Foundry stated that over 92% of organizations currently host their IT environment on the cloud. After the pandemic, enterprises are significantly adopting cloud environments to leverage its benefits, such as increased flexibility, productivity, and reduced operational costs. However, despite the advantages a cloud environment offers, it exposes organizations to security threats and data breaches. An IDC report states that over 79% of companies have experienced at least one cloud data breach. Another study by IBM and the Ponemon Institute informs that data breaches in hybrid cloud environments cost organizations an average of $3.61 million.

 There is a significant rise in cyberattacks, which is why you must implement robust cloud security measures. Here are a few cloud security alliance trends to consider for 2022 and beyond.

 #1: Implement cloud security poster management (CSPM)

Your cloud network is prone to threats such as misconfiguration, lack of visibility, unauthorized access, or misuse of identity. Cyber security consulting partners can safeguard your organization's cloud network against these threats with their cloud expertise and robust CSPM solution. CSPM empowers technology leaders to configure cloud platforms and identify any possible misconfiguration that could lead to data leakage or loss. As your cloud environment expands, stringent CSPM protocols must be implemented to reduce or completely eliminate any cloud security breaches. With CSPM, you can:

• Quickly detect and remedy cloud misconfigurations
• Implement best cloud configuration practices
• Track current cloud configurations
• Seamlessly work with SaaS and PaaS platforms in a multi-cloud environment
• Track and check account permissions, data encryption, and the viability of the stored data

 #2: Protect customer data from data loss and leakage

Cloud computing allows you to improve data protection via its modern standards, rules, and regulations. Your organization should invest in data encryption solutions before moving it to the cloud. For example, BYOK (bring your own key) encryption method encrypts all your organizational data from various access points. However, you need to be cautious when implementing the BYPOK method, as uploading keys to the cloud security alliance platform can make data more vulnerable to leakage, breach, and loss, if not properly implemented.

 #3: Follow a zero-trust model

The zero-trust model ensures 100% cloud security by assuring that no one gets access to the data without identity authentication. Moreover, it also implements role-based access wherein users gain access to information depending on their role in the organizational hierarchy. This improves data access accountability and limits data access to allow the dissemination of only necessary data to required personnel.

 #4: Develop DevSecOps and SDLC within the cloud

The popularity of DevSecOps is immense, owing to its significant benefits of reducing vulnerabilities present in the code and preventing software downtime. Implementing DevSecOps ensures complete security and accountability, especially while releasing effective software programs. When your tech teams implement DevSecOps to their SDLC pipeline, it ensures that every phase runs smoothly with strengthened network security.

 #5: Invest in cloud-native platforms and tools

Cloud-native tools and platforms empower organizations to boost the overall security of the cloud network. With a cyber security consulting partner by your side, you can effectively secure your on-premises resources and the cloud network, physical hosts, and underlying infrastructure. As your internal teams take care of the on-premises account, your cloud security alliance partner takes over the security of the cloud environment.

 Moving to the top with cloud security protocols

In the modern enterprise ecosystem, cloud security must focus on three points:

• Empowering people via digital tools about cloud security alliance
• Supporting remote working operations
• Staying resilient in the ever-evolving and constantly shifting world

 Adopting the cloud network is not the only necessity but enforcing stringent security protocols to boost your network’s security is imperative. Along with a cyber security consulting partner, you can empower your teams with the necessary skills and knowledge to stay competitive and cloud-friendly in the future.