Many securities teams focus on the risks associated with cloud-based services. That’s understandable since many potential vulnerabilities and new types of exploits arise in the cloud. Keeping up with all these threats is easier said than done, especially when considering how threat actors do not act alone or in a vacuum; they work together and create new attack vectors.

That’s why it’s essential to have a comprehensive CSPM security strategy in place. Security professionals must constantly review their security postures and adapt as new threats and risks emerge. But what should you do specifically to de-risk your cloud service? Here are seven strategies.

1. Implement a Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB)

It would help if companies started by having the right cloud security tools. A must for your toolbox is a CASB, which provides visibility into user behavior and activities across multiple cloud apps and services. 

It creates an additional layer of protection between your organization’s data and exposure to outside threats. Your company can also use a CASB to enforce security policies on cloud apps, including data loss prevention (DLP), encryption, and access control.

2. Harden Your IaaS and PaaS Infrastructure

Just as you would secure your on-premises infrastructure, you need to do the same for your cloud infrastructure. This includes securing your servers and applications, using proper access controls, and deploying firewalls and intrusion detection/prevention systems. 

It would help if you considered using micro-segmentation to further restrict access to specific resources and applications.

3. Use Strong Authentication and Authorization

It would help if you used strong authentication and authorization mechanisms in the cloud. This includes two-factor authentication, multi-factor authentication, and role-based access control (RBAC). It would help if you also used unique identifiers (UIDs) to track users and activities.

4. Restrict Access to Sensitive Data

You should carefully control access to sensitive data, whether it’s stored in the cloud or not. Limit access to authorized users only and use two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible. You should also encrypt data in transit and at rest to make it more difficult for hackers to gain access.

5. Use Data Loss Prevention (DLP) Solutions

Just as you would implement a DLP solution on-premises, you should do the same with your cloud service to control, monitor, and prevent unauthorized use of sensitive data. A DLP solution can help you identify sensitive data in the cloud and prevent it from being accessed or shared inappropriately.

6. Use Cloud Security Monitoring and Reporting Tools

You need to be able to track activities and events in the cloud so that you can quickly detect and respond to any malicious or unauthorized activity. 

This includes using security monitoring and reporting tools specifically designed for the cloud. These tools can help you identify anomalous or suspicious activity, so you can take corrective action before any damage is done.

7. Train Your Employees

Last but not least, you need to train your employees to use the cloud securely. They need to be aware of the dangers and risks of using the cloud and know how to safeguard themselves and their organization’s data.

Role of CSPM in De-Risking Your Cloud Environment

Cloud security posture management (CSPM) is a process that allows organizations to assess and manage the security risks associated with using cloud services. 

It involves identifying which cloud services are being used, assessing the security of those services, and taking steps to mitigate any risks.

1. De-Risk Cloud Environment

CSPM security tools can help organizations de-risk their cloud environments by comprehensively viewing the security risks associated with cloud services. It allows organizations to identify and assess the risk of using specific cloud services and mitigate those risks.

2. Use Firewalls and DLP

CSPM is an integral part of any organization’s overall security strategy and should be used with other security tools such as firewalls and DLP solutions. It’s an essential part of cloud security as a whole, allowing organizations to identify the risks associated with using specific cloud services and take steps to mitigate those risks.

Cloud security posture management is critical for all organizations, whether they use public or private cloud services. Unfortunately, many IT teams aren’t aware of its importance, and other teams don’t realize that they need to monitor their cloud services continuously.

If you’re not using cloud security posture management, now is the time to start. It’s the best way to ensure the safety of your data and your organization.

These are just some of the things you can do to de-risk your cloud service. By following these strategies, you can help reduce the chances of a security incident happening in your organization.