Privileged Access Management (PAM) in the Era of Cloud Computing

Cloud computing brings the promise of massive computing power and boundless scalability. The potential for increased flexibility and cost savings are also enticing. 

However, as data moves “beyond the security perimeter,” organizations must address and resolve the associated challenges.

Opportunities and Risks

In the olde days, businesses focused on protecting physical spaces: office buildings, servers, even cafeterias. While this model brought control, it lacked the security organizations need to protect their assets. As physical boundaries dissolve, new risks emerge. 

Sensitive data can now be accessed from virtually anywhere. And don’t think that the Cloud Service Provider (CSP) will take responsibility. In fact, Gartner estimates that 99% of cloud data breaches are the result of customer-side vulnerabilities, like misconfigurations and insufficient access controls.

Security risks in the cloud often stem from data location, compliance issues, and existing system vulnerabilities. Companies must navigate risks like distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, insider threats, and the potential for breaches caused by misconfigured access controls. 

Understanding these vulnerabilities is essential for adopting cloud services safely. 

Managing Privileged Access in the Cloud

Privileged access refers to the tiered permission levels organizations apply to manage users and access to critical systems, networks, or applications. In the cloud, where environments are more complex and distributed, securing privileged access requires careful strategy. 

Key measures include:

• Least Privilege Access: Restrict user permissions to only what is necessary for their role.
• Just-in-Time Access: Provide temporary access when required and revoke it immediately afterward.
• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Add additional layers of verification to prevent unauthorized logins.
• Behavior Monitoring: Track and analyze user actions to detect suspicious activity.
• Auditing and Logging: Ensure visibility and accountability by maintaining detailed activity logs.

Leveraging Technology and Zero Trust

Securing privileged access in the cloud often requires implementing advanced tools, such as:

• Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM): Automates risk assessments and compliance checks.
• Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB): “On site” security policies that provide control over cloud-based application usage.
• Cloud Infrastructure Entitlements Management (CIEM): Optimizes access permissions across cloud environments.

Adopting a Zero Trust philosophy can further strengthen cloud security. Zero Trust focuses on continuous verification of user identity and access, regardless of whether users operate within or outside the network. 

This approach emphasizes identity verification, micro-segmentation to limit access, and real-time monitoring of user behavior. 

How Do Governance and Compliance Fit In?

With governments and industries introducing stricter regulations, organizations must prioritize compliance and be aware of specific frameworks like GDPR, HIPAA, and SOC 2. These standards encompass data security, privacy, access control, and incident response protocols—all critical for cloud environments.

senhasegura supports these efforts with tools like proprietary privileged access controls, live monitoring, and detailed audits to help organizations stay compliant.

Building a Security-First Culture

Cloud security extends beyond tools and technology. While some organizations transition entirely to the cloud, other businesses continue to tinker with hybrid models that blend on-premises security with appropriate cloud systems.

AI-powered and machine-learning algorithms enable the analysis of vast amounts of data at unprecedented speeds, allowing for real-time threat monitoring and proactive defense strategies. These trends offer some comfort. 

Still, no matter how strong the software and how thoughtful the team is, a strong security culture is essential. Organizations must prioritize awareness, accountability, and alignment of processes, products, and people. 

This includes:

• Regularly updating and optimizing security policies.
• Investing in reliable tools, such as those provided by senhasegura, to manage cloud entitlements effectively.
• Training employees to recognize and mitigate threats.

For recommendations on adopting the right cloud-based solutions for your organization and infrastructure, we invite you to contact us today for a consultation. 

As the global leader in privileged access security for the cloud, senhasegura gives you the confidence and peace of mind to sleep tight, knowing you are safe.