Cloud Security: Maximizing Your Platform's Built-in Protections

A little golden book cover titled "RTFM cloud edition" depicting a child using a computer

"RTFM" – the age-old battle cry of IT professionals everywhere. While it might sound dismissive, there's wisdom in those four letters, especially when it comes to cloud security. The "manual" for your cloud platform is packed with security features you're probably not using. Whether your organization relies on Microsoft 365, AWS, or other cloud services, you're likely sitting on a goldmine of security controls that may be gathering digital dust. Let's explore why cloud security assessments are crucial and how they can enhance your security posture (without having to read every page of that manual yourself)!

The Hidden Security Gap

Many organizations migrate to the cloud for scalability and efficiency, but there's often a critical oversight: not fully implementing available security controls. It's like buying a state-of-the-art home security system but only activating the basic door sensors. Your cloud platform licenses likely include robust security features that you've already paid for—they just need to be properly configured and monitored.

Common Oversights in Cloud Security

When conducting cloud security assessments, we frequently encounter several common scenarios:

In Microsoft 365 environments, organizations often overlook crucial settings like:

  • Multi-factor authentication not being enforced across all user accounts

  • Default sharing settings that are too permissive

  • Audit logging not fully enabled or monitored

  • Conditional access policies not implemented to their full potential

In AWS deployments, we typically find:

  • S3 bucket permissions that are broader than necessary

  • IAM roles and policies that violate the principle of least privilege

  • Security groups with overly permissive inbound rules

  • CloudTrail logging that isn't configured for all regions

The Power of Security Assessment Tools

Modern cloud security assessments leverage both platform-native tools and specialized third-party solutions. For instance, Microsoft 365's Secure Score provides valuable insights into your security posture, while tools like ScoutSuite can perform comprehensive AWS environment scans. These assessments help identify:

  • Security configuration issues

  • Compliance gaps

  • Unused security features

  • Potential vulnerabilities

  • Access control weaknesses

Beyond Tool-Based Scanning

While automated tools are invaluable, effective cloud security assessment goes beyond basic scanning. It requires:

  1. Understanding your business context and compliance requirements

  2. Analyzing the interconnections between different cloud services

  3. Evaluating security controls against industry best practices

  4. Providing actionable remediation guidance

  5. Ensuring security controls align with operational needs

Making Security Sustainable

The goal isn't just to secure your environment today—it's to establish sustainable security practices that evolve with your organization, and to stay on top of changes and features made available by your cloud platform providers. This includes:

  • Regular assessment schedules

  • Documentation of security baseline requirements

  • Continuous monitoring strategies

  • Integration with change management processes

  • Training and awareness programs

Taking Action

Cloud platforms offer robust security features, but they're only effective when properly configured and maintained. If you're unsure whether you're maximizing your cloud platform's security potential, consider a professional cloud security assessment. Our team specializes in comprehensive evaluations of Microsoft 365, AWS, and other cloud environments, helping organizations identify and address security gaps while maximizing the value of their existing licenses.

Ready to enhance your cloud security posture? Contact us today to schedule a cloud security assessment. Our experts will help ensure you're getting the most out of your platform's security features and protecting your organization effectively!

Stefan Dorn