Modern application development techniques are constantly innovating, which is a good thing for streamlining and making things easier for businesses working digitally. However, it also creates new challenges for security teams to keep up with. Cloud-native technologies have expedited the production process, but traditional security models are not equipped to handle the complexities of these new application workflows.
This results in big gaps in security with reduced prevention controls, poorer visibility, and tools that aren’t equipped with automation yield. Thankfully, cloud-native security platforms were introduced to fill these gaps. Before we get into the details of cloud-native security, we should first go through what we mean by ‘cloud native’.
What does cloud native actually mean?
You might have heard the term cloud native in IT and technology circles as it is becoming a popular approach for many businesses. It essentially involves creating and running applications on a cloud computing model of delivery rather than the traditional on-premises data centre. With a focus on CI and CD (continuous integration and continuous delivery).
The cloud native framework is composed of various components that offer protection, like serverless security, Platform as a Service (PaaS), containers, and microservices. They are loosely coupled and not hardwired to any form of infrastructure.
This means that organisations can run scalable applications in dynamic environments like public, private, and hybrid clouds. Due to the robust automation involved as well, engineers have the ability to frequent and impactful changes with minimal risk to the overall operations of the business. Not only that but productivity can be increased, the business can be more agile and flexible online, and there will be an element of cost saving too.
In summary, cloud native is a type of software development that is specifically designed for cloud delivery and making the most of everything the cloud has to offer. Making online processes smoother, quicker, and more convenient for businesses.
Enter cloud-native security
The cloud has many useful benefits as you probably know, but the inherent risk in moving important data to and from cloud services means security needs to be at its best. This is why cloud native security, the next natural step in cloud native technology, is key.
Incorporating cloud native security into your development strategy will address changes to the processes, teams, and infrastructure needed to improve the security of your applications. It focuses on application security and ensuring threats and vulnerabilities within the cloud environment can be accurately detected and resolved. Cloud native security structure can be divided into different categories. We’ll be explaining some examples of these in more detail below.
Cloud
When it comes to the cloud, your cloud service provider (CSP) will be responsible for the majority of the overall infrastructural security. However, you will need to configure the services, secure your data, and manage your security going forward. The cloud can face security issues like automated attacks and misconfigurations. This means hackers can use automation to check for vulnerabilities in your system and be ready to attack if one is found. Also, they can take advantage of misconfigurations that have come from a mistake or oversight. For example, unchanged default settings or weak access protection to the admin console.
Container
Containers are standalone software packages that provide the entirety of an applications’ code and dependencies. The purpose of which is to make sure the application can operate effectively and reliably no matter what environment it’s in. Also, containers can help to make it easier for applications to be transferred from one cloud to another.
A good example of this is Linux containers which enable business cloud native applications to be combined and isolated with their full runtime environment. As a result, it’s significantly smoother to move the contained application between different environments whether it’s development, test, production, etc.
Businesses often overlook smaller details and potential issues like image security, using unfamiliar sources, and poor privilege configurations. With containers and container images though you can scan for vulnerabilities like these. Be sure to keep your containers updated and verify any application running in them.
Containers play an important role in cloud native cyber security. Organisations can easily make sure their containers are effective, scalable, and trustworthy when building security into the pipeline and defending the infrastructure.
Cloud native security is paramount now and in the future
As we have seen, there are compelling benefits for businesses to take a cloud-native approach, including application development. However, keeping the cloud secure is a must to protect your business and ensure that you can maximise the cloud as effectively as possible. Cyber security platforms like this works as a driver to the cloud and actively encourages business transformation and modernisation in a safe and reliable way.
Traditionally, organisations have been restricted with the new opportunities they could get involved with because of their dependency to buy more security products to support them. This ultimately led to forcing together mismatched solutions and trying to implement consistent policies in technology boundaries that were more of a hinderance than a help.
Cloud native security providers offer coverage across compute options and the general application development lifecycle. As a result, businesses can find the right options to suit their operations and workload and gives them the freedom to work without worrying how to integrate security solutions.
Conclusion: Do you know how secure your systems are?
If you’re interested in cloud native technology and need support with your security, the team at CyberWhite can help. As your dedicated cyber security advisor, we can ensure your security solution fits within the exact requirements of your business, the risks it faces, and operations. Contact us today to discuss getting a cyber security health check from us. Also, by speaking to our experts you can see how our cyber security services can benefit and support you. To keep your business running and growing safely online.