Cloud-native applications’ decentralized and distributed nature makes them susceptible to security threats. These applications experience unsecured APIs and container-based vulnerabilities. Cloud-native applications also face cloud misconfigurations and insecure network connections. Thanks to these security vulnerabilities, organizations may experience compliance violations, reputational damage, and data loss.
In addition, cloud-native security varies from traditional security approaches in that it needs a more active approach adaptable to the continuously changing cloud environment. Outlined below are five tips for securing cloud-native applications.
1. Leverage Cloud Native Application Protection Platforms (CNAPPs)
While the cloud enables businesses to create and scale apps, its scale increases the avenues hackers and cybercriminals can utilize to attack. Security teams and developers should spot and resolve security flaws in the early application development stages to prevent more substantial security gaps. One of the primary benefits of CNAPP tools is embedding security into the initial application development stages.
A CNAPP integrates several cloud security solutions that make it easier for businesses to safeguard their cloud application footprint. This solution also automates compliance and risk detection, which enables organizations to expand their cloud environment while maintaining a solid security posture.
2. Conduct frequent security audits
Auditing your cloud-native applications regularly is key to securing your cloud-based infrastructure. It enables businesses to identify potential vulnerabilities and risks in their cloud-native environment. Consider examining all your cloud-native environment’s elements, including the following:
- Architecture
- Security controls
- Authorization and authentication
- Data retrieval and storage
You should also assess third-party services or applications included in your cloud environment. This can help you spot any possible security concerns to ascertain that they’re adequately addressed. Upon identifying any potential vulnerabilities and threats, create a plan to resolve them. This can include:
- Implementing extra security controls
- Performing additional testing
- Updating existing security strategies
You should also consider other measures you can implement to improve security, like multi-factor authentication and encryption.
3. Implement the principle of least privilege
The principle of least privilege indicates that a process or user should only have the least privileges essential for performing its function. Within a cloud-native environment, the principle of least privilege may be implemented on several levels.
For instance, data and API access should be restricted depending on the least privilege principle, and containers must be operated with the necessary least privileges. Implementing this principle lowers the potential effect of a security breach because a cybercriminal can only access restricted resources. Don’t use overly liberal permissions that can possibly result in unauthorized access or data breaches.
4. Leverage encryption
Encryption is key to securing your cloud-native applications, so be sure to ascertain that data is encrypted when in transit and at rest. Leverage HTTPS for connections between services and components in your application and authorize encryption mechanisms offered by the cloud service provider to encrypt information at rest. Encryption translates data into a layout that may only be read using a credible decryption key, safeguarding it from unwarranted access.
5. Maintain a secure configuration and patch management
To maintain a secure configuration for your cloud-native applications, you need proactive patch management. It involves patching and updating software regularly to safeguard against known threats. In a cloud-native infrastructure, you can leverage automation to simplify this procedure, ascertaining that patches are consistently and promptly applied.
Endnote
Cloud-native applications are prone to several security risks. However, implementing these tips can help secure cloud-native applications.
