How Should I Approach Cyber Cloud Security in 2023?

There is something symbolic about leaping into a new year. It provides a logical signpost to stop and evaluate how your business is performing in different areas. This includes cybersecurity and the cloud.

As we ease into 2023, it’s essential to understand how cloud security works. In this blog, we’ll check out a few strategies so you can make data-driven decisions about the direction of your IT.

Six Cloud Infrastructure Security Tips to Know in 2023

Businesses can prepare for cyber cloud security in 2023 by implementing a multi-layered security approach that includes a blend of technology, policies, and processes.

1. Encrypt Sensitive Data

It’s recommended that you encrypt sensitive data, preferably with a combination of techniques.

For data in transit, you can use SSL/TLS to encrypt the data as it travels over the network. This can be done by installing an SSL/TLS certificate on your web server and configuring your web application to use HTTPS.

For data at rest, you can use a symmetric encryption algorithm (like AES) to encrypt the data before it is stored. This can be done by using a library or tool that supports AES encryption and encrypting the data using a secure key.

2. Use Multi-Factor Authentication

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) provides an additional layer of security beyond just a password. A user is required to provide two or more forms of identification before being granted access to a system or resource.

This makes it much more difficult for an attacker to gain unauthorized access, even if they have obtained a user’s password. Even better, most cloud providers offer built-in support for MFA, making it easy to implement across your organization.

3. Use a Firewall to Restrict Traffic

With as many threats as there are in today’s web environment, it’s smart to use a firewall to restrict inbound and outbound traffic. To do this, start by identifying the traffic needed for your business.

Next, configure the firewall to only allow that traffic to pass through. This can be done by creating firewall rules that specify the source IP addresses, destination IP addresses, ports, and protocols that are allowed to pass through the firewall.

By default, all other traffic should be blocked by the firewall. You accomplish this by creating a default rule that blocks all other traffic that is not explicitly allowed. From there, regular testing and monitoring are needed to ensure everything is functioning as it should.

4. Backup Your Data

Even with the right security measures in place, it’s always possible that something could go sideways. This is why it’s imperative that you regularly back up your data. Here’s the recommended course of action:

Identify which data sources need to be backed up (including files, databases, etc.)
Select a backup solution (options include native, third-party, hybrid, etc.)
Configure the backup solution to fit your needs
Test the backup on an ongoing basis
Back up data frequently (at least once per day)
Have a disaster recovery plan in place

Back up your data quicker and more effectively with First Class Connection.

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5. Use a SIEM

A security information and event management (SIEM) provides a centralized view of all security-related data across your organization. With a SIEM, you can collect and analyze data from various sources, such as:

Firewalls
Intrusion detection systems
Endpoint protection software

This helps identify potential security threats and respond to them quickly. And, depending on what industry you’re in, SIEM can help you meet compliance requirements by collecting, analyzing, and storing data according to best practices.

6. Hire a Managed Services Provider (MSP)

Businesses use managed services providers (MSPs) to outsource IT functions such as software and hardware maintenance, network management, and data backups. Cloud based security services allows businesses to focus on their core competencies and can also help to reduce costs by eliminating the need to hire and maintain in-house IT staff. But MSPs can also provide advanced cloud security assistance, which can be difficult for a business to handle on their own.

First Class Connection, First Class Cloud Security

Your company’s network security is vital to your success in 2023 and beyond. If you don’t already have an airtight cloud security strategy in place, now’s the time to implement a proactive plan.

At First Class Connection, we support businesses with the network-based monitoring and managing tools you need in order to stop worrying about cyber security and start focusing on your core competencies.

Want to learn more about how we can help? Let’s chat!