The shift from on-premises to cloud-based infrastructure fundamentally changes how organizations approach cybersecurity. As businesses move their operations to the cloud, they face new challenges in protecting their digital assets and data.
In this post, we’ll explore the differences between on-premises and cloud cybersecurity. We’ll also discuss how the cloud alters traditional security concepts, introduces new vulnerabilities, and requires different protection strategies. Understanding these differences is crucial for organizations at any stage of cloud adoption, whether they’re just beginning their migration or looking to enhance their existing cloud security measures.
The changing face of corporate assets
One of the most fundamental changes in the move to cloud computing is the nature of corporate assets. In the on-prem world, organizations primarily deal with physical servers, networks, and data centers. Now, assets are increasingly virtual, distributed across various cloud services and platforms.
This shift has profound implications for security approaches. For instance, a company with numerous servers in the cloud may no longer need the expensive, high-end firewalls that were once a staple of on-prem security. Instead, the focus has shifted toward securing identities and ensuring device compliance.
For small to medium-sized businesses that have migrated their files to cloud storage solutions and use SaaS applications like Salesforce and DocuSign, investing in costly firewall infrastructure may no longer be necessary. The security needs of these companies are now more aligned with ensuring secure access to cloud resources rather than protecting an on-premises network perimeter.
Identity: The new perimeter
In the cloud era, identity has become the new perimeter. With resources accessible from anywhere at any time, robust identity and access management (IAM) is critical. A comprehensive IAM strategy should include:
- Multi-factor authentication to verify user identities
- Single sign-on solutions for seamless access across multiple platforms
- Privileged access management to control and monitor high-level permissions
Implementing a unified identity management system across cloud and on-prem environments is essential for maintaining security and usability. The goal is to have a single, unified identity that grants access to all applications and services, whether they’re Microsoft 365, Salesforce, DocuSign, or any other cloud-based tools. This approach will enhance your security while simplifying user experience and management.
Device compliance: Securing the endpoints
In today’s threat landscape, securing endpoints is critical for cloud and on-premises environments. The rise of token theft attacks in cloud environments has highlighted the importance of device compliance, while on-premises infrastructures face similar challenges.
This heightened focus on endpoint security is especially important given the increasing commoditization of cybercrime. Sophisticated attack methods — once the domain of highly-skilled hackers — are now available as services to less technically adept criminals. This democratization of cyberthreats emphasizes the need for solid security measures at every endpoint, regardless of IT environment.
To address this, your organization should create a robust device compliance strategy, enforcing strict policies that ensure all devices meet specific security standards before accessing corporate resources. This includes:
- Implementing endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions
- Regularly updating and patching all devices
- Ensuring only compliant devices can access corporate resources
By implementing strong device compliance policies, your organization can mitigate the risk of token theft attacks. Even if an attacker manages to steal authentication tokens, they won’t be able to use them without a compliant device, adding an extra layer of security.
Cloud-native vs. extended on-prem security
When securing cloud environments, there are two main approaches:
- Adopting cloud-native security tools
- Extending on-premises security solutions to the cloud
For organizations with hybrid environments, a combination of both approaches is often necessary. You should evaluate your company’s particular needs and choose solutions that provide comprehensive protection across your entire infrastructure.
Vendor due diligence
As organizations entrust more data and operations to cloud providers, thorough vendor due diligence becomes paramount. When evaluating cloud vendors, consider:
- Relevant security certifications (e.g., ISO 27001, SOC 2)
- Data handling and encryption practices
- Access controls and monitoring capabilities
- Incident response protocols
For well-established, large-scale providers like Microsoft, Google, or Salesforce, you can generally feel confident in their security measures. However, for smaller or niche providers — especially those specific to your industry — you need to perform a more rigorous due diligence process. For example, you may want to engage a third-party security firm to conduct a thorough assessment of the vendor’s security practices.
Adapting incident response for the cloud
Incident response in cloud environments differs significantly from on-prem scenarios. In many cases, the cloud provider may handle incidents internally, communicating with clients about impact and response.
When developing a cloud incident response strategy:
- Understand the shared responsibility model specific to your cloud provider
- Establish clear communication channels with your cloud provider
- Develop comprehensive response plans for various scenarios (e.g., credential theft, data breaches)
- Test and update your incident response procedures regularly
The nature of incidents in a cloud environment can vary. For a true SaaS platform breach, the vendor will likely handle most of the incident response internally. However, for credential compromise scenarios, the provider and the client may need to collaborate to determine the extent of the impact and necessary remediation steps.
Embracing the cloud security transition
Cloud computing offers tremendous benefits due to its scalability, flexibility, and cost-efficiency. However, it also comes with new security risks that need to be addressed. And as your organization navigates the transition from on-prem to cloud cybersecurity, you must adapt your approach.
Focusing on identity management, device compliance, and vendor due diligence can help you build a robust cloud security posture. It’s crucial to choose the right tools, whether cloud-native or extended on-prem solutions and adapt incident response strategies for the cloud era.
Balancing security needs with business objectives will ensure your organization can leverage the power of the cloud while maintaining a strong security posture. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution — instead, you should make decisions based on your specific needs and then align your security measures accordingly. By embracing this new paradigm and continuously adapting strategies, your business can confidently move into the cloud computing environment.
