Balanced Defenses: Harmonize Cloud Security

While cybersecurity is an exhilarating field, no one wants to be on the wrong end of its excitement. Security expectations are high, and vigilance is needed on multiple fronts: on-premise, in the cloud, and among staff who need remote access. How do we approach designing a solution that aligns with the best in class, keeps data and business flowing and does not introduce delays that make working difficult?

Imagine this: you are conducting business with drive and ready to strategize the next steps of the mission, only to be disrupted by news of a cyber-attack that interrupts transactions, sends an organization into a tailspin, and challenges digital trust. Even when it seems there's no time, we must prioritize security. Cybersecurity is a continuously evolving jigsaw puzzle; there's no pause button, even when you're swamped or need to make a crucial connection to the system. Deals and complex acquisitions demand attention, yet your access to the organization's information presents an opportunity for others to inflict harm.

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The Guards and Locks

Regarding cloud security best practices, it is imperative to consider reputable cloud providers, implement strong access controls, ensure data encryption, monitor activities, and regularly back up data. Equally crucial is the need to train employees in known security rules to prevent inadvertent breaches. Sometimes, internal network access is unwittingly granted by unsuspecting staff members; here, continued education can shield us from potential damage.

Automation and observability across an organizations data center and multi-cloud environments are essential. Think of these principles as the “global positioning system” for your digital business; tools that guide teams and enhance performance through precision. As for who's in charge of cybersecurity operations, it's crucial to identify the right professionals with a proven track record in spending and data analysis.

A key point to remember about cybersecurity is that all security measures must be choreographed to work together seamlessly in the design. I often reflect on the cybersecurity specialists with whom I work. Riding a rollercoaster can be thrilling when you're securely fastened in your seat, but it becomes terrifying if the safety harness malfunctions. I can’t help but admire the challenge they have accepted; they are tasked with keeping that harness working for everyone.

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Watch and Value

Observability across all systems and platforms is a required goal. By centralizing these actions, we can provide organizations with seamless application experiences. Operations leaders, proficient in data and spending and aided by automation, serve as our choreographers, setting the pace and ensuring our steps are synchronized. In the area of Enterprise Resource Planning, precision is crucial. Our unwavering goal is to establish digital trust. An optimally choreographed solution should be so seamless that its presence is barely perceptible. Organizations must evaluate risks, align teams, and prioritize threats, grounded in a clear understanding of vulnerabilities.

Think of disaster recovery as a backup for your backup — configured with failovers and regional backups. It involves selecting the most secure vault for your digital assets. While we may not always have tangible evidence of thwarted attacks, we certainly recognize when we've faltered.

Challenges, such as burnout, persist for those working in the field of software security. Striking the right balance between simplicity and productivity is another crucial point. We must exchange stress for security, ensuring our trajectory remains stable and distanced from looming threats. Let’s ensure that we do not overlook our security experts.

Centralizing observability and considering costs are key. While consistency in security is laudable, remember that a sandcastle on the beach stands majestic only until the tide comes in. Your preparation holds value, grounded in current and past situations, but unpredictability always looms, presenting numerous potential threats.

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The clouds are gathering – in a good way!

The future of cybersecurity looks promising. Investments in cloud security are on the rise, with companies like Google focusing on creating security-specific AI. The anticipated merger between Cisco and Splunk in early 2024 promises enhanced coordination. However, the question remains: How thrilling do you want your enterprise security experience to be? Ideally, thrilling enough to keep us alert and your data protected.

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Richard Lakpassa, CISSP, M.F.A Naftuli Singer Al Ledgister BS, AWS-CSA, Azure, GCP, CCNA, ITIL Khilola Turaeva Kim Taite Elonzo D Coleman, MBA Kamal P. Faith Edison Eva Tenya, B.S., B.A., AWS-CSA Pawan Kumar, AWS-CSA Michael Gibbs