Exploring the Nuances: On-Premises vs. Cloud Cybersecurity

The Complexities of Managing Cybersecurity in On-Premises vs. Cloud Environments

The Shifting Dynamics of Cloud Security

The emergence of cloud computing has revolutionized the way organizations handle their data and applications. However, it has also introduced a new layer of complexity when it comes to managing cybersecurity. While the goals of reducing risk, protecting confidential data, and meeting compliance requirements remain the same, the cloud‘s architecture and the subtle differences in various cloud platforms make cloud security more intricate.

Cloud environments, such as infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS), platform-as-a-service (PaaS), software-as-a-service (SaaS), and serverless computing, have become well-established options for organizations. However, many technical and management staff, who were trained in traditional on-premises environments, bring their operational biases when managing cloud security. They often fail to acknowledge the unique challenges posed by cloud environments, hindering their ability to effectively protect against cyber threats.

Three Clouds, Three Environments

Organizations typically use multiple cloud vendors to meet their operational needs, optimize performance and price, or access specialized capabilities. This approach, known as multicloud, is prevalent among midsize to large organizations. These organizations often combine multiple cloud environments with their on-premises servers and infrastructure, creating a hybrid cloud architecture.

Microsoft Azure is a popular choice for organizations running Windows-based applications, while Amazon Web Services (AWS) is commonly favored for large-scale web applications. Google Cloud Platform (GCP) is known for its analytics capabilities, making it appealing for organizations seeking advanced analytics. To effectively protect each cloud environment, cybersecurity teams must become experts in each one. However, this approach significantly increases the knowledge and effort required, as each cloud platform has its own distinct attack surface.

DMZ Differences

Another key distinction between on-premises and cloud environments lies in the concept of the demilitarized zone (DMZ). In a physical data center, the DMZ is a well-defined area designed to protect external-facing services. It involves implementing multiple security controls and monitoring mechanisms, with clear pathways into and out of the data center.

In contrast, the DMZ in the cloud is more of a logical construct and often doesn’t align with an organization’s mental model. Surprisingly, security scans often reveal unexpected vulnerabilities that expose organizational data outside the cloud environment. Managing the DMZ in the cloud requires specialized expertise that security architects focused on on-premises networks may lack.

Leaky Cloud Services

Attackers can exploit multitenant cloud services to communicate in and out of a cloud environment, bypassing the tenant’s network. For instance, an attacker breaking into an AWS environment can extend their access to an S3 bucket from the Internet or another AWS tenant. This activity occurs within the cloud service provider’s infrastructure, making it virtually invisible to the tenant’s network. In contrast, if the same activity were to take place within an on-premises network, it would likely be flagged as suspicious and detected by the security team.

The problem is not limited to cloud storage services; every cloud service has its unique features and controls, some of which may enable hidden external communication. It is crucial for cybersecurity teams to identify and monitor all these services, rather than solely focusing on the ones intended for use. Failure to do so leaves organizations vulnerable to attackers leveraging these hidden capabilities.

Problems with Updates

Cloud providers regularly update their services, introducing new features, improving existing ones, or changing default settings. This continuous evolution may expose organizations to risk due to the inclusion of services they did not intend to use. Attackers can leverage these leaky services to establish external communications, while an organization remains unaware of the potential breach.

In an on-premises data center, organizations have more control over software updates and would typically avoid installing software they do not intend to use. This approach minimizes the attack surface and potential vulnerabilities. However, cloud environments may introduce unexpected risks when default configurations change from restrictive to permissive policies, unknowingly exposing organizations to new threats. It is vital to stay vigilant and adapt cybersecurity measures accordingly.

Protecting Your Cloud

Understanding the nuances and operational differences between on-premises and cloud environments is essential for effective cybersecurity management. It is tempting to allow each business unit to choose their preferred cloud platform, but this approach requires substantial additional effort to adequately secure each cloud environment.

Ignoring the unique risks, including training and staffing priorities, can leave organizations susceptible to advanced attacks targeting their cloud footprint. The innovative cloud attacks of today will become tomorrow’s run-of-the-mill breaches. As such, organizations must prioritize cloud security and ensure their cybersecurity teams have the necessary expertise, controls, and monitoring in place.

Editorial:

The rapid adoption of cloud computing has brought significant benefits to organizations, such as increased scalability, flexibility, and cost savings. However, it is crucial for organizations to recognize and address the complexities associated with cloud security. Transitioning from traditional on-premises environments to the cloud requires a shift in mindset and the development of new security strategies.

Cloud security should not be treated as an afterthought or delegated solely to the IT department. It demands the attention and involvement of senior executives and board members to ensure that adequate resources are allocated and necessary investments are made to protect organizational assets and mitigate risks.

Furthermore, organizations need to foster a culture of continuous learning and innovation in the field of cybersecurity. The ever-evolving threat landscape requires cybersecurity professionals to stay ahead of potential risks and adopt a proactive approach. Investments in training programs and keeping up with the latest best practices are essential to maintaining a robust defense against cyber threats.

Conclusion

The complexities of managing cybersecurity in on-premises and cloud environments are distinct. Cloud environments introduce unique challenges, such as the need to become experts in multiple cloud platforms, the different nature of DMZs, the potential for hidden vulnerabilities in cloud services, and the risks associated with frequent updates and changes.

To protect against evolving cyber threats, organizations must prioritize cloud security as an integral part of their overall cybersecurity strategy. This requires a shift in mindset, the development of new skills, and a commitment to staying up-to-date with best practices. By investing in adequate resources, fostering a culture of continuous learning, and adopting a proactive approach, organizations can safeguard their valuable data and assets in the cloud.