Cracking the Cloud Workload Protection Code: Security Matters

  • December 14, 2022
  • Elisa Silverglade
  • 8 min read

Key Takeaways:

  • Cloud workload protection is a set of security measures that protects data in the cloud
  • There are three ways to implement cloud workload protection; encryption, access control, and activity monitoring
  • The benefits of cloud workload protection include increased agility, cost savings, and improved security
  • The components of cloud workload security are data security, platform security, and application security
  • A cloud workload protection platform should be easy to use, affordable, and comprehensive

The cloud is revolutionizing how businesses operate, thanks to its cutting-edge benefits – but with this great power comes greater responsibility. More cases of cybercrimes are reported daily as victim companies, small and large, continue to count losses in profits, customers, and reputation. 

Ensuring your cloud workload is secure is therefore more critical than ever. One excellent way to do this is by adopting the industry’s best practices, including employing efficient cloud workload protection. 

Cloud workload protection is a critical step every organization must take, considering the increased cases of cyber risks. Here’s a detailed guide on how to do it right, along with everything else you need to know. 

What Is Cloud Workload Protection? 

It is first essential to know what ‘’cloud workload’’ means to understand cloud workload protection. A cloud workload is a combination of computing resources and data that power a particular application or service.

You must ensure your data is well-protected when you move to the cloud. That’s where cloud workload protection comes in – a set of security measures designed to protect data in the cloud from unauthorized access and other risks. 

Implementing these measures will ensure that your data is safe from prying eyes. So, how do you execute cloud workload protection?

3 Ways to Implement Cloud Workload Protection

There are various techniques to secure your workload, each with a unique operation criterion. Here is an overview of three of them. 

1. Encryption

Encryption is a process that scrambles data so that only authorized users can read it. This means that even if someone were to gain access to your data, they would not be able to read it without the proper decryption key. 

2. Access Control

Access control is a measure that limits who can access your data. This can be accomplished using user IDs and passwords or physical security measures like fingerprint scanners or IRIS scanners.

3. Activity Monitoring

Activity monitoring keeps track of who is accessing your data and the time they do it. This means you can detect suspicious activity and take the necessary steps to prevent unauthorized access.

Remember that depending on the option you choose to implement, it should offer much-needed security without interfering with your everyday operations. 

3 Reasons You Need Cloud Workload Protection

Cyberattacks continue to rise, so securing your data and applications is critical. Here are a few reasons protecting your cloud workload should be a top priority for your business:

-Cyber Attacks Are Becoming More Sophisticated

Technological advancements have provided cybercriminals access to more sophisticated tools to launch attacks, and as a result, traditional security measures such as anti-virus software are no longer enough to protect your business.

-Cloud Workloads Are an Attractive Target for Cybercriminals

Businesses of all sizes often use cloud-based applications and services, so they offer a wide range of potential targets for cybercriminals. These applications are typically accessible from anywhere worldwide, so it can be challenging to secure them.

-Data Breaches Can Have a Significant Impact on Your Business

A data breach can result in lost or stolen data, damage your reputation, and costly regulatory fines. Data breaches can even sometimes lead to the shutdown of your business, so it only makes sense to invest in securing your cloud workload. 

You know you need cloud workload protection, and understanding its associated benefits can help you better secure your business. 

Benefits of Cloud Workload Protection

A recent study by Security found that almost half of all organizations have experienced at least four cloud-related security incidents in the last year, and 81% have had some incidents. 

This means having a solid cloud security strategy is essential, considering that anyone can be a victim of cyber risks. Securing your data allows you to help keep it out of the hands of criminals. Below are some key benefits of using this type of solution for your business:

-Improved Security Posture

By implementing a comprehensive security solution designed specifically for the cloud, you can close gaps in your current security strategy and better protect your data against external threats.

-Cost Savings

Another benefit of workload cloud security is that it can help you save money on your IT costs. Cloud-based security solutions are typically offered as a service, which means there are no upfront investments or ongoing maintenance costs.

-Increased Agility

Cloud workload security can help increase your organization’s agility, so you can quickly scale up or down your security capabilities as needed without making any changes to your infrastructure. This allows you to be more agile in responding to changes in your business environment or threats to your data.

The benefits of securing your cloud workload are evident, but you can only get the best from the process if you do it correctly. This includes understanding the components of excellent cloud workload security. 

Cloud Workload Security Components

There are three primary components of cloud workload security: data security, platform security, and application security. Continue reading to learn more about them. 

-Data Security

One of the biggest concerns regarding cloud security is data loss or theft – what’s the point of using the cloud in the first place if your data isn’t secure? You can take several steps to protect your data in the cloud, including encrypting sensitive information and using firewalls to control access to your systems. 

-Platform Security

Another critical aspect of cloud workload security is platform security. You entrust your data to a third-party provider when you use a public cloud service, and as such, it’s vital to ensure that your provider has robust security measures to protect your data. Look for a provider that offers features like user authentication and authorization controls and intrusion detection and prevention capabilities.

-Application Security

You must also consider application security when using the cloud. Your data may be secure, but it won’t do you any good if your applications are vulnerable to attack. You can take several steps to secure your applications in the cloud, including patching vulnerabilities and using application firewalls. 

Securing each of these areas can help ensure your business’s data is safe when using cloud-based services, but your cloud workload protection platform can only be effective if it fulfills the following requirements.

The Critical Requirements of a Cloud Workload Protection Platform

A cloud workload protection platform (CWPP) is a type of security software that helps businesses secure their data and applications in the cloud. A CWPP must have certain key features and capabilities to be effective, some of which include the following. 

1. CWPPs Must Be Comprehensive

A CWPP must be able to offer protection against a wide range of threats, including malware, data leaks, and more. It should also be able to monitor and control access to data and applications, track user activity, and integrate with other security tools and systems a business may already have in place.

2. CWPPs Must Be Easy to Use

An effective CWPP must be easy for businesses to deploy and manage. It should have a user-friendly interface that simplifies adding users, setting permissions, and monitoring activity. The platform should also provide insightful reports that give businesses visibility into what’s happening across the board.

3. CWPSPs Must Be Affordable

Another essential requirement of a CWPP is that it must be reasonably priced to cater to the budget of businesses of all sizes. The price of the platform should be based on the number of users or the amount of data that is being protected, and discounts should be available for businesses that purchase multiple licenses.

A cloud workload protection platform that meets these essential requirements can ensure businesses protect their data and applications. 

Enhance Your Cloud Workload Protection Needs with Techromatic

Cloud workload protection is a comprehensive approach to securing your business against the growing number of sophisticated cyber threats. Implementing these security measures is easier said than done, however. The good news is that you can ease this burden by getting professional assistance in handling your cloud workload security needs. 

Techromatic is the go-to IT and automation service provider you can count on for expert cloud security services. We are committed to assisting our clients in implementing simplified and transformative security features to keep their data safe. Reach out to contact us today, and our team of IT experts will be glad to help you secure your cloud-based systems.