The Benefits of Managed Security Services in the Cloud

Cloud computing is not just about moving your infrastructure management to another company or storing data on advanced devices without having to buy hardware and set up your own system. However, this doesn't mean you no longer need to worry about security. 

Security remains an ever-present concern for businesses. Cloud platforms such as AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure offer strong security. It doesn't mean your job is done after migrating to the cloud.

Cloud security is a shared responsibility; the vendor takes care of the infrastructure, and you manage your data's security. Managed security services add an extra layer of security; using them you can reduce your effort in making security unbreakable. 

With opting managed cloud security services, you typically hand over the security, updates and backups to your service provider.  

For example, if you store your data on AWS S3, you can leverage AWS AWF and different services to ensure data remain secure in the cloud. Some example of managed cloud services AWS WAF, Azure Firewall, and Google Cloud Armour. If you are already using the cloud, you can enhance the security with managed services. 

This article provides an overview of cloud security, the role of managed services, and how you can improve your security. We will also provide some tips to help you decide if you should use security as a service.

Understanding Cloud Security and Its Significance

A report from 2020 highlighted that cloud misconfigurations were responsible for exposing almost 33.4 billion data records between 2018 and 2019. Additionally, the number of breaches increased by 42% from 2018 to 2019.

As stated above, cloud security is a shared responsibility -- both service providers and customers are responsible when it comes to securing the data on the cloud.

It involves following best practices, creating security policies, setting up access controls, and using the right tech tools. This ensures data stays secure and protected from threats.

Security-as-a-service or managed security services add an extra layer of protection to sensitive data in the cloud, giving customers peace of mind. 

Moving data to the cloud is just the first step in building a secure system. To truly lock things down, you need cloud expertise to implement top-tier security.

You can think of managed services as a way to improve cloud security. To understand them fully, we first have to understand the role of managed services in cloud security. 

The Role of Managed Services in Cloud Security

Thales Cloud Security Study reveals that nearly two-thirds of IT professionals consider cloud security a top concern, with an increasing focus on identity and access management (IAM) to mitigate risks related to human error and misconfigurations​. When you migrate to the cloud, you gain a plethora of benefits. With managed cloud security service, you can develop a platform that withstand toughest threats. 

Managed cloud security services help businesses secure their cloud environments by leveraging third-party expertise. Essentially, you outsource security-as-a-service (SECaaS) from a vendor. These services help business owners address and mitigate security vulnerabilities associated with cloud computing.

In simple terms, SECaaS refers to security services provided over the cloud. Popular examples include AWS GuardDuty, Azure Security Center, and Google Cloud Armor, all of which fall under this category.

Businesses are turning to managed service providers (MSPs) for many good reasons in order to strengthen their data security. Let's explore how managed cloud security services make a difference.

These services developed using cutting edge technologies by experts having deep expertise to proactively monitor cloud environment. You will not need to worry about management and oversight of security services within the cloud environment. Basically, you allow your cloud environment to be managed by expert often available in-house.

Their proactive monitoring approach help you anticipate the potential threats. If we summarise how these services makes difference: 

• Intrusion detection systems to monitor unauthorized access.

• Vulnerability scanning to detect system weaknesses.

• Incident response to address security breaches swiftly.

The crucial step is choosing a right service provider. Therefore, it is important to  choose a service provider that complies with industry standards and regulations. 

Key Benefits of Cloud Security Managed Services

There are several beneits of using managed service for cloud security. Security is always on the agenda for providers of digital services, and constant monitoring 24/7 is no easy task. SECaaS (Security as a Service) adds an extra layer of protection to secure your data. Security breaches are expensive, and managed services provide the proof and dependability that your data is safe. It also removes the hassle of employing security professionals or being concerned with constant upgrades in hardware and software.

MSPs also help to enhance a company's security posture through real-time threat detection and response. This proactive approach will prevent a given security incident from escalating.

They also ease compliance management. They ensure that a given business meets any industry regulations and standards.

Outsourcing security to MSPs ensures that a company maintains its core operations without letting safety lax. This gives an organization a strategic upper hand.

Continuous security enhancements and updates are provided with managed services, bringing benefits to businesses. MSPs proffer agile and adaptable security solutions.

Managed services also enhance business continuity and disaster recovery planning. They ensure that companies can rapidly recover from potential security incidents.

1. Cost Efficiency and ROI

Investing in cloud security managed services may prove to be a worthwhile financial investment. Managed services often eliminate the need for expensive in-house security teams.

MSPs provide highly scalable solutions, so businesses only have to pay for what they want to use that can result in a healthier bottom line.

2. Access to Expertise and Advanced Technologies

Managed services access to unparalleled security experts. These experts bring valuable insights and skills to the table.

MSPs also employ the best current technologies to enhance protection in the cloud. This means that it keeps businesses ahead of potential cyber attackers.

3. Proactive Threat Detection and Incident Response

MSPs provide proactive threat detection, meaning threats are detected before it gets worse. This quick response prevents costly security breaches.

Whenever an incident occurs, the MSP will respond immediately. Their knowledge ensures that the threats are addressed efficiently and effectively.

4. Compliance and Regulatory Management

Compliance management is very challenging for many businesses. MSPs remove such hassles by getting a business to adhere to the expected industry standards.

MSPs are well conversant with numerous regulatory requirements. They ensure that businesses do not suffer compliance penalties.

Security as a Service (SECaaS): A Closer Look

SECaaS,it has been one of the important changes in the ways all businesses think about cloud security approaches. There is a range of offers in SECaaS ranging from flexible security to dynamic security based on those business needs.

SECaaS security service providers make these services available directly over the internet. It allows the organizations access best-in-class security without heavy up-front investments.

One of the most significant features of SECaaS is the scalability it offers. Organizations can easily adjust their security features as those needs change.

Multi-tiered protection; that has been used by SECaaS providers to ensure the safety of sensitive data and applications from different threats.

Tips to Choose the Right Managed Cloud Security Services Provider

The crucial importance of choosing the appropriate managed cloud security services is at stake. Devise careful evaluations for potential partners to ensure that they can befits your needs. 

Certifications and your potential provider's experience within the industry are crucial. A successful track record in handling security incidents is an indicator of capability. A holistic offering will differ from that of the others, and it should encompass. Potential provider offerings include:

• Intrusion detection and prevention

• Regular security assessments

• Compliance management

• 24/7 monitoring

Ensure the provider's approach aligns with your organization's goals. Communication and transparency are key factors in building a successful partnership.

Future Trends in Cloud Security and Managed Services

As technology evolves, cloud security is seeing new trends. Managed services are at the forefront of these advancements.

One notable trend is the integration of artificial intelligence in threat detection. AI helps predict and prevent potential security breaches.

The growth of IoT devices increases security complexity. MSPs are developing solutions to address these challenges head-on.

Finally, regulatory changes demand more robust compliance features. Managed services are adapting by offering advanced compliance management.

These trends ensure businesses are better protected and equipped to handle future security threats in the cloud.