Cloud Network Security: Empowering Cloud Developers to protect their infrastructure and data with the right level of privilege control
Cloud developers often find themselves in positions of significant responsibility and access. Becoming a privileged user in the cloud environment is a significant milestone, yet it also introduces risks to Cloud Network Security and privileged session management. Managing and mitigating threats posed by unmanaged and vulnerable privileged identities is crucial for maintaining competitive innovation.
This transition from a standard user to a privileged user is not just about gaining more permissions; it’s about recognising and embracing the critical role they play in maintaining the cloud network security and efficiency of cloud environments. As privileged users, developers may be unaware of the increased security responsibilities which necessitate a deep understanding of security practices.
By comprehensively managing privileged access, cloud developers can ensure the security and efficiency of their cloud environments while minimising risks. Continuous education, efficient access management, and proactive security measures are essential to successfully navigating this transition.
In this article, we explore the risks associated with over entitlement and provide strategies for balancing access without compromising innovation. Learn how to safeguard your cloud network security while driving progress.
Understanding Privileged Access and Entitlements
Privileged access refers to special access or abilities above and beyond that of a standard user. In the context of cloud computing, this often refers to entitlements which include administrative access to cloud resources, the ability to manage user permissions, and access to sensitive data. Sometimes, cloud administrators provide excessive entitlements. Over-entitlement in a cloud environment refers to the situation where users or roles are granted more permissions than necessary for their tasks.
Privileged users are essential for the maintenance and security of cloud environments, but their elevated access or over-entitlements also make them prime targets for cyberattacks.
Over-entitlements can lead to several risks:
- Data Breaches: Excessive permissions increase the chances of unauthorised access to sensitive data.
- Insider Threats: Employees with unnecessary access can misuse their privileges, either intentionally or accidentally.
- Compliance Issues: Over-provisioning can result in non-compliance with regulations, leading to fines and legal penalties.
- Operational Disruptions: Unchecked permissions can cause accidental changes to critical systems, disrupting business operations.
- Increased Attack Surface: More permissions mean more potential entry points for attackers, making the environment harder to secure.
How to navigate a way out of excessive entitlements
Privileged Identity Management simplifies monitoring, controlling, and managing users’ access to meet organisational compliance and security needs. Below, we outline how to navigate a way out of excessive entitlements
1. Principle of Least Privilege:
a. Minimise Access: Privileged access should be granted based on necessity. Developers should only have access to the resources they need to perform their job functions.
b. Time-Bound Access: Implementing time-bound access ensures that elevated permissions are temporary and only available when needed. This reduces the risk of misuse or accidental changes.
2. Just-In-Time (JIT) Access:
a. On-Demand Access: JIT access allows developers to request elevated permissions as needed, which are granted for a limited time and specific tasks[1]. This approach minimises the risk of always-on privileges.
b). Approval Processes: Implementing an approval process for JIT access ensures that requests are reviewed and authorized by appropriate personnel, adding an extra layer of security.
3. Monitoring and Auditing:
a. Activity Logs: Keeping detailed logs of all actions performed by privileged users helps in monitoring and auditing their activities. This can help detect and respond to suspicious behavior promptly.
b. Regular Audits: Conducting regular audits of privileged access can identify any unnecessary permissions and ensure compliance with security policies.
4. Security Training and Awareness:
a. Continuous Education: Privileged users should undergo regular security training to stay updated on the latest threats and best practices. This includes understanding phishing attacks, social engineering, and other common tactics used by cybercriminals.
b. Awareness Programs: Implementing security awareness programs can help reinforce the importance of maintaining security protocols and the potential risks associated with privileged access.
Key cloud network security and PAM focus areas for securing developers’ access
1.Strike a Balance between Security and Productivity:
a. Access Management: Balancing security and productivity is crucial. Overly restrictive access controls can hinder productivity, while lax controls can compromise cloud network security. Implementing advanced access management solutions like Privileged Access Management (PAM) and Zero Standing Privileges (ZSP) can help achieve this balance.
2. Address Insider and External Security Threats:
a. User Behavioral Analytics: Using behavioral analytics can help detect anomalies in user behavior that may indicate insider threats within the cloud environment. This proactive approach can prevent potential security breaches.
b. Continuous Access Validation: Adopting a Continuous Access Validation (or continuous access evaluation) model ensures that all users, whether inside or outside the cloud network, are continuously verified before being granted access to cloud resources and continuously monitored and validated in real-time.
3. Satisfy and comply to Regulatory Requirements:
a. Adhering to Standards: Privileged users must ensure that their actions comply with industry standards and regulatory requirements. This includes the following guidelines set by frameworks like GDPR, HIPAA, and ISO/IEC 27001.
b. Documentation and Reporting: Maintaining thorough documentation and reporting of privileged access activities can help demonstrate compliance during audits and inspections.
As hybrid and cloud environments continue to evolve, so do cloud network security strategies. Managing both privileged access and entitlements are increasingly crucial to safeguard your cloud network and sensitive data. Over-entitlements can expose your organisation to significant risks, including data breaches, insider threats, compliance issues, operational disruptions, and increased attack surfaces. By adopting best practices such as the principle of least privilege, Just-In-Time access, continuous monitoring, and security training, you can protect your cloud environments and maintain operational efficiency.
To further safeguard your infrastructure, take advantage of our free environment scan in partnership with CyberArk. This Cloud Environment Scan provides you with an overview of all your current permissions and offers invaluable insights on reducing exposure and enhancing cloud network security. Speak to our team today to get your free environment scan and take the first step toward a more secure and efficient cloud infrastructure.
