IaaS security is supposed to be more complex than SaaS or PaaS models. However, these best practices help ensure security. Read on.
IaaS security is supposed to be more complex than SaaS or PaaS models. According to the shared responsibility model of services, the lower the position of the service in the stack gets, the more security responsibilities it includes.
With the widespread adoption of cloud infrastructure and implementation across environments, there is a need to strengthen IaaS security. Basically, with increased control comes increased responsibility. However, there are some best practices to help enterprises ensure the security and stability of their environments. Here is a glance at five of them.
1. Knowing the IaaS Security Model of the Provider
Companies should know the IaaS security model offered by the provider prior to implementation. This step will help them identify the capabilities and limitations of the model and also works as an avenue to compare it with competitive offerings from other providers. Furthermore, if there is any need for customization, you can let the provider know of that.
2. Setting Up Strict Access Protocols
Who has access to the cloud environment, at what levels, and for how long? These aspects should definitely be on your IaaS security checklist. Identifying different personnel roles and levels of access (console, key management, backup, and recovery, etc.) will clearly define boundaries and make it easier to manage potential breaches.
3. Encryption for Data at Rest
Most IaaS providers will give you encryption abilities to encrypt the VMs created and the data stored in the platform. Most often, this encryption is provided for free or made available at a nominal cost to clients. It is always advisable to make use of encryption as it protects your data from unauthorized access. Ask and clarify what kind of encryption is offered by your provider and see if it is suitable for your needs.
4. Regular Monitoring Protocols and Inventory
Often, providers offer various monitoring services along with their IaaS cloud. Check if you need customization with the monitoring functions or interfaces and ensure that you set up consistent, efficient monitoring for your cloud. Create a strategy with the help of the cloud provider, if needed. Another essential task is creating a current, up-to-date inventory of images, helping teams cross-check information, identify specific workloads, and track them.
5. Consistent Patching
Keeping workloads up to date is the responsibility of users, including the installed OS and any software installed. Your cloud workloads need the same vigilance in patching and maintenance as your on-premises servers. Consistent patching plays a vital role in ensuring there are no possible points of attack and maintain your IaaS security.
IaaS Security VEXXHOST Cloud Solutions
As an IaaS provider, we ensure that our clients are aware of the various security requirements and take necessary steps to assure them of the same. At VEXXHOST, we provide cloud solutions for a multitude of clients worldwide. We provide OpenStack-based clouds, including public clouds and dedicated and highly secure private cloud environments, ensuring utmost security and agility.
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