Many organizations consider cloud computing an essential tool for their operations. In fact, experts estimate the global cloud computing market to hit $670 billion in 2024.
However, this increasing dependence on cloud infrastructure also has a downside: an increase in the number of security breaches. According to the 2023 Cloud Security Study by Thales Group, a data breach occurred in the cloud environment of 39% of businesses last year, compared to the 35% reported in 2022. Of those breaches in 2023, over half were caused by human error.
Since cloud servers don’t reside on premises, small businesses can no longer rely on conventional perimeter security to protect their cloud environments. Organizations should therefore adopt a zero trust cloud security framework to guarantee robust protection in an ever-evolving technological landscape.
Zero trust: A paradigm shift in security
The zero trust security model operates under the fundamental rule of “never trust, always verify.” No user, device, or application, regardless of its origin or network affiliation, should be automatically granted access. Zero trust hinges on the following core principles:
- Continual verification – Any attempt to access data or resources is treated as a potential security risk and must always be verified with stringent authentication procedures.
- Least privilege access – Users gain access only to the specific systems and data they need for their designated tasks, minimizing the attack surface and potential damage in the event of unauthorized access.
- Assumed breach – The zero trust model works under the assumption that users and devices can be compromised at any time. Continuous monitoring and vigilant analysis of network activity allow organizations to detect and respond to suspicious behavior swiftly. This mitigates the impact of any potential breach.
- Perpetual monitoring and analysis – Like a dedicated security guard, zero trust frameworks continuously monitor and analyze all network activity. This proactive approach catches anomalies and irregularities in real time, allowing for swift intervention and the prevention of potential security incidents.
The benefits of implementing a zero,trust cloud security framework
Adopting a zero trust framework delivers several advantages for organizations navigating the complexities of the cloud environment:
- Enhanced threat protection – Zero trust provides a holistic defense against both internal and external threats. With stringent identity verification and access controls, organizations can minimize the risk of data breaches caused by compromised accounts and insider threats.
- Optimized security policies – The continuous monitoring and real-time threat detection capabilities of zero trust frameworks enable proactive management of security risks.
- Enhanced flexibility and scalability – Zero trust frameworks are agile security solutions, capable of adapting to ever-changing needs and accommodating various work models.
- Improved compliance – Companies subjected to data security regulations such as PCI DSS, the European Union’s GDPR, and HIPAA require robust data security measures to remain compliant. Implementing a zero trust framework enables organizations to easily adhere to these regulations.
How to implement zero trust
To implement zero trust security in your small business, follow these steps:
- Audit data – Assess the type, sensitivity, and location of your data. Grant minimal access to individuals based on their essential needs.
- Use IAM controls – Utilize robust identity and access management (IAM) controls to define roles and access, ensuring appropriate user permissions.
- Limit access – Restrict access to devices, applications, and data to those who truly need them for their job.
- Assume breach – Operate under the assumption that applications, services, identities, and networks are compromised, enhancing response time and minimizing damage in case of a breach.
- Verify continuously – Adopt a “never trust, always verify” mindset by consistently confirming the identity and access privileges of all devices and applications.
- Use affordable solutions – Explore cost-effective zero trust solutions like Microsoft 365 Business Premium, which provides productivity and cybersecurity for small businesses.
Zero trust is a necessity for all businesses
Robust security is not a luxury, but a critical necessity for organizations. While your business may not have the global footprint of X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, or Uber, the impact of a data breach can be even more detrimental for a smaller organization. That’s why it’s important to adopt proven security strategies like the zero trust framework.
If you want to adopt a zero trust cloud security framework for your New Jersey business, contact our team at Online Computers today. We will assist you in navigating the intricacies of the cloud and establishing a robust, scalable, and future-ready security foundation.