platforms (CWPP)
- Cloud Infrastructure Entitlement Management (CIEM)
1. Cloud Access Security Brokers (CASB)
Cloud Access Security Brokers (CASB) empower security professionals to apply enterprise security policies to their cloud applications.
Acting as a mediator between the cloud service provider and the user, CASB monitors access to data, ensures compliance with regulations, and detects malware.
CASB primarily addresses four essential areas: data protection, threat protection, compliance, and visibility.
- Data Protection: Cloud computing makes remote data access more accessible and introduces additional risks, such as data traveling between cloud environments and threat actors gaining access to sensitive data unnoticed. CASB provides visibility into data movement within the cloud and offers data protection features like encryption, tokenization, and access control.
- Threat Protection: CASB employs behavior analytics to recognize unusual user activities to detect a compromised account or insider threat early. CASB can also help identify and prevent the uploading or sharing of malware across the cloud.
- Compliance: As the cloud user, you are accountable for complying with regulations such as PCI DSS. CASB can help monitor compliance and pinpoint areas of risk that may require attention.
- Visibility: Initially developed for gaining visibility into cloud usage, particularly unsanctioned use of SaaS applications or Shadow IT, CASB continues to play an essential role in visibility as businesses fully transition to the cloud and allow increased access to cloud applications through remote work and BYOD. These solutions can detect suspicious requests and make granting access to cloud services easier while restricting specific activities and user access within these broad applications.
2. Static Application Security Testing (SAST)
Static Application, Security Testing tools, analyze source code, byte code, and binaries for security vulnerabilities like SQL injection and provide solutions to remediate these issues to reduce the number of vulnerabilities present in the application after its launch.
The term "static" in static application security testing refers to the fact that this scanning is performed without executing the code.
This approach differs from Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST), which is conducted while the application is running and thus occurs closer to the end of the development process.
With cloud-based applications, it is crucial to consider security vulnerabilities that may only become evident at run-time and to utilize DAST in conjunction with Static Application Security Testing.
3. Secure Access Service Edge (SASE)
Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) is a modern cloud security approach that minimizes latency for remote users by examining and authorizing traffic at a nearby enforcement point rather than routing all traffic to a data center for inspection and back.
This is especially advantageous as companies continue implementing work-from-home policies in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, implementing and maintaining SASE can be both expensive and resource-intensive.
4. Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM)
A misconfiguration is one of the most significant issues businesses encounter while transitioning to the cloud. According to a recent report by Gartner, "Until 2022, at least 95% of cloud security breaches will be attributed to the customer."
Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM) tools aid in identifying and preventing configuration errors while also identifying areas of non-compliance.
These tools can be employed for continuous monitoring after initial setup, but proper planning is required to ensure effective implementation and cost-effectiveness.
5. Cloud Workload Protection Platforms (CWPP)
Cloud Workload Protection Platforms (CWPP) safeguard workloads at the individual workload level, including virtual machines (VMs), serverless workloads, and containers.
They ensure security across public, private, or hybrid cloud environments, providing users with a centralized location to manage their workload security, regardless of the range of cloud services used.
CWPP is especially advantageous for quick development cycles as it offers security assistance for cloud workload-based applications and can help alleviate some security concerns associated with rapid DevOps.
6. Cloud Infrastructure Entitlement Management (CIEM)
Cloud Infrastructure Entitlement Management (CIEM) tools assist in managing identity and access in the cloud by applying the principle of least privilege.
They assist cloud users in operating Identity and Access Management (IAM) across various cloud environments, providing a unified approach to identity management.
Why Is Cloud Security Important?
Companies around the globe store and share documents on cloud-based platforms, exchange files with important information, keep payroll data or use cloud-based communication tools to network with customers, partners and employees.
This constant exchange of information across a variety of platforms can make your sensitive data vulnerable.
The answer to “Why is cybersecurity important?” is simple.
A breach in security can result in catastrophic data loss, financial loss, reputation damage and more. For this reason, many businesses opt to work with the top IT services companies in the world to secure their cloud data.
Here’s how cloud cybersecurity can benefit your business:
1. Prevents Security Breaches
Whether a result of malicious external attacks or insider threats, breaches in your security can put your data at risk.
Using cloud cybersecurity services plus additional security measures on your part keeps both customer and company data safe to prevent reputation damage which can lead to financial loss through poor reviews, lost trust, and lost customers.
Enlisting the expertise of fintech development companies or enterprise software development companies can also ensure the integrity and security of financial technologies and services
2. Implements Access Levels
Cloud computing cybersecurity implements controls that give access only to those who are authorized to view and work with your data, increasing data protection.
3. Helps Data Compliance
To ensure legal operation, you must comply with strict regulations such as Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) or EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
To choose the right cloud partner, evaluate their data protection policies. For example, if you need to comply with GDPR, opt for a cloud partner that:
- Is ISO 27001 or ISO 27018 certified, which ensures compliance with security and “privacy by design,”
- Has security features you can use, such as access control policies, backup, encryption and more,
- Is ready to sign a Data Processing Agreement stating you own the data and the cloud partner will not share it with third parties,
- Deletes your data once the service is terminated.
4. Ensures Disaster Recovery
From a fire or tornado to a flood or hurricane, unforeseen disasters can have a devastating impact if your business isn't prepared. Cloud cybersecurity regularly backs up and stores your data, so even if disaster strikes, your important data is secure.
5. Supports Remote Work
With 30% of employees now working remotely from every corner of the globe, the ability to access data from anywhere anytime is a growing concern.
Accessing your data from home computers and public networks can pose a cybersecurity risk.
Cloud cybersecurity ensures your data is safe by reducing the risk of unauthorized access and malicious attacks.
Read our dedicated article to learn more about why cybersecurity is important.
Top Ten Cybersecurity Companies
Here is our list of 10 cybersecurity companies that can put your mind at ease when it comes to cybersecurity.
| Agency | Location | Services |
| Los Angeles, California | IT services, Business Consulting, SAP consulting, Mobile app development, and Enterprise software development. | |
| Pleasanton, California | Cloud-native development, Maintenance and support, Technology consulting, Blockchain solutions, Artificial intelligence, and machine learning. | |
| Bialystok, Poland | Cloud services, Security auditing, Disaster recovery, Penetration testing, and Continuity-of-business planning. | |
| Piscataway, New Jersey | Cybersecurity solutions, Cloud development, Virtual and augmented reality, IoT software solutions, ERP software solutions. | |
| Itexus | Dover, Delaware | IoT, Digital Transformation, Cloud services, QA automation and testing, and Mobile apps. |
| DreamSoft4u | Corona, California | Medical billing systems, Remote health monitoring systems, Health information exchange, Electronic health and medical records, and Patient engagement apps. |
| Gecko Dynamics | Kraków, Poland | IoT, SaaS applications, Business process management systems, Mobile applications, ECommerce development. |
| Dev Technosys | Commerce, California | FinTech software development, Educational app development, Social network app development, Mobile app development, and eCommerce development. |
| Sigma Software | Kharkiv, Ukraine | Cloud computing, Business process automation, Mobile applications development, Artificial intelligence and machine learning, and Application migration. |
| LCloud Ltd. | Warsaw, Poland | Cybersecurity, IoT, IT services, Outsourcing software development, and Amazon Web Services (AWS) |
You can contact them to ask about the cloud and on-premise security mechanisms you could implement as well as about valuable cybersecurity tips to avoid data loss and breaches of regulations.
1. Accenture
Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, and serving clients in more than 120 countries across 40+ industries, Accenture provides capabilities in cloud, digital and security.
An undisputed cybersecurity leader, the company offers:
- IT services,
- Business Consulting,
- SAP consulting,
- Mobile app development,
- Enterprise software development.
Accenture’s clients include companies from the healthcare, retail and education industries.
2. Altoros Labs
Headquartered in Pleasanton, California, Altoros Labs has 350+ employees who are experts in:
- Cloud-native development,
- Maintenance and support,
- Technology consulting,
- Blockchain solutions,
- Artificial intelligence and machine learning.
A company with a proven record in cybersecurity, Altoros Lab is:
- A Gold-level Microsoft Partner around Cloud Platform, Application Development and App Integration
- A Pivotal-certified Cloud Foundry PaaS service provider and training partner
3. ProtectHut
Headquartered in Byalystok, Poland, ProtectHut offers a variety of cybersecurity services, including:
- Cloud services,
- Security auditing,
- Disaster recovery,
- Penetration testing,
- Continuity-of-business planning.
Some of ProtectHut’s clients include Zonifero, Solution4Labs, SoftwareHut and more.
4. Smart Tek SAS
Headquartered in Piscataway, New Jersey, Smart Tek SAS has produced 400+ unique solutions for 200+ clients around the globe.
The company’s expertise covers:
- Cybersecurity solutions,
- Cloud development,
- Virtual and augmented reality,
- IoT software solutions,
- ERP software solutions.
Some of Smart Tek SAS's well-known clients include Zicco, FoxOffice, Karhu and more.
5. Itexus
Headquartered in Dover, Delaware, Itexus has worked for 180+ customers, delivering over 220 successful projects.
Having profound expertise in insurance, healthcare, FinTech, education and hospitality, Itexus’ consulting and development services cover:
- IoT,
- Digital transformation,
- Cloud services,
- QA automation and testing,
- Mobile apps.
Itexus’ clients include companies such as Unilever, McDonald's, Mango, DigiRealty and more.
6. DreamSoft4u
Headquartered in Corona, California, DreamSoft4u specializes in delivering healthcare mobility solutions that are secure and scalable. Hosting your software on the cloud saves you money on future migrations, expensive upgrades and server costs.
Some of the company’s services include:
- Medical billing systems,
- Remote health monitoring systems,
- Health information exchange,
- Electronic health and medical records,
- Patient engagement apps.
DreamSoft4u partners with clients such as ChiroSpring, WebeDoctor, Sonde and more.
7. Gecko Dynamics
Headquartered in Cracow, Poland, Gecko Dynamics has 15+ years of experience and over 100 success stories in enterprise cybersecurity, technologies and the development of large distributed systems.
Gecko Dynamics’ areas of expertise cover:
- IoT,
- SaaS applications,
- Business process management systems,
- Mobile applications,
- ECommerce development.
Nokia, Air Canada and Cam tran are among the company’s numerous partners.
8. Dev Technosys
Headquartered in Commerce, California, Dev Technosys has developed 950+ mobile and web application projects.
The company’s services include:
- FinTech software development,
- Educational app development,
- Social network app development,
- Mobile app development,
- eCommerce development.
Dev Technosys’ renowned clients include giants such as Nike, Whirlpool, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson and more.
9. Sigma Software
Headquartered in Kharkiv, Ukraine, Sigma Software has been ranked among the top 100 best outsourcing companies by the International Association of Outsourcing Professionals.
The company’s services include:
- Cloud computing,
- Business process automation,
- Mobile applications development,
- Artificial intelligence and machine learning,
- Applications migration.
SAS, Scania, and Vergence are only a few of Sigma Software’s clients.
10. LCloud Ltd.
Headquartered in Warsaw, Poland, LCloud Ltd. Builds and implements multi-cloud services, supporting clients during every step of cloud computing adoption.
LCloud Ltd.’s services include:
- Cybersecurity,
- IoT,
- IT services,
- Outsourcing software development,
- Amazon Web Services (AWS).
LCloud Ltd. partners with brands such as Sharp, Duracell, The Guardian, and more.
Cloud Security Bottom Line
Cloud cybersecurity is a vital part of any business using cloud-based data, applications and infrastructures.
Using a shared responsibility model between the cloud service provider and the client, cloud cybersecurity can help you:
- Protect your data by using access levels for different users,
- Prevent security breaches,
- Support data compliance,
- Ensure disaster recovery,
- Facilitate remote work.
Partnering with professional cybersecurity vendors with a proven record will ensure your business is safe against cyber attacks and threats, whether your team is fully in-house, remote, or a mix of both.
