There are various aspects to consider when it comes to cloud security. While this technology offers enhanced protection against threats in the modern business world, it has also opened the door to an increased number of cybercriminals attempting to gain an organization’s all-important data and files.
With cloud security, one element to keep firmly in mind is the principle of least privilege (PoLP). An organization will have users with access to their cloud environment. As the name suggests, PoLP is all about ensuring that each user is only given the right level of access they require to complete their tasks.
As privileged credentials are said to be responsible for 74% of data breaches, more and more companies have come to the realization that PoLP is a primary concern. Fortunately, this guide is here to help. Below are some key steps to achieving least privilege with your company.
Use cloud infrastructure entitlement management solutions
Cloud infrastructure entitlement management (CIEM) should be part of your cloud security efforts. When you use a CIEM security platform for managing access privileges and identities, you have complete coverage of this aspect of your cloud infrastructure.
With a CIEM security platform, there’s no wondering about unaccounted identities or if someone has ended up with more privileges than they require. You get to see every access point, every path that is made between identities and your data. As a result, you have the platform – and necessary information – to stop users from having an over-privileged identity.
Continual monitoring is essential
Using a specialist CIEM platform alone is not enough. You cannot simply use this every now and then to ensure all users have least privilege. This is a task that requires continual, relentless monitoring to achieve successfully.
With this in mind, you need to keep a continual inventory of every identity found within your cloud’s environment and data. You need to know what your data is, where it is, and who is – and should be allowed – to access it within your infrastructure.
With data classification and data discovery, you are able to successfully monitor your environment, protecting it against potential suspicious activity.
Include your teams from the start
All of your teams should be incorporated into your security efforts from the beginning. In this day and age, the security team isn’t the only group that sees security as an issue. It is a concern that is organization-wide.
A cultural change, where every aspect of your security is included across your business, will ensure your employees are all on board. Due to this, more workers and teams will know about least privilege and how to incorporate it across your company.
Fix issues fast
What if an issue does occur due to the wrong level of privilege? Even with the best security protocols in place, breaches can still happen. In this situation, it is essential you fix the issue – and fast.
Afterwards, it is also essential you prevent the same thing from happening again in the future. This can be done with added bot checks or prevention rules.
