How a cloud application security strategy and CASB work together to stop cyber threats

In the most recent years, cloud applications have become an integral part of business operations. From team collaboration tools to customer relationship management platforms, the reliance on cloud applications continues to grow. However, this shift has brought a host of cybersecurity challenges, making cloud application security a non-negotiable aspect of modern business strategy.

Cloud Application Security and Cloud Access Security Brokers (CASBs) work hand in hand to create a comprehensive defence mechanism against cybersecurity issues, ensuring that businesses can operate securely and efficiently. Together, they form a line of defence against cyber threats, safeguarding sensitive data and ensuring business continuity.

What is cloud application security?

Cloud application security refers to the strategies and tools employed to protect cloud-based applications from cyber threats. These applications, which include everything from LinkedIn and Salesforce to Google Drive and WhatsApp Web, facilitate essential business functions but also introduce risks. Without a solid cloud application security framework, businesses expose themselves to potential data breaches, unauthorised access, and other cybersecurity vulnerabilities.

One of the biggest misconceptions is that organisations not using dedicated cloud services, like Microsoft 365, don’t need to prioritise cloud application security. However, the reality is that the average business utilises almost 1,000 cloud applications—many of which fall under ‘shadow IT,’ or applications used without explicit IT approval. These unsanctioned apps can significantly increase a company’s attack surface.

The importance of cloud application security extends beyond technical risk mitigation. It’s also about protecting organisational reputation, maintaining customer trust, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. With the exponential growth of digital transformation, cloud application security is no longer an optional investment but a cornerstone of modern cybersecurity strategies.

The role of CASBs in cloud application security

Cloud Access Security Brokers (CASBs) act as intermediaries between users and cloud service providers, offering critical visibility and control over cloud application usage. CASBs provide the tools necessary to enforce security policies, monitor user behaviour, and detect potential threats, making them an essential component of any comprehensive cloud application security strategy.

Here’s how CASBs enhance cloud application security:

  1. Visibility: CASBs allow organisations to uncover all cloud applications in use, including unsanctioned ones. This visibility is essential for identifying potential vulnerabilities and managing risk effectively

  2. Threat detection and response: Advanced CASBs leverage AI and machine learning to detect anomalous behaviour and mitigate threats in real-time. Whether it’s unauthorised data sharing or suspicious login attempts, CASBs provide the insights needed to take immediate action

  3. Policy enforcement: CASBs enable the enforcement of granular security policies. For example, they can restrict sensitive data sharing on platforms like WhatsApp Web or limit file download permissions to authorised personnel only

  4. Compliance management: With built-in compliance monitoring, CASBs help organisations meet regulatory requirements by continuously evaluating cloud applications for misconfigurations and other compliance risks

The integration of CASBs into a cloud application security strategy not only enhances visibility but also simplifies the enforcement of complex security measures. This proactive approach ensures that organisations can stay ahead of emerging threats and adapt to the evolving cybersecurity landscape with confidence.

The challenges of cloud application security

While cloud applications have revolutionised the way businesses operate, they also introduce several challenges:

  • Shadow it: employees often use unauthorised apps to improve productivity. Without proper oversight, these apps can lead to data leakage or security gaps
  • Misconfigurations: misconfigured cloud services are a leading cause of data breaches. Ensuring proper configurations requires constant vigilance
  • Insider threats: employees, whether intentionally or accidentally, can pose significant risks by mishandling sensitive data or sharing it through unsecure channels
  • Data loss: unsecured cloud applications increase the likelihood of data loss, either through malicious attacks or accidental deletions
  • Complexity of compliance: navigating the maze of regulations related to data privacy and cloud usage can be overwhelming, especially without tools to monitor and enforce compliance

The importance of integrating CASBs with cloud application security

Integrating CASBs into your cloud application security strategy allows for a proactive approach to cybersecurity. Here’s how this integration works:

  • Discovery of shadow it
    CASBs provide detailed insights into all cloud applications being used within an organisation. This discovery process helps IT teams identify unsanctioned apps and assess their risk levels
  • Control and governance
    By unifying cloud application security with CASB capabilities, organisations can enforce policies tailored to their unique needs. For instance, restricting certain functions like file sharing or editing to authorised users only
  • Real-time threat mitigation: the combination of cloud application security tools and CASBs enables real-time detection and response to threats, minimising potential damage
  • Streamlined compliance: CASBs simplify compliance efforts by continuously monitoring cloud services and providing alerts for non-compliant configurations or activities
  • User behaviour analytics: by analysing user interactions, CASBs provide deeper insights into potential risks, enabling organisations to refine their security policies and address vulnerabilities proactively

The dynamic capabilities of CASBs and their ability to integrate seamlessly with cloud application security tools make them indispensable for modern businesses. These tools empower organisations to focus on their core objectives without being hindered by security concerns.

Real-world implications of cloud application security

Recent statistics highlight the urgency of addressing cloud application security. For example, we conducted research and it revealed that nearly a quarter of employees use messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, or Facebook Messenger to share work documents. Even more concerning, 16% of employees use platforms like Google Drive or Dropbox to take company information to a new job. These practices expose organisations to significant risks, underscoring the need for visibility and control over cloud application usage.

Furthermore, studies show that misconfigured cloud services have overtaken hacking as the leading cause of data breaches. This alarming trend emphasises the critical role of continuous monitoring and proactive threat mitigation in cloud application security. With CASBs in place, businesses can significantly reduce their exposure to such risks, ensuring that sensitive data remains protected.

Building a comprehensive cloud application security strategy

To effectively mitigate cyber threats, organisations should adopt a holistic cloud application security strategy that incorporates CASBs. Here are the key steps:

  1. Conduct a cloud application discovery process: Identify all cloud applications currently in use, including shadow IT. Begin by auditing your network to uncover all cloud-based tools employees use, sanctioned or otherwise. This process involves using automated tools to scan for app usage and conducting employee surveys to identify applications that might not be immediately visible to IT teams. Once a comprehensive list is established, classify these apps based on their function and security posture

  2. Assess risks: Evaluate the risk levels of each application and prioritise high-risk apps for immediate action. This involves assessing the sensitivity of data handled by each app, its compliance with regulatory standards, and its vulnerability to threats. For example, cloud storage services or messaging apps that allow file sharing often pose higher risks. Develop a risk matrix to visualise and categorise these risks to help prioritise remediation efforts

  3. Implement security policies: Use CASBs to enforce granular policies tailored to your organisation’s needs. For example, restrict sensitive file sharing on collaboration tools. These policies should align with your organisational goals while ensuring minimal disruption to workflows. For instance, you might allow file viewing but restrict downloads or modifications for non-essential users. This ensures that critical data remains protected while enabling employees to remain productive

  4. Monitor and respond: Continuously monitor user activity and respond to anomalies in real-time. Deploy CASBs to track user behaviour, flagging unusual login attempts or data transfers that deviate from established norms. For example, if a user attempts to download a significant volume of sensitive data outside working hours, CASBs can automatically block the action and alert security teams

  5. Educate employees: Train employees on the importance of cloud application security and best practices for safeguarding sensitive data. Regular training sessions should cover topics like recognising phishing attempts, safely sharing files, and using approved applications. Gamify the training experience with quizzes or rewards to boost engagement and retention. Empower employees to report suspicious activities without fear of repercussion, fostering a culture of security awareness

  6. Leverage advanced analytics: Utilise CASBs to gain insights into user behaviour and refine your security measures based on these analytics. Advanced analytics tools can identify patterns, such as frequent failed login attempts or repeated access to sensitive files, which may indicate insider threats or compromised accounts. Use this data to adjust your policies and implement measures like multi-factor authentication (MFA) where needed

  7. Review and update regularly: As cyber threats evolve, regularly review your cloud application security strategy to ensure it remains effective. Schedule quarterly or bi-annual reviews to reassess risks, update security policies, and evaluate the performance of your CASBs. Incorporate feedback from employees and security teams to address gaps and improve efficiency. Staying proactive in your reviews ensures your organisation remains resilient against new and emerging threats

Final thoughts

Cloud application security and CASBs are essential in today’s interconnected world, where cloud applications drive business success but also present significant risks. By integrating CASBs into your cloud application security strategy, you can gain the visibility, control, and real-time threat mitigation necessary to protect your organisation from cyber threats. The key to success lies in understanding your cloud environment, addressing vulnerabilities, and empowering your team with the tools they need to operate securely.

Is your organisation equipped to manage the complexities of cloud application security? Discover how Censornet’s CASB solution delivers AI-powered visibility, control, and threat protection to secure your cloud environment effectively.

🍪 This website uses cookies to improve your web experience.

If you wish to chat to someone about our products or services please contact our UK office on the number below:

0845 230 9590