Top 10 Cloud Security Planning Considerations: A Guide for Policy Makers

With the ever-expanding use of cloud computing, information security within cloud environments remains a concern for many businesses. As more and more companies tap on this technology, there are also more avenues for cybercriminals to break into these systems. Whether private, public or multi-cloud, it is paramount to formulate a cloud security policy and have proactive measures to take against cyber security breaches before they happen. This article will outline 10 cloud security planning considerations to ensure your company's data is safer in the cloud.

Top 10 Cloud Security Planning Considerations

As you plan your cloud security, here's what to consider in order to complete a successful migration while ensuring data protection.

1. Establish the desired end result

Familiarize yourself with the various types of cloud deployment, for starters. This includes:

• Private cloud: An on-premises cloud for single organizations with strict security requirements.
• Public cloud: A cloud service shared by multiple users.
• Hybrid cloud: A combination of private and public cloud infrastructures.
• Multi-cloud: Multiple public clouds from various cloud service providers.

By first understanding the types of clouds offered, this enables you to have a clearer understanding of the cloud migration process applicable for your business.

2. Select suitable platforms to mitigate to

Moving forward, you can proceed to consider the different cloud service providers and their capabilities. For instance, you can opt for more control over your cloud through Fujitsu Managed Private Cloud Service (FMPCS) that's only accessible to your enterprise. Or if you prefer the agile working capabilities of a hybrid environment, VMware Private Cloud managed alongside Amazon Web Services (AWS) is a viable option worth considering for cloud adoption.

3. Understand regulatory and compliance requirements

When finding a cloud storage service provider, make it a point to learn more about their data centers where your data will be stored beforehand. You may also want to consult your legal team that you're complying with government regulations and policies before leveraging on the cloud.

4. Consider if there's a need for on-premises systems

Working alongside security professionals either from your company or the cloud service provider, you may consider if there's a need for on-premises systems. This will determine the amount of time it'll take to transition to the cloud environment. Additionally, ensure that your selected cloud solution is compatible with your existing Information Technology (IT) architecture.

5. Define cloud ownership

As you make the shift, it is also imperative to assign appropriate roles and responsibilities for full security and compliance. By identifying and authenticating users to manage access across the network, you minimize the risk of data leakage and strengthen overall access security.

6. Be prepared for cloud security threats

Cloud security threats such as data loss, account hijacking and misconfigurations are prevalent issues to protect against. By running occasional incident drills, you can improve reaction time and better mitigate the impact it has on your business.

7. Develop a risk management plan

It is crucial to implement a risk management plan for the necessary incident response action to take in the event of cloud security threats. With relevant frameworks in place, this ensures your company is ready to respond. You can also tap into security tools provided by your cloud service provider and their disaster recovery plan to meet your business needs.

8. Monitor your cloud environments

To detect and flag suspicious behavior, there's a need for ongoing security of your cloud infrastructure. By monitoring your cloud environments through manual and automated processes, this prevents your business from being an easy target of cloud security threats and the substantial financial costs that may follow.

9. Document your security policies

A breach in data security can result in a complete loss of customer trust, which may have huge consequences for any company's bottom line. As the business grows, it's crucial to document your security policies so that your staff is knowledgeable on the appropriate protocols. Employees can always refer to your company's security strategy and be well-informed on any best practices in this ever-changing digital landscape.

10. Review your cloud security plan regularly

Always revisit your cloud security plan and update it accordingly to industry standards. By keeping it effective and comprehensive, your company can protect itself from these types of breaches.

Make the Transition Seamlessly with Fujitsu

While cloud computing has become a popular choice to store data remotely and access them on demand from any device, it is also becoming increasingly difficult to protect data and intellectual property on the cloud. As such, when moving data to the cloud, it's important to have these proper cloud security planning considerations in place.

In order to protect your company's data assets from the start, have peace of mind when transitioning to the cloud with Fujitsu as your trusted partner for migration, orchestration, management and continuous delivery.

For organizations looking to embrace digitalization, Fujitsu offers an extensive portfolio of cutting-edge digital technologies to optimize your business' operations. Having over 80 years of experience, we're supporting businesses worldwide with Managed Security Services and Security Consulting Services while upholding the most stringent security standards. Get in touch with us today for more information.