Cloud Security Architecture and Types of Cloud Computing Models


Cloud-based innovation is quickly becoming a competitive need. Cloud security architecture is a method for securing and seeing an organization's data and collaborative apps in the cloud from shared accountability with cloud providers.

Security has become a more significant responsibility as more businesses strive to expedite their operations by moving data and infrastructure to the cloud. Companies are looking for ways to enhance speed and agility, and operations and development teams are finding new uses for cloud services. Businesses must stay competitive by improving collaboration skills and boosting operational efficiency in the cloud – all while saving money and resources.

This security architecture adds another layer of protection to sensitive data and information. Different security applications, as well as identity management and data protection policies, are included in the framework. It lays up precise plans and procedures for managing data processing while keeping it safe.

What is Cloud Security Architecture?

The hardware and technology used to safeguard data, workloads, and systems on cloud platforms is called Cloud Security Architecture. Developing a cloud security architecture plan should start with the blueprint and design process, and it should be built into cloud platforms from the ground up. Too frequently, cloud architects focus solely on speed before attempting to add security after the fact.

Cloud security architecture is a framework that includes all of the technology and software required to safeguard information, data, and applications handled in or through the cloud. Public clouds, private clouds, and hybrid clouds are some of the cloud computing frameworks. All clouds must be very secure to protect sensitive data and information.

Importance of Cloud Security Architecture in a Business

As a company expands, it will require more secure systems to process its workload. Cloud networks provide many benefits, but they also have a lot of security concerns. If private data is accessed by an unauthorized user, it may be a hazardous situation for the company. Hence, cloud security architecture is critical.

Cloud security architecture can close security gaps that go undiscovered in traditional point-of-sale (POS) systems. In addition, cloud security design eliminates security network redundancy difficulties. It also aids in the organization of security measures while ensuring their reliability throughout data processing. A suitable cloud security architecture can also handle complex security issues successfully.

Types of Cloud Computing Models

The security of the cloud is built on a shared cloud responsibility paradigm, in which the provider and the client share responsibility for the cloud's security. Shared duty does not imply a reduction in accountability. Depending on the cloud environment, cloud providers will handle various parts of the physical, infrastructure, and application security. In contrast, cloud users will be responsible for specific areas of security and management.

Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS)

IaaS (Infrastructure-as-a-Service) is a cloud computing concept that makes virtualized computer resources such as networking, storage, and workstations available via the Internet. In IaaS, the Cloud Service Provider (CSP) is in charge of the security of their underlying servers and data, which includes server security, storage, and networking infrastructure, virtualization, and the hypervisor. User access, data, applications, operating systems, and network traffic are all part of the enterprise's security obligations.

IaaS cloud security models also require the following security features −

  • Audit and monitor resources for misconfiguration

  • Automate policy corrections

  • Prevent data loss with DLP

  • Capture custom app activity and enforce controls

  • Detect malicious user activity and behavior

  • Detect and remove malware

  • Discover rouge IaaS services and accounts

  • Identify provisioned user risk

  • Enrich native cloud platform forensics

  • Manage multiple IaaS providers

Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS)

The bulk of a PaaS cloud service model is secured by the CSP, but the organization is responsible for the security of its applications. PaaS extends IaaS by allowing users to install applications without having to invest in and manage hardware, software, and hosting infrastructure.

Applications of PaaS include −

  • Cloud Access Security Brokers (CASB)

  • Cloud workload protection platforms (CWPP)

  • Cloud security posture management (CSPM)

  • Business analytics/intelligence

  • Logs

  • IP restrictions

  • API gateways

  • Internet of Things (IoT)

Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)

As part of their service contract, CSP negotiates the terms of security ownership in SaaS. The physical, infrastructure, hypervisor, network traffic, and operating system of a business are frequently hosted through SaaS.

Following are the examples of SaaS apps and infrastructure controls 7minus;

  • Enforce data loss prevention (DLP)

  • Prevent unauthorized sharing of sensitive data to wrong people

  • Block sync/download of corporate data to personal devices

  • Detect compromised accounts, insider threats, and malware

  • Gain visibility into unsanctioned applications

  • Audit for misconfiguration

What are the Threats to a Cloud Security Architecture?

You want to be prepared for typical dangers like malware and privilegebased assaults while planning your cloud implementation. This article will try to present a snapshot of high-profile threats that industry professionals are considering these days.

Insider Risks

Insider risks include internal employees with access to systems and data and administrators from cloud service providers (CSPs). When you sign up for CSP services, you are effectively handing your data and workloads to a team of people in charge of keeping the CSP architecture up to date.

Availability of Data

Another factor to examine is whether or not data is available to government agencies. Security experts are paying more attention to the rules, regulations, and real-world examples that show whether a government may access data in a private or public cloud via court orders or other ways.

DoS Attacks

DoS attack is a hot topic right now. Typical temporary direct denial-ofservice (DDoS) attacks include bombarding a system with requests until it crashes. Using network compliance standards to block out repeated requests, security perimeters can deflect these attacks. While working to restore the system, CSPs can also move workloads and traffic to other resources.

Permanent DoS attacks are more damaging, as they frequently cause firmware damage, rendering a server unbootable. In this situation, a technician needs to manually reload the firmware and rebuild the system from the ground up, which might take days or weeks.

Cloud-connected Edge Systems

The cloud edge can refer to cloud-connected edge systems, but it also relates to server architecture that isn't directly controlled by the CSP. Because global CSPs are unable to develop and operate facilities in every corner of the globe, they rely on partners to provide services to smaller, geographically isolated, or rural areas. As a result, many CSPs lack complete control over monitoring and ensuring physical box integrity for the hardware, as well as physical attack defenses such as shutting off USB port access.

Access to Public Cloud Products

Customers' ability to assess public cloud products is influenced by their level of control. Users are concerned about shifting sensitive workloads to the public cloud from the customer's standpoint. Big cloud providers, on the other hand, are often far more equipped and have a lot greater degree of knowledge in cloud security than the ordinary private cloud user. Customers, even if their security tools aren't too advanced, find it reassuring to have complete control over their most sensitive data.

Password’s Strength

Even with the most powerful cloud security architecture globally, a server can't assist you in developing a better password due to hardware restrictions. One of the most prevalent attack vectors is Password. Hardware, firmware, and software safeguards focus on cloud security architects.

Updated on: 14-Apr-2022

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