An Enterprise’s Guide To Strengthening Linux Cloud Security

Technology, in many ways, has changed the way people do business. Modern society is highly digitalized, thanks to technological advancements in the Internet of Things (IoT).

Along with it, cloud computing has garnered much attention, too. More and more cloud-based solutions emerge on the market; in fact, businesses worldwide are looking to or have already invested in cloud-based storage solutions.  

Cloud storage is an effective way of streamlining a business’s operations. It’s also relatively secure in some respects. However, this doesn’t mean that cloud systems are infallible. Their exposure to the IoT and the Internet makes them vulnerable to cyberattacks, which are reported to have drastically increased recently. So, businesses need to bolster their cloud security. Fortunately, this is something with which cybersecurity experts can help you.  

Data is now a major asset for most companies, and of course it's critical to keep it secure. Here’s a guide on how businesses can strengthen their cloud and data security.

The Importance Of Linux Cloud Security 

Cloud security describes the various procedures and policies that protect cloud users and company data. A cloud security policy guides how you implement security measures, like antimalware tools, authentication, permissions, and antivirus software updates.  

The reason why Linux cloud security is important is that most cloud systems run on Linux architecture. Given how distributed systems are constructed, there's a relatively high probability of insecure configuration, which may result in security gaps. Misconfiguring a web application, for example, might create a pathway for cyber attackers to remotely control the cloud server.  

The rising popularity of the cloud suggests that cloud-based solutions are in great demand. But, because a lot of data passes through IoT, it puts organizations in a difficult position. IT administrators now have to proactively consider how they’ll store root passwords, the strength of those passwords, system integrity, and application security, among other things. 

As a result, every firm must foster a culture of security awareness. This begins by incorporating a zero-trust approach into your cloud security procedures. It implies you create security solutions based on the notion that interactions begin in an untrustworthy state. Given the constant evolution of cyber threats, a proactive approach to cybersecurity is essential today. This method allows you to stay on top of security threats and build effective counter-strategies.

Top Tips And Advice For Improving Linux Cloud Security 

Cloud Backup 

There’s probably not a day when you can firmly assert that your systems are 100% secure or impenetrable. The reality is that no matter how well you implement techniques to strengthen cloud security, the risk of data loss will still exist. Even though you shouldn't live in constant worry, you must always maintain a backup in case of a data breach or disaster to prevent your entire operations from falling apart. 

Organizations can’t afford to lose their data. A data breach may cause severe interruptions in workflow and productivity for some firms that depend heavily on data. That’s why it’s extremely important to invest in cloud backup services. 

Moreover, it’s important that you consider your system requirements before using any cloud backup solution. For example, you should note that not all cloud backup service providers support Linux operating systems. Therefore, if you have such a system, Linux cloud backup solution or any comparable alternative you can find would be ideal.

Use Access Controls 

Some cloud solutions may have optional access control features you could get to improve security even further, however, it’s ultimately your responsibility to set up the appropriate access controls to promote data safety.

Proper access controls are extremely useful in preventing insider theft. It’s frequently the case that many cyberattacks are launched from within the organization, whether deliberate or unintentional. So, it’s important to always know who has access to what.  

However, note that you could also set up your system so that select individuals can access certain parts of the system. That way, your employees can access the resources they need to be productive and get their respective jobs done.

Encrypt Your Data 

Data encryption is important as far as cybersecurity is concerned. The public networks that all traffic goes through to connect with cloud servers may be infiltrated with hackers. Given that your employees will constantly be sharing, uploading, and retrieving data via the cloud, there’s a possibility that hackers could intercept these exchanges and steal valuable information. Fortunately, there are several cloud encryption tools you can utilize. 

Nevertheless, it’d be best if you encrypt all of your enterprise's data, regardless of the format, to strengthen your cloud infrastructure's security. You should encrypt data in transit and at rest. When transferring files, ensure that you only use secure transfer protocols, such as Secure Shell (SSH), Secure Copy (SCP), and SSH File Transfer Protocol (SFTP). This way, your vulnerability to online cyberattacks and risk of data security breaches are significantly reduced. 

Monitor Cloud Threats 

Even if you’re confident that your cloud system is secure, you should always monitor your system for threats. This enables you to identify threats and deal with them before they fester. So, your company must continuously maintain visibility in all of its cloud technology. You can achieve this by continuously monitoring user behavior to gain insights and real-time data on how your cloud infrastructure is being used. 

Cyber attackers shouldn’t be underestimated regardless of how sophisticated you believe your defenses are. In fact, it’d be better to adopt a proactive approach in which you anticipate and prepare for cyber threats as much as possible. Hackers are constantly probing the Internet of Things in search of loopholes, that’s why continuous threat monitoring is essential.

You may have witnessed circumstances in which several unsuccessful login attempts from various IP addresses occurred. This should be a cause for alarm because hackers frequently utilize passwords to penetrate networks. Fortunately, most Linux systems keep authentication logs that allow you to monitor login activities. But, for added visibility, consider using malware scanning and intrusion detection programs. 

Thankfully, many cloud service providers are equipping their systems with built-in cloud threat detection features. You must ensure that such capabilities are enabled at all times. Most systems employ a mix of telemetry sources, such as network flow logs that use analytics and supplementary threat intelligence sources, to identify threats.  

Invest In Employee Training 

Your employees might be the biggest indirect threat to your business’s cloud security. Bear in mind that they’re the ones interacting with your cloud systems most of the time. Plus, they’re the ones interacting with customers and handling customer information a lot of the time. And, one of the easiest methods for hackers to get your data is through phishing. Therefore, giving your staff frequent, thorough training is crucial.  

You must equip your employees with the knowledge to responsibly use IT resources and networks. One way of doing this is by creating a clear and sound cybersecurity policy. This will guide employees on how to use the connected IoT devices and systems in the company. By doing this, your staff will be able to recognize phishing attacks and avoid them. Regular staff training can help avoid any misuse resulting from ignorance or carelessness. 

Monitor Usage & Conduct Regular Audits

Ideally, you should audit the personnel who have access to the cloud. You should also keep track of how these users interact with the system. Keep an eye out for unauthorized file sharing and investigate any other questionable behavior you notice. This allows you to detect people who’ve gained illegal access to your cloud servers. As mentioned previously, you need to work with the presumption that vulnerabilities may be present. So, consider implementing procedures that hold your workers or anyone with access to your systems accountable.

Improve Password Security 

Strong passwords are a crucial cybersecurity measure that can improve your cloud security. One of the other ways that hackers can infiltrate a system, profile, or account is through hacking passwords. 

Some people set simple passwords because of the fear of forgetting them. But, that’s a fatal mistake. Setting an easy password makes the cyberattacker's job much easier. Most people that get their accounts hacked or their identity stolen experience those things because of poor password management practices. That’s why it’s extremely important to set up strong passwords for all your cloud infrastructure and services. 

Multi-factor authentication is one method of enhancing password security. There are countless possibilities for multi-factor authentication; pick the one that works best for you. Another fantastic idea is to invest in a password manager that can keep all your passwords safe so you won’t have to worry about forgetting them. You could also urge your employees to invest in a good password manager. Also, consider using SSH keys in place of passwords. 

Establish Cloud Deletion Policies 

Whether you want to switch to a new cloud system or stick with your current one, managing the data of your former clients should be your top priority. Customer data should be systematically erased when the data retention time has passed. Therefore, strict data deletion rules must be established by organizations to properly and securely erase data from the system while upholding strict GDPR compliance. Also, always choose reputable cloud service providers since, at least with them, you can trust that all concerned data are deleted safely. 

Conclusion 

Given the increasing frequency of cyberattacks, every firm must invest in cloud security. While cloud solutions typically have built-in security safeguards, you should go a step further to strengthen your system security. So, consider applying some of the ideas stated above, or talk with a reputable specialist who can assist you in developing a solid cybersecurity strategy.