The increase in cyber-attacks in 2021 is unprecedented and unrelenting. Coming on top of a 69% increase in escalation in 2020 and reported losses of $4.1 billion due to breaches, cloud security should be at the top of every MSP’s priority list.
While the public thinks about hackers targeting specific companies, cybercriminals today are also attacking MSPs directly by exploiting gaps in security software. This was underscored by the recent attack on MSPs – and their customers – through a vulnerability in Kaseya VSA, a cloud cybersecurity solution used by many MSPs.
The Kaseya attack was similar to the so-called supply chain attack used to insert malicious code into software updates for SolarWinds customers in 2020 which exposed data across hospitals, universities, private companies, and government agencies.
An attack on an MSP is also an attack on its customers, as malware and ransomware can spread through a network without the proper security in place.
As a Managed Service Provider, you want to make sure you are providing the best cloud security possible to keep your customers happy and keep their data safe. However, there are plenty of cloud cybersecurity options available, so how do you know which cloud security solutions deserve priority?
While you want a comprehensive cloud cybersecurity plan, here are a few of the areas to prioritize as you review your cloud security solutions.
Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFW)
The best strategy to prevent breaches is to identify and mitigate threat attempts before threat actors gain access to your network. Next-Generation Firewalls provide a deeper layer of protection than traditional firewalls.
While both a traditional firewall and NGFW use static and dynamic packet filtering for security, NGFW goes further by filtering packets at the application level. Signature matching, intrusion prevention systems (IPS), and application control make NFGW a more robust cloud security solution.
Cloud-based NGFWs should also integrate with threat intelligence to provide continuously updated information on emerging threats to stop attacks before they hit your network.
Intrusion Detection & Event Records
Intrusion detection software (IDS) and event logging records work together to monitor network activity. When suspicious activity occurs or anomalies are recognized, you receive alerts so you can investigate further.
IDS provides the alerts. Your event logs give you the granular detail you need to review and mitigate concerns.
At-Rest Encryption
By encrypting data at rest, you make it impossible to access data even if it’s removed from your cloud storage system.
While many business leaders understand the need to encrypt data in transit, the underlying data itself also needs to be protected. For example, some businesses and cloud service providers may store encryption keys within the network. If a cybercriminal can access the network, they then have full access to the encryption keys and the data.
If user credentials are compromised, data may also be exposed. That’s why you want to have strong authentication and identity protocols as part of your cloud security solutions.
Identity Management, Authentication, and Authorization
MSPs also need an identity management framework for cloud cybersecurity.
ID management, as part of an identity and access management (IAM) system, will authenticate users and authorize their access to particular resources. The best solutions will allow for configurations based on individual users, groups, and contextual authorization. Practicing the principles of least privilege (POLP), even authenticated users should only have access to the tools they need to do their job.
This authorization can occur at the application level and data level.
Network Segmentation
Network administrators also need to be aggressive in consistently employing network segmentation. Many of the recent ransomware and malware attacks were successful because they were able to move laterally within an organization once they passed edge security.
Network segmentation prevents lateral movement to help isolate threats.
A Comprehensive Cybersecurity Strategy
Cloud security threats do not appear to be slowing down anytime soon. Every business needs a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy to keep their networks and customers’ data secure.
One of the best ways to guarantee that your clients are protected in the cloud is to partner with an experienced cloud services provider. Cloud Services for MSPs has been providing superb cloud services to MSPs just like you for over 35 years. Learn more about our cloud services by calling (866) 883-8836, or fill out our quick contact form today.