How to Strengthen Your Azure Cloud Security

Besides ubiquity, cloud computing is adopted for its multi-functional capabilities. Improving technology has enabled even complex tasks to happen on remote enterprise cloud systems. This multi-functionality has made companies ever more reliant on their cloud systems to deliver everything needed to run the business. Such dependency makes enterprise cloud systems a favorite target for cyber attacks.

The battle to protect enterprise cloud systems against an ever-increasing and ever-improving virtual enemy is always ongoing. Cloud service providers, and their security service providers, are constantly updating their threat detection and mitigation strategies. Azure cloud security providers belong to that group, and they cater to the specific cybersecurity needs of businesses using Microsoft’s Azure cloud platform.

Fortifying the Bulwark in the Cloud

Both in-situ and cloud components of a business’s IT infrastructure must have security measures to withstand any cyber attack. There must be synergy between those components to make the overall security system seamlessly synchronized. A cybersecurity service can handle that task while adopting measures to enhance the azure cloud security side.

Know the Service Model You’re Under

Microsoft offers three types of service models under its Azure cloud services. It also implements the policy of shared responsibility in matters of security. Microsoft’s share in being responsible for security varies depending on the model of choice of your business. The models are as below:

  • Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS):  Here, Azure is only responsible for the physical infrastructure (hosts, data center, and networks). It is the only responsibility shared across all models by the company.
  • Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS): Azure handles physical security and OS. It shares identities and directories infrastructure, applications, and network controls with the client.
  • Software-as-a-Service (SaaS): Azure handles physical security, OS, network controls, and applications. Identity and directory infrastructure still is shared with the user.

Knowing the specifics of the model your business uses lets you understand the kind of security measures you must implement.

Utilize the Azure Security Center

Being a public cloud service provider, Azure is well aware of its role in stopping cyber threats from affecting itself, its clients, and the rest of the world. In this regard, the company has set up a dedicated security management system called Azure Security Center.

The system displays all related security information and provides the necessary tools to change them to suit your needs. Compliance gets integrated into the system, with the same presented there. The dashboard has a real-time presentation of the status. IT can also prevent attacks and malware and will notify you of the same. Utilize this facility to its fullest perpetually to ensure strong system security.

Follow the Handbook

Microsoft has also made available a handbook containing the best practices to implement to improve your cloud security. Some of the security practices mentioned in the documentation are:

  • Subscription upgrade to Azure Security Center Standard. You’ll get more functionality like vulnerability location and repair, AI and analytics-driven threat detection, and instantaneous responses to attacks.
  • Use the Azure Key Vault to store sensitive and confidential information.
  • Firewalling Web Applications.
  • Use of Multi-Factor Authentication for admin and similar accounts.
  • Encrypt files.
  • Use Azure Virtual Machines (VM) for external networked devices under Azure virtual network.
  • Use Azure DDoS security to stop DDoS attacks.
  • Implement robust internal security policies like Least Privilege Principle.
  • Conduct regular audits and upgrades.

Besides these, you could also use a verified third-party security product that works with Azure and your system.

Cloud computing adoption for business is no longer a choice but a mandate. Azure cloud security measures from all the stakeholders involved, including third-party providers, will keep the infrastructure safe and resilient against the tide of threats.

Bio: Ellen Hollington is a freelance writer who offers to ghostwrite, copywriting, and blogging services. She works closely with B2C and B2B businesses providing digital marketing content that gains social media attention and increases their search engine visibility.