Keeping Data Secure in Cloudtech & DevOps
Tags: devops, cybersecurity
Published: 2023-08-14 15:53:30

**Data security has always been a key concern for businesses. The move to cloud technology and DevOps only exacerbates this concern. However, with the right strategy and technology, businesses can ensure data safety in the Cloud Tech/DevOps environment.** 

Cloud computing and DevOps have revolutionized the way companies store and manage data. But with the convenience of cloud technology comes the risk of data breaches and cyberattacks. This article describes best practices for data security in Cloudtech/DevOps. 

## Understanding the Importance of Data Security in Cloudtech/DevOps
In the age of digital transformation, the speed of business processes is of paramount importance. Cloud technologies and DevOps practices are ubiquitous because they can expedite development cycles and enhance operational capability. However, as data moves to cloud environments and is shared across multiple teams, the risk of data breaches and security incidents increases. Let's first look at some of the key risks in Cloud and DevOps.

## Key Risks in Cloud and DevOps
Understanding the key risks of cloud technology and DevOps is the first step to developing an effective security strategy. Cloud or DevOps offers many benefits, including improved collaboration, greater accessibility, mobility, storage capacity, etc. However, they also present security risks. Here are some of the most common security risks 

## Data Breaches
Data breaches can occur for various reasons, like weak access controls, misconfigurations, and [advanced persistent threats](https://www.cisa.gov/topics/cyber-threats-and-advisories/advanced-persistent-threats-and-nation-state-actors). In a DevOps environment, CI/CD (continuous integration/continuous delivery) pipelines can expose sensitive data, increasing the risk of data breaches. 

## Misconfigurations
As mentioned, misconfiguration of cloud environments is one of the leading causes of data breaches. In their rush to adopt DevOps practices, teams can overlook the right configuration, leading to possible vulnerabilities. 

For example, a company has configured a [CI/CD system](https://devops.com/shift-left-with-dast-dynamic-testing-in-the-ci-cd-pipeline/) to automatically deploy applications to servers in the cloud. However, due to a misconfiguration, the system accidentally leaks sensitive configuration files and sensitive information such as API keys and database credentials to the internet. An attacker who discovers this misconfiguration could use these secrets to gain unauthorized access to an organization`s systems and steal user data.  

## Insider Threats
[Insider threats](https://www.cisa.gov/topics/physical-security/insider-threat-mitigation/defining-insider-threats) are a serious problem in DevOps environments. Developers have access to highly sensitive operational data, increasing the risk of accidental or intentional data breaches. 
For example, consider a software company that follows the DevOps model. In this model, developers have access to sensitive data such as source code, production credentials, and even customer data.
Now imagine that one of the developers accidentally inserted a section of code into the version control system that contained security gaps such as hardcoded passwords. This is an example of an accidental insider threat. Malicious attackers can exploit this vulnerability, potentially leading to data breaches. 

Or imagine a disgruntled developer intentionally inserting malicious code or omitting sensitive data for personal gain or harm to the company. This is an example of an intentional insider 
threat.

In either scenario, a breach occurs within an organization and can cause significant damage to operations, reputation, and customer trust. Addressing insider threats is therefore a critical aspect of security in a DevOps environment.  

## Implementing Security Strategies in Cloudtech/DevOps
Despite the risks, multiple strategies can be arrayed to protect data in the Cloud Tech/DevOps environment. Let's take a look at it.

**Security by Design**
Security should be considered an early bird in the DevOps pipeline. By implementing security controls initially in development, companies can ensure that their applications are inherently secure. 

For example, think about a company developing a brand-new web application. Instead of performing security tests after the application has been built, incorporate security testing into all phases of development. Every time code is committed, automated security testing tools are launched, ensuring that vulnerabilities are found and fixed quickly.


By doing it this way, companies can protect their applications from the outset rather than attempting to "improve" security later. Finding and fixing problems early on lowers the risk of vulnerabilities in the finished product and conserves time and resources.

Many businesses consider it critical to their cybersecurity strategy to track the movement of sensitive data and monitor how end users access it. "[Before the ubiquity of cloud platforms and hybrid work, this was done with an on-premises data loss prevention tool](https://www.cyberhaven.com/data-loss-prevention-guide/top-data-loss-prevention-solutions/)." To meet the challenges of a distributed workforce, this category is bound to grow, but this transition has been slow and uneven across the industry. 

## Use of Encryption and Tokenization
Encryption and tokenization can be passed down to protect sensitive data at rest and in movement. These technologies ensure that even if data is hijacked or accessed illegally, it cannot be decrypted. 

When it comes to Cloudtech/DevOps, encryption can be applied to protect sensitive data in storage (stored in a database or storage system) and in motion (stored in a database or storage system) transmission between different systems or across networks). 

For example, when storing customer data in a cloud-based database, companies can encrypt the data using an encryption algorithm such as AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) and store the data encrypted. This way, even if an attacker gains unauthorized access to the database, they won't be able to understand the encrypted data without the decryption key. 
Tokenization, on the other hand, is a technique used to replace sensitive data with non-sensitive placeholders called tokens. Sensitive data is securely stored in a separate location known as a token store, while the tokens themselves are used in applications and systems. The token serves as a reference or replacement for the original sensitive data. 

In a Cloudtech/DevOps context, tokens can be applied to protect sensitive data when it needs to be processed or transmitted. 

For example, consider an e-commerce application that needs to process credit card transactions. Instead of storing the actual credit card numbers in the application's database or transmitting them over the network, the application can encrypt the credit card numbers. 

Encrypted credit card numbers can be securely stored and transmitted, while the actual ones are stored in a separate token vault. This way, even if the database or network is compromised, the attacker will only have access to the encrypted data, which is useless without access to the token store, statements and actual credit card numbers. 

## Implementing Identity and Access Management (IAM)
IAM tools help to manage user identities and curb access to resources. By implementing powerful IAM policies, organizations can reduce the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive data. 

Consider a business that stores and manages its data in the cloud. They have a group of workers who require access to multiple cloud-based resources, including virtual servers, storage stacks of data, and databases.

The business uses specialized IAM tools supplied by the cloud service provider to implement IAM policies in order to maintain data security. Utilizing these tools, administrators can define and handle user identities and the privileges and access levels attached to each user.

## Regular Audits and Compliance Checks
Regular audits and compliance checks help determine possible security gaps and ensure all security policies are followed. 

For example, consider a firm that has moved its applications and infrastructure to the cloud. They store private customer data in their cloud environment, such as financial and personal information. They use a range of security measures like firewalls, access control, and encryption to maintain the highest level of security.

However, the company routinely performs audits and compliance checks to ensure that its security practices remain effective over time. To find any potential vulnerabilities or deviations from industry standards or legal requirements, these assessments thoroughly examine their security controls, policies, and procedures.

## Conclusion
The move to cloud technology and DevOps brings many benefits, but it also brings new security challenges. However, understanding these risks and implementing robust security strategies can help organizations ensure data safety in cloud technology/DevOps environments.