The cloud function is something that more companies are establishing and implementing in their everyday life in addition to awareness training. It is easy to use and employees can access the documents. However, if you are not careful with your data and cloud, files and documents might fall into the wrong hands. That's why it's important to assess the level of security in the cloud. CSPM helps with this.
Keep an eye on the cloud
Many companies have started using the cloud for document storage and file sharing. It's easy and anyone can access it - no matter where they are in the world. But not many people consider the level of security of using cloud storage. That's why it's a good idea to reassess cloud security. As long as you keep security in mind, you can still use cloud sharing safely.
There will always be a risk when you connect your files and data to the internet. This is where CSPM comes in.
CSPM is short for Cloud Security Posture Management. The essence of CSPM is that you do quality assurance of your cloud storage, just like you do an assessment of your security posture of your cybersecurity.
When you make an assessment of the (cyber) security level of your company, you assess which entrances hackers can get in through, i.e. where the weaknesses lie. The same applies to CSPM. By going through a security assessment of your cloud storage, you can find weaknesses and vulnerabilities that may exist in the cloud system.
How does CSPM work?
CSPM identifies and localizes vulnerabilities in the infrastructure of the cloud storage.
The solution works by comparing the cloud with a variety of security risks. By comparing the content and software of the cloud with security risks, it becomes possible to identify the elements that could jeopardize documents and files in the cloud.
Some solutions follow classic sets of rules and where you manually check them one by one for compliance. Other CSPM solutions use ML (machine learning) to identify threats. ML aligns and compares with the technologies used to penetrate security systems, allowing the system to correct any gaps and flaws that the hacker could exploit.
Some of the key capabilities of CSPM are:
- Monitoring across multiple cloud services.
- Mapping configurations to the security network.
- Detect misconfigurations in real time.
- Alerting users of suspicious activity.
Why is it important to use CSPM?
When a company uses local security networks, personal data is secured by both digital walls as well as real walls. It is difficult for unauthorized people to access the software and files, as it is tangible and clear to see what needs to be protected.
It's the opposite with cloud storage. Cloud storage doesn't have the physical security of local servers. And if you're a larger business with a lot of users and documents, you'll need to digitize the storage and retention of files.
On top of this, technology is replacing people in the workplace, which creates a gap in security. Therefore, it is important to implement a higher level of security, as not many companies consider investing in cloud security, even their most important data depends on it.
Typical misconfigurations
Misconfigurations refer to errors, gaps and pitfalls in security settings, all of which can put data at risk.
Some typical misconfigurations include:
- Unlimited inputs and outputs.
- Errors in handling Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP).
- Lack of identity management and access control.
- Incorrect API management and documentation.
Cloud storage is a huge landscape to maneuver around - depending on a company's needs, monitoring misconfigurations can be a difficult task to do manually. That's why many resort to automated CSPM. As long as the security of cloud storage is central to a company, they are also securing personal data and files.
Benefits of using CSPM
You can prevent conscious and unconscious dangers by implementing CSPM. IT criminals try to exploit cloud storage as it is easier for them to hack. Therefore, companies can increase the risk of the hacker gaining access to the cloud storage by not monitoring or configuring the cloud storage.
Some of the benefits of using CSPM are:
- Increased visibility and availability between multiple cloud storages.
- The ability to monitor the cloud.
- Minimizing employees ignoring reminders of suspicious activity now that it is being confirmed or deniedby the CSPM.
- Threat detection and cyber risk reduction.
In addition to these, CSPM can help with data breaches and leaks. Firstly, CSPM is a proactive solution to minimize security breaches. And secondly, CSPM monitoring is live - it responds to leaks in real time, shortening the response time. Some victims may not realize the data breach and leak until after the damage has been done. It can take up to several weeks before they discover the data breach.
When you have control over the monitoring of your cloud, you can use the function more safely. It is an easier solution for many companies to use cloud storage, allowing more employees to access various relevant files.
Caroline Preisler
Caroline is a copywriter here at Moxso beside her education. She is doing her Master's in English and specializes in translation and the psychology of language. Both fields deal with communication between people and how to create a common understanding - these elements are incorporated into the copywriting work she does here at Moxso.
View all posts by Caroline Preisler