Due to changing demands in business operations, it is vital to achieve better performance, integrity, and far better accessibility of data for any organization’s proprietary information. Cloud computing is very appealing, considering its economic viability. In the execution of applications in the cloud, security becomes a priority concern, especially for tasks that affect the achievement of an entire organization’s goals.
With a specific focus on key management, cloud security is one of the main questions any enterprise asks as it considers moving applications and storing data in the cloud. Cloud computing is full of complex considerations as organizations begin their journey. How will their all-important keys be managed, and will the data be encrypted to a high standard?
Cloud providers assume key management in a very critical view. Multiple solutions store credentials inside and outside the cloud within a secure infrastructure, depending upon the purchasing organization’s cloud security needs. Plenty of providers are very concerned with information security from both intrusion perspectives, encrypted to a level sufficient to avoid access by potential hackers.
Can an independent attorney provide a legal instrument, such as a subpoena, to gain access to data through the cloud system? Some cloud security providers maintain organizational system separation. This would protect a system from being accessed by a third party through an integrated system, which would be key to preventing data from being compromised. Some key management and cloud security items to consider:
1. Advanced Encryption Standards should be used for keys to protect from acts of malicious intent. All customer encryption and authentication credentials should be stored in an AES256-encrypted database with no encryption keys in the credentials management zone.
2. Customers should have unique access keys to prevent encroachment on others’ data.
3. Keys should be stored outside the cloud infrastructure provider and only used when necessary. The public cloud infrastructure should be viewed as hostile territory.
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4. No cloud provider or management solutions provider should access sensitive information or keys.
5. Regarding sensitive information, there is a high need to consider backup encryption and file systems.
Sustainability is essential as it pertains to the day-to-day operations of a cloud security company. A meaningful and logical solution is required when it comes to key management.
Appropriate questions must be asked of a cloud service provider, and selecting a suitable partner should only be made based on a clear understanding of the integrity of the entire solution. Hosting, administering, and allowing access to the relevant keys should be clear-cut and watertight.
The benefits of public cloud infrastructures have been well documented: scale, flexibility, and reduced capital and operational costs. Cloud security will continue to evolve and improve and be a high priority for an enterprise with tight IT policies and procedures. A wider acceptance and mainstreaming of the concept of cloud security, along with its increased benefits, is expected.