Gartner defines CPSM as
“a continuous process of cloud security improvement and adaptation to reduce the likelihood of a successful attack”
The features of the most popular enterprise Cloud Security Posture Management tools include the ability to:
- Detect and automatically remediate cloud misconfigurations
- Maintain an inventory of best practices for different cloud configurations and services
- Map current configuration statuses to a security control framework or regulatory standard
- Work with IaaS, SaaS and PaaS platforms in containerized, hybrid cloud and multi-cloud environments
- Monitor storage buckets, encryption and account permissions for misconfigurations and compliance risks
We’ve built a CSPM platform for Cloud Detection & Response in AWS, Azure, and GCP — you can grab a demo here. You can also download free playbooks we’ve written on how to respond to security incidents in AWS, Azure, and GCP.
A cloud security posture management (CSPM) strategy is an essential element of a comprehensive cloud security program. By identifying and addressing cloud security risks, you can improve the security of your organization’s data and systems while taking advantage of the cloud’s benefits.
A CSPM strategy should include the following:
1. Inventory and assessment of cloud services
2. Risk assessment of cloud services
3. Development of security controls
4. Implementation of security controls
5. Ongoing management and monitoring of cloud security posture
1. Inventory and assessment of cloud services
The first step in developing a CSPM strategy is to inventory and assess the cloud services in use in your organization. This includes identifying the type of service, the provider, and the users. You should also assess the risk of using each service.
2. Risk assessment of cloud services
The next step is to conduct a risk assessment of each cloud service. This includes identifying the potential risks, such as data loss or theft, and assessing the impact of those risks.
3. Development of security controls
Once the risks have been identified, you need to develop security controls to mitigate those risks. Security controls can include things like firewalls, encryption, and authentication.
4. Implementation of security controls
Once the security controls have been developed, they need to be implemented. This includes configuring the security controls and ensuring that they are effective.
5. Ongoing management and monitoring of cloud security posture
The final step is to manage and monitor the cloud security posture on an ongoing basis. This includes ensuring that the security controls are effective and updated as needed, and that new risks are identified and addressed.
