The future of security: Why your next move should be to cloud

Ask a cybersecurity expert about securing applications, and they’ll usually tell you the best way is to house them on-premise or in a private cloud. Why? Because they’ve built unique security controls and practices for their on-premise environments that might not translate to the cloud, where everything is software-based and deeply integrated.

The cloud presents new opportunities for enterprises, but also new risks — risks you can mitigate with new strategies. Today's public cloud-based apps are achieving and often surpassing security parity with data center-based ones.

Let’s explore how enterprises should approach security when moving to the cloud, from the security options available, like access controls and continuous monitoring, to API integrations and third-party apps that enhance overall security.

How does enterprise cloud security differ from on-premise security?

There are three main differences between cloud and on-premise application security:

1. Shared responsibilities: Cloud providers use a shared responsibility model for data protection and cybersecurity, covering various aspects of the infrastructure, network, and data. For example:
   1. Providers are responsible for physical security (including disaster recovery planning, business continuity, and legal and personnel requirements), as well as the underlying infrastructure elements like computing, hypervisors, storage, databases, and networking.
   2. Customers of cloud providers are responsible for data protection, identity and access management (IAM), security OS and cloud security configuration, network security, and encryption.
2. Software: Everything in the cloud is software-based, bringing unique security controls and process requirements, and introducing new tools and services to fulfill security objectives. The cloud provider handles this, but cloud customers can enhance it with their own security tooling and processes.
3. Governance: Regardless of where apps and data are stored, enterprises need governance workflows and processes. Migrating to the cloud requires restructuring governance to be more agile and continuous. Enterprises will likely involve a wider group of stakeholders and make decisions faster than typical for on-prem governance practices.

Additional considerations for regulated industries

Regulated industries will have to add other considerations to ensure their cloud deployment meets all guidelines, such as:

Compliance requirements. Compliance is a challenge for 76% of businesses, so most cloud providers offer a range of compliance and audit attestations related to the capabilities, features, and controls they maintain. Enterprises must meet these requirements as their part of the shared responsibilities, and will also offer a range of compliance and audit attestations related to their responsibilities. For example, healthcare or financial services organizations should know what security controls and access workflows they need before choosing a relevant cloud provider.

Cloud security controls visibility. Cloud controls provide settings and options that enable various security functions like logging and administrative access. Dealing with large cloud environments like AWS and Microsoft Azure or large user bases like enterprise-sized businesses can be overwhelming. Enterprises should leverage the cloud security tools providers offer and apply industry best practices to initially configure and secure their cloud accounts and subscriptions, such as the Center for Internet Security benchmarks.

Role-based access controls. RBAC introduces the concept of app access based on the user’s role or job. For example, cloud architects and DevOps engineers need privileged or administrative access to advanced or back-end features of a cloud app, while a business user only needs access to front-end features. Creating an RBAC strategy and aligning it with user groups simplifies access management and ensures no one has more access than they need.

Automation and APIs. Cloud provider APIs give enterprises access to a wider range of applications that may use the cloud app. Access should be given based on app and API requirements so that nothing has more access than necessary (much like RBAC for users).

A good enterprise cloud security strategy ensures that workflows are covered, industry regulations are met, and a reputable cloud provider is used that meets or exceeds enterprise needs.

Challenges cloud migrations

Security teams moving from a data center or on-prem server environment to the cloud will face several challenges, such as:

• Lack of cloud skills or knowledge: Cloud security is handled differently, so teams should lean on their provider’s security features and migration options to align workflows and needs. This is vital because nearly 80% of businesses need more cloud resources or expertise.
• Poor IAM: Many enterprises struggle with identifying appropriate user and least-privilege roles and may lack complete identity policies. This is especially true for large enterprises. Any weaknesses in on-prem identity and access management controls will need to be addressed when moving to the cloud.
• Data exposure: Large network environments contain many data storage and processing resources. Poorly configured access controls, encryption, and other data protection measures make it easy to accidentally expose data during and after the cloud migration.
• Misconfigured control settings: Cloud control settings handle configuration settings that could lead to exposure or increased threat surfaces if improperly managed, a concern for 51% of businesses. Admin console access, authentication requirements, network access controls, and APIs should always be tightly configured during the migration process and monitoring for ongoing compliance should be implemented.
• Lack of visibility and monitoring: Cloud operations are more dynamic than on-prem or data center app deployments, leading to security teams scrambling to understand what’s happening.
• Insufficient and regular cloud security training: Enterprises moving to the cloud should hold relevant and regular cloud security awareness training for all users. This reduces the chances of cloud misconfigurations, increases control visibility, counters insider and human threats, and addresses the skills gap.
• Certifications and compliance: In addition to CIS and alignment with other standards, like NIST, certifications ,such as ISO 27001/27017 and SOC 2, Type II should be considered. This ensures staff is fully versed in the relevant security techniques and can advise the business accordingly.

As you can see, cloud migration involves more than simply signing a contract with a cloud provider and porting over data and access accounts. Enterprises ready to enjoy the benefits of the cloud can take steps to successfully prepare for and mitigate cloud security threats.

Mitigating enterprise cloud security threats

The most important step to successfully handling cloud security threats is establishing proper cloud governance and security incident management. For some enterprises, this might mean aligning their current strategies with the cloud provider’s; for others, it might mean creating one for the first time.

Cloud governance should cover everything from regular oversight and administration, change management, incident management and disaster recovery, individual team workflow needs, IAM, information security, and regulatory requirements. Engaging representatives from relevant business areas will ensure all areas are covered and have a stake in the configuration, maintenance, and management of cloud security. A well-implemented on-prem solution will have these controls in place. However, they’ll just need to be re-evaluated to ensure they align with cloud capabilities that provide the same services but may work differently.

One area that is of lower priority for enterprises is enterprise cloud security training, with just 12% of businesses worrying about it right now. Upskilling existing resources and providing regular cloud security awareness training will help more than 70% of enterprises that Gartner predicts will use industry cloud platforms to accelerate their business initiatives and mitigate any challenges.

Security training is vital for any modern business because the cloud works differently then on-prem solutions, and poor cloud security awareness often results in compromise.

Security differences between Jira server to Jira cloud

At Appfire, we’re interested in the differences in security between Jira Server to Jira Cloud. While Jira Server is a good option for many, Jira Cloud offers built-in security options that are just as robust as those available on standalone servers. However, many enterprises are hesitant to move from Jira Server to Jira Cloud because they’re unaware of the Cloud option's security features or how it would integrate with their current security strategy.

Here’s a quick comparison of the security features and options of both Jira Cloud and Jira Server.

Appfire apps built for a secure cloud

Appfire is committed to helping customers improve their enterprise cloud security by providing third-party apps they can use in Atlassian apps like Jira Cloud. We built the Appfire Trust Center as the hub for all things trust, security, and compliance. On it, we outline the various security features, processes, workflows, and programs we participate in.

Our apps meet many top compliance guidelines, such as GDPR, SOC 2, EU/US Data Privacy Framework Principles, and several ISO certifications. We participate in the Atlassian Cloud Fortified Badge Program, which includes bug bounty, penetration testing and alignment with other security requirements. Check out the Trust Center for the latest information on our products and services' security, privacy, and compliance.

We have a suite of cloud-ready Appfire apps ready for deployment on any cloud environment, including: Clone Plus for Jira, Configuration Manager for Jira (CMJ), and JSU Automation Suite for Jira Workflows. We’ve developed these to match the security features of Atlassian-made add-ons. We’re a Platinum Marketplace Partner, demonstrating our commitment to enhanced security and compliance for our 1+ million users globally.

For example, CMJ can help you facilitate change management for Jira Cloud security. Organizations concerned about security will appreciate the total control and visibility CMJ offers over Jira Cloud configurations as they roll out changes. It's a non-traditional security solution that helps organizations maintain confidence in the health of their Jira configurations.

No matter your cloud setup, Appfire has you covered with apps that help you enhance cloud security without needing additional Atlassian licenses for seats.

Elevate your security with cloud solutions

Moving to the cloud doesn’t mean compromising on security. With the right approach, you can enhance your security strategy beyond what you’re used to with on-prem environments. The cloud is about more than adopting new tools or technologies; it’s about rethinking your security strategy to take full advantage of the cloud.

With proper governance, ongoing training, and smart use of third-party apps like those from Appfire, you can match and even exceed the security you’ve had previously. The cloud is ready to elevate your security to the next level, and with the right partner, you will be too.