A NIST framework can be used to implement a cloud, on-prem or hybrid strategy. It acts as a set of guidelines and steps to help you identify, create and deploy a structured cyber security strategy that is tailored to your assets.

The security experts Palo Alto Networks, partners with RiverSafe, focus on helping organisations implement NIST frameworks to structure their cyber security strategies. It provides businesses with all the necessary tools to complete the process and will ensure your cloud security is as, if not more, robust than your on-prem infrastructure.

With in-built compliance models and regular reporting features, Prisma will create policies that are easy to manage and extremely effective. Prisma solutions can also detect any security issues related to the cloud, such as public access settings, and even automate certain tasks for more timely and dynamic responses to threats.

 FIND OUT MORE: NIST framework: 5 pillars for your cyber security strategy

What are some other key requirements/considerations of cloud computing security?

Most organisations don’t start up with the cloud, and so will be transferring their assets from on-prem devices to their new on-cloud infrastructure.

One primary consideration is therefore compatibility.

Older, legacy systems may not be able to support on-cloud solutions. Make sure you consider whether you can get the same level of response and capabilities on the cloud as you can with your on-prem technology. If the answer is no, and they aren’t compatible, you may need to invest in new tools and staff training.

What are the benefits of having a partner help you transition to the cloud?

Our experts at RiverSafe have extensive experience with the requirements of cloud migration. We can ensure you have the same level of security on-cloud as on-prem, and that every single procedure or policy is transferred over consistently.

This means that every security measure would be replicated, both from the backend and front-facing user perspective, for ease of use.

The RiverSafe and Prisma tools are designed to accommodate a seamless switch to the cloud. Using the NIST framework and our unique solutions, we can ensure users have a strong and comprehensive cyber security solution that they can trust. 

How does IOT security relate to cloud security?

IOT doesn’t necessarily mean cloud. Most IOT devices remain on-prem, such as sensors and smart metering. But cloud-based solutions can be used to monitor these devices in the cloud – this is where IOT cloud security comes in.

Tools like Strata and Splunk provide smart solutions to monitor and record key metrics for IOT devices, including temperature or heartrate. Hosted on the cloud, they can detect issues and automatically respond or empower users to take action, quickly.

Deploying appropriate cloud security for these solutions is essential, as they hold the key to sensitive business data and critical assets. Often, IOT devices are actually the most critical assets in an organisation. For example, a hacker infiltrating and manipulating a heartrate monitor could cause devastating problems.

There are also various additional benefits to implementing cloud security tools for your IOT devices:

• Security is constantly updated
• Upgrades can be implemented automatically
• Up-to-date instalments have no known vulnerabilities
• Provides additional, strong security levels
• IOT internet access is only allowed when necessary

How will cloud security change in the future?

The number of companies migrating to the cloud will continue to rise for years to come. As more infrastructure gets hosted in the cloud, organisations will need to take their cloud security seriously.

The fact is that on-prem security solutions likely won’t be suitable in the cloud when you migrate. Cloud-first security is therefore due to be a primary form of cyber security in the not so distant future.

Prioritising data security will be a key feature of this approach. As organisations store more data in the cloud, they will need to accordingly enhance their cyber security and increase maintenance procedures to sustain it. This requires specific tools that are designed to monitor and manage larger cloud-hosted data stores.

How can companies prepare to migrate their data to the cloud?

Based on the unique requirements of cloud security, companies looking to migrate need to re-evaluate their current cyber tools. Are they compatible with your cloud solution? Do they have the capacity to maintain their on-prem performance in the cloud?

Choosing the right provider, and the right solution, is extremely important. Businesses should ensure they are implementing tools with the strength, policies, and scalability they need. An easy way to start your search is to choose tools that cover all five pillars in the NIST framework.

A consultant provider like Riversafe can also be a valuable asset to guide you through the process and ensure your chosen solution specifically matches all your digital, cloud and asset requirements.

Get in touch with a RiverSafe expert today to find out what solution is best for you.