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TuxCare Blog5 Essential Cloud Security Standards to Prevent Data Breaches
by Rohan Timalsina
January 7, 2025 - TuxCare expert team
- Adopting cloud security standards like ISO/IEC 27017, SOC 2, and GDPR establishes a strong framework to mitigate data breach risks.
- Implementing best practices such as strong access controls, data encryption, and regular security assessments is vital for protecting sensitive cloud data.
- Meeting industry-specific regulations like HIPAA and PCI DSS requires tailored strategies to secure healthcare and payment data in the cloud.
Can cloud security standards prevent data breaches? While they might not eliminate every risk, they play a crucial role in strengthening defenses and ensuring compliance. In cloud computing, standards are more than just checkboxes — they serve as a guide to help organizations identify risks, address vulnerabilities, and stay compliant with industry best practices.
This article explores essential cloud security standards that every organization should consider to proactively prevent breaches and build a resilient digital infrastructure.
Top 5 Cloud Security Standards
Adhering to recognized security standards is a cornerstone of building a strong and reliable cloud security strategy. So, what are the key cloud security standards you should focus on? Let’s take a closer look.
ISO/IEC 27017:2015
ISO/IEC 27017 builds on the security controls outlined in the ISO/IEC 27002 standard and aligns with the core framework for Information Security Management Systems (ISMS) established by ISO/IEC 27001. ISO/IEC 27017 adds extra security controls specifically designed to tackle the unique challenges that come with cloud computing. Think of ISO/IEC 27001 as the foundation for managing information security, ISO/IEC 27002 as the practical guide for implementing controls, and ISO/IEC 27017 as the cloud-focused enhancement to address modern cloud security needs.
This standard focuses on key cloud-specific issues, including shared responsibility between providers and customers, data portability, multi-tenancy with data segregation, virtual machine hardening, virtual network security, administrator operational security, and the monitoring of cloud services.
SOC 2
SOC 2 (System and Organization Controls 2) is a widely recognized auditing standard developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). It’s designed to evaluate the controls at a service organization (like a cloud provider) related to security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy – collectively known as the Trust Services Criteria. SOC 2 reports provide valuable assurance to user entities (the organizations using the cloud services) about the effectiveness of these controls. A SOC 2 audit results in a report that describes the service organization’s systems and whether they meet the relevant Trust Services Criteria.
GDPR
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a comprehensive data protection law that governs the processing of personal data of individuals within the European Union (EU). It places significant obligations on both data controllers (those who determine the purposes and means of processing) and data processors (those who process data on behalf of the controller).
Non-compliance with GDPR can result in significant fines – up to €20 million or 4% of annual global turnover, whichever is higher. Therefore, it’s crucial for both cloud providers and users to understand their respective roles and responsibilities and implement appropriate measures to ensure compliance.
HIPAA
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) sets national standards in the United States for protecting sensitive patient health information (PHI), also known as electronic protected health information (ePHI) when stored or transmitted electronically. HIPAA applies to Covered Entities (CEs) – primarily healthcare providers, health plans, and healthcare clearinghouses – and their Business Associates (BAs).
In the context of cloud services, the cloud service provider (CSP) often acts as a Business Associate. A Business Associate Agreement (BAA) is essential between the CE and the CSP. This legally binding contract outlines each party’s responsibilities for protecting ePHI and ensures the CSP is obligated to meet HIPAA’s requirements.
PCI DSS
The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is essential for organizations that handle cardholder data, providing a comprehensive framework to secure payment environments, including those hosted in the cloud. It mandates stringent measures such as robust encryption, access controls, and regular vulnerability management to safeguard sensitive payment information from breaches and fraud. PCI DSS compliance ensures that organizations can maintain the trust of their customers while minimizing financial and reputational risks.
To comply with PCI DSS in the cloud, businesses must partner with cloud service providers that meet the standard’s rigorous requirements. Key considerations include using strong encryption for data storage and transmission, implementing access restrictions to limit personnel exposure to payment data, and adopting robust key management practices to protect cryptographic keys.
Best Practices for Cloud Security
Beyond adhering to specific cloud security standards, organizations must implement a range of best practices to bolster their security posture. These include:
Regular Security Assessments
Regularly assess cloud environments to identify and address vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. Key activities include:
Vulnerability Scanning: Use automated tools to scan for known vulnerabilities and misconfigurations based on benchmarks like OWASP and CIS.
Security Audits: Conduct periodic audits to assess compliance with standards and identify areas for improvement.
Strong Access Controls
Prevent unauthorized access by implementing robust access control measures:
Strong Password Policies: Enforce complex passwords and regular resets to reduce brute-force attack risks.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Add an extra layer of protection for user authentication.
Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): Grant only necessary permissions, following the principle of least privilege.
Data Encryption
Protect sensitive data by encrypting it both at rest and in transit:
Encrypt Data at Rest: Use cloud-native tools or third-party solutions to encrypt data stored on servers and devices.
Encrypt Data in Transit: Secure data transmissions with protocols like TLS.
Regular Patching and Updates
Timely patching is crucial for mitigating known vulnerabilities:
Automate Patching: Tools like KernelCare Enterprise can apply security patches for Linux distributions without downtime, ensuring systems stay secure and operational.
Test Before Deployment: Validate patches in a controlled environment before production deployment.
Final Thoughts
Adhering to cloud security standards isn’t just about protection and compliance; it’s also about building trust with customers and partners. Each standard provides tailored tools and guidelines to identify vulnerabilities, respond to incidents, and ensure resilience in the face of cyber risks. However, cloud security is a shared responsibility that demands vigilance, proactive planning, and continuous adherence to best practices.
For organizations relying on Linux, leveraging tools like KernelCare Enterprise for rebootless patching can further enhance security and compliance by ensuring timely updates and minimizing downtime.
Have questions about how rebootless patching can enhance your organization’s operational efficiency and strengthen your cloud security strategy? Ask a TuxCare Linux security expert today to learn more.
