This article is about security in the cloud. We look at Amazon Web Services (AWS) and compare it with traditional solutions. How exactly does AWS protect your data and applications, and why should that matter to you?
Security is one of the decisive criteria when you pick a platform for your business. AWS offers a complete solution for securing your data and applications in the cloud. That is a real advantage, especially once you know when the right moment to migrate has arrived.
Key takeaways
- Cloud security is one of the most important aspects for your business.
- AWS offers a complete solution for securing your data and applications.
- Cloud computing can be safer than traditional on-premise solutions.
- Services such as AWS are designed to keep your data and applications secure.
- Cloud security matters to your business because it helps protect your data and applications.
How cloud security differs from a traditional on-premise environment
Security in the cloud and security on-premise are not the same thing. On-premise solutions give you more control. Cloud solutions such as AWS services offer broader protection and more flexibility.
On-premise solutions require you to secure your systems yourself. That can be demanding, especially without deep in-house expertise. AWS services, on the other hand, come with complete protection covering both your data and your applications.
The most common security risks of on-premise solutions
- Unauthorized access to data
- Hacker attacks
- Misconfiguration
Modern digital solutions call for a comprehensive approach. AWS services can reliably secure all of your data and applications, including the most sensitive ones.
Why traditional security is no longer enough
Traditional security is not enough any more, because the threats have changed. AWS services offer broader protection, such as encryption, firewalls and intrusion detection.
| Security control | On-premise | AWS services |
|---|---|---|
| Encryption | Customer responsibility | Covered by AWS services |
| Firewalls | Customer responsibility | Covered by AWS services |
AWS cloud security controls in practice
Within cloud security, what matters is how the security controls in the AWS cloud actually work. AWS offers a large number of services for protecting your applications and data, for example AWS IAM and AWS Cognito.
Data is protected by services such as AWS S3 and AWS CloudWatch. AWS S3 gives you secure storage for your data. AWS CloudWatch lets you monitor an application and assess its security risk.
For protecting applications there is AWS WAF, which shields them from attacks. AWS Shield protects against DDoS attacks.
- AWS IAM - identity and access management
- AWS Cognito - authentication and authorization
- AWS S3 - secure data storage
- AWS CloudWatch - application monitoring
- AWS WAF - application protection
- AWS Shield - protection of applications against DDoS attacks
Security matters a great deal, which is why every available control should be put to use. That is how you achieve cloud security and keep your applications and data secure.
| Service | Description |
|---|---|
| AWS IAM | Identity and access management |
| AWS Cognito | Authentication and authorization |
| AWS S3 | Secure data storage |
Conclusion: why it is time to consider moving to the cloud
Cloud computing has a lot of advantages over on-premise. It raises security, lowers costs and increases flexibility. That is worth keeping in mind, rather than believing the myths about the cloud.
Moving to the cloud gives you room to focus on your core work and to leave infrastructure administration and security to specialists.
Getting started with the move is straightforward. AWS helps you design the best strategy for your business, securely and efficiently.
