on 23 JAN 2023
in Security, Identity, & Compliance, Thought Leadership
For small and medium enterprises (SMEs), security is a primary concern as they prepare to invest in cloud computing. Leaders are keen on detecting security incidents, safeguarding systems and services, and ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of their data. However, many SMEs face challenges due to limited knowledge and resources related to securing cloud solutions. Effective security tools and strategies are crucial for protecting data against financial, reputational, and legal risks, as well as for meeting regulatory requirements. Yet, companies venturing into the cloud often struggle with prioritizing and implementing a robust security strategy.
A study conducted by the Ponemon Institute revealed that 60% of IT and security leaders lack confidence in their capacity to secure cloud environments. Furthermore, another survey indicated that 84% of the companies assessed deemed their security maturity levels low and primarily reactive. This lack of readiness poses significant risks for SMEs. With the assistance of Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud security tools, these businesses can securely adopt cloud solutions, proactively mitigate risks, and achieve comprehensive visibility.
In this article, we discuss five critical areas for SMEs to focus on when prioritizing security as they construct their secure cloud environment. These areas will help answer prevalent questions from SME leaders, such as:
- How can we establish a secure cloud environment?
- How can we proactively identify potential security issues?
- What cost-effective measures can we take to protect our data?
1. Foster a Security-First Culture in Your Organization
While not all SMEs can appoint a dedicated security leader, creating a security-first culture across the organization is vital. At AWS, security is a fundamental priority and is everyone’s responsibility. SMEs should integrate security into the core of their solution designs, balancing it with risk management, productivity, and innovation within a secure cloud environment. Strengthening partnerships with cross-functional leaders can facilitate collaboration and infuse security into every aspect of the business. Align various stakeholders to enhance your organization’s security posture.
2. Explore AWS Security Controls Thoroughly
Business leaders need a clear understanding of their security posture. When crafting a cloud security strategy, it’s beneficial to set practical and clear milestones. Regular audits should be planned to ensure ongoing protection. Educating teams responsible for executing these measures is essential. Best practices suggest conducting audits every 6-12 months to identify any potential gaps needing attention. Familiarize yourself with AWS security services that offer automated audits and generate necessary reports. Additionally, third-party software available through the AWS Partner Network can help manage costs effectively, allowing security audit costs to be bundled with your monthly AWS charges.
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3. Keep Systems Healthy and Updated
Security is crucial not only for cloud workloads but also for devices and systems that connect to the cloud. Outdated or unpatched systems can expose your SME to avoidable risks, highlighting the importance of security monitoring. Vulnerabilities can stem from buggy software, outdated operating systems, or compromised networks. Utilizing appropriate monitoring tools can help maintain system health. We acknowledge that these systems are vital to your business; any disruptions may affect revenue or productivity. Services supporting AWS Cloud or legacy on-premises servers are available to facilitate better system management, and you pay only for what you use. Automated operations can further enhance management and governance processes. AWS also provides vulnerability reporting to help SMEs address any issues related to their cloud services.
4. Comprehend the AWS Shared Responsibility Model
At AWS, we operate under the Shared Responsibility Model, where AWS is accountable for securing the cloud infrastructure, while customers are tasked with managing their own data security. This means that while AWS ensures the security of the cloud, customers must focus on access controls, data protection, and network security.
5. Develop Secure Applications Alongside Infrastructure
AWS’s security infrastructure meets the rigorous requirements of leading financial institutions, educational entities, and government organizations. If applications hosted on AWS infrastructure are not sufficiently secure, it could lead to serious incidents that are difficult to recover from. It’s advisable to employ detection services when necessary to identify malicious activity within your account and data. However, basic methods can be adopted to bolster application security. For example:
- Implement Least Privilege Access: Users should only have access to the applications necessary for their tasks. For instance, only select employees should have access to payroll software.
- Control Access with Policies: Clearly define roles that should have access to sensitive information, such as those in human resources and payroll.
- Secure AWS Identities: Activate multi-factor authentication (MFA) for the root user on AWS. We also recommend identity federation for a seamless and secure experience across different business applications. Regularly analyze access permissions as part of the least-privilege approach.
According to a recent IDC report, AWS customers observed an average of 43% fewer monthly security incidents and a 69% reduction in unplanned downtime. Nevertheless, application-level risks, such as public access to your cloud environment and unsecured networks, can still be mitigated.
Next Steps
For SMEs, securing cloud environments and protecting data while keeping expenses low is paramount. By adopting a security-first architecture and understanding security controls, organizations can effectively prevent, detect, respond to, and resolve security incidents. Discover more about securing your business with specific solutions for SMEs. AWS can also connect you with relevant security partners. Are you ready to consult with an AWS expert? Contact us today to discuss your requirements. For further insights, this resource offers valuable information on training and security.
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