Cloud app is ruling the tech world because of their ability to provide fast, reliable, and scalable services. The tech enthusiasts proudly said that the future of cloud app development and deployment would be outgrown and highly acceptable in the developers’ community.
According to projections from Gartner, the expenditure would expand at a rate of 20.7% and reach a total of $591.8 billion in 2023. The growth rate accelerated compared to 2022, when it was 20.4% and got a value of $494.7 billion (up from $410.9 billion in 2021). Cloud apps are challenged with security issues on the other side of the mirror.
The rise of cloud app development increases the overloaded data on cloud servers. Data is the biggest prey for hackers to breach and destroy software applications. That is why organizations are more concerned about the security of cloud apps and prioritizing security measures.
Before handing over your project to the outsourcing company, you must know what cloud app security measures they have taken to build the secure app. At MMCGBL, we have 5 major practices, i.e., Identity access management, Encryption, Threat monitoring, Data privacy & compliance, and Automated security testing.
However, the ultimate security challenges create unpredicted organization vulnerabilities and threats. It hurts organizational external and internal confidentiality and privacy. Let’s look at what challenges cloud application security can encounter while building and deploying cloud applications.
5 Major Challenges that Cloud App Security Hurts
In recent years, cloud computing has become essential to modern businesses, providing an efficient and cost-effective way to store, manage, and access data. However, with the growing popularity of cloud apps, the need for robust security measures has become more critical than ever. As we enter 2023, it’s important to understand the challenges of cloud app security and how to address them.
Data Breaches
Data breaches are one of the biggest security threats to cloud apps. With more and more data being stored in the cloud, the potential for a violation is increasing. Data breaches can occur due to various reasons, such as weak passwords, unpatched software, or phishing attacks.
Shadow IT
Shadow IT refers to using unauthorized cloud apps and services by employees. It poses a significant security risk as these apps may not be vetted for security and compliance standards. Without proper oversight, Shadow IT can compromise sensitive data, expose your organization to legal and regulatory risks, and undermine the overall security posture.
Insider Threats
Insider threats are the most challenging type of security threat to detect and mitigate. It can occur due to intentional or unintentional actions by employees. Insiders with legitimate access to cloud apps can compromise data by leaking sensitive information or stealing intellectual property. Insider threats are particularly concerning for organizations that deal with sensitive information, such as financial institutions, healthcare providers, and government agencies.
Compliance and Regulatory Challenges
Cloud apps must comply with various regulations like HIPAA, PCI-DSS, and GDPR. Non-compliance can result in severe legal consequences, including fines and reputational damage. Moreover, compliance regulations vary by industry and region, adding complexity to security policies and procedures.
Multi-Cloud Environments
Many organizations use multi-cloud environments to mitigate the risk of vendor lock-in, increase resiliency, and leverage different providers’ capabilities. However, managing security across multiple cloud providers can be challenging, as each provider has its security protocols and configuration requirements. This complexity can lead to security gaps, misconfigurations, and other vulnerabilities.
Read More: Cloud Application Development – A Comprehensive Guide for 2022 and Beyond
Addressing the Challenges of Cloud App Security
Strengthen Access Controls
One of the most effective ways to mitigate the risk of data breaches is to strengthen access controls. Ensure that only authorized users have access to the cloud app, and consider implementing multi-factor authentication, which requires additional verification beyond a password. Additionally, monitor user behavior and limit access to sensitive data on a need-to-know basis.
Monitor for Shadow IT
To prevent Shadow IT, organizations need to implement policies that restrict the use of unauthorized apps and services. Moreover, monitor network traffic for unauthorized cloud apps, and educate employees on the risks of using unapproved services.
Implement Insider Threat Detection
To detect and prevent insider threats, implement behavior analytics tools to monitor employee activity and detect anomalies. Additionally, provide employees with regular security training and awareness to reduce the likelihood of unintentional data breaches.
Ensure Compliance with Regulations
To ensure compliance with regulations, organizations need to understand the specific requirements of each regulation. Implement policies and procedures that align with the regulatory requirements, such as data encryption, access control, and regular audits.
Centralize Cloud Security Management
To manage security across multi-cloud environments, organizations should centralize cloud security management. Implement a unified security platform to monitor and manage cloud security across multiple providers. Additionally, use automated tools to simplify security configuration and management.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cloud app security is a complex and ever-changing field, requiring organizations to stay vigilant and proactive in addressing security risks. By understanding the challenges of cloud app security and implementing best practices, organizations can ensure their data’s integrity, availability, and confidentiality in the cloud.
At MMCGBL, we ensure our clients get a safe and secure cloud-based app, so we follow stringent practices to guarantee security. Our crew is highly professional and experienced in following standards that meet every client’s expectations.