Security First Approach to Cloud Migration

Taking a security-first approach to cloud migration means prioritizing security concerns and measures during the process of moving data, applications, and other resources to the cloud. This approach ensures that security is not an afterthought and is built into the migration process from the outset.

According to study conducted by Deloitte, it is recommended that companies adopt a cloud migration strategy that prioritizes cybersecurity as a means of establishing consumer trust. By implementing an integrated approach to cloud security, organizations can leverage it as a tool to enhance consumer confidence, particularly in today's digital landscape. Therefore, any migration to the cloud should prioritize security considerations.

What are the key steps to take when taking a security-first approach to cloud migration?

Identifying security risks

Before migrating any data or applications to the cloud, it's important to identify potential security risks and vulnerabilities. This can involve a thorough assessment of the current IT environment, including the types of data being stored, the applications being used, and the potential threats that could arise.

Assess The Situation Of Your Current Data

Before migrating your data to the cloud, you should evaluate your current data storage. This assessment helps you identify which data should be kept and which data can be disposed of. It's also crucial to categorize the data you're going to store in the cloud for easy tracking. Working with a data center migration consulting company such as Kyndryl can help you select an appropriate data migration plan.

Selecting a secure cloud provider

Choosing a reputable cloud provider that has a strong track record in security is crucial. The provider should offer robust security features and protocols, such as encryption, access controls, and monitoring and logging capabilities.

Consider A Phased Migration

Conducting a phased migration allows your team to familiarize themselves with cloud systems and minimize the risk of errors. Begin your data migration with low-priority data, then test your configuration and single out security gaps and bugs before transferring confidential or critical data.

Know The Data Compliance Requirements

Compliance regulations differ depending on the industry your business is in and your company's location. For instance, healthcare companies operating in the USA are required to conform to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996. Financial companies might need to comply with Gram-Leach-Bliley-Act and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) when dealing with sensitive customer data.

Establishing access controls

Access controls should be implemented to ensure that only authorized users can access sensitive data and applications. This can involve setting up multi-factor authentication, role-based access controls, and other security measures. Design Identity and Access Management (IAM) policies that follow the principle of least privilege, limiting access only to those users who require it to perform their job functions. Limiting authorized personnel and implementing two-factor authentication helps ensure proper security to your critical data throughout the cloud migration.

Data Deduplication

Deduplication, compressing the data, shrinks the required footprint of the new data storage, lessening its cost while still maintaining high-security standards.

Encrypting data

Encryption should be used to protect sensitive data both in transit and at rest. This can involve using encryption protocols such as SSL/TLS, IPsec, or AES. You can also use a transfer appliance to migrate large data safely, ensuring that the data is encrypted before leaving your facility.

Cleanup

Wiping retiring data drives is part of the decommissioning process, but it can be risky if not done carefully. It's best to have IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) firms do this. You could ask your ITAD for an appropriate data sanitization plan.

Implementing monitoring and logging

A robust monitoring and logging system should be put in place to track any suspicious activity and alert security teams in the event of a potential security breach. Organizations can monitor their cloud environment continuously to detect and respond to security incidents in a timely manner

Governance Framework

Establish robust cloud governance frameworks to ensure that their cloud environment adheres to organizational security policies and standards. After the cloud migration, reassess the cloud's security and its gaps periodically. Clouds have their vulnerabilities, and it's always good to be on the lookout for risks and ensure that all vital security measurements are implemented, and necessary patches are installed.

Summary

By taking a security-first approach to cloud migration, organizations can ensure that their data and applications are protected throughout the migration process and beyond. This can help to minimize the risk of security breaches, data loss, and other potential security threats.