Source URL: https://www.cyberark.com/resources/blog/the-cloud-security-layer-cake-modern-use-cases-for-pam?gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD_gt5EFcvm4gCuiCXyFKSoILG6ID&gclid=Cj0KCQjw9Km3BhDjARIsAGUb4nzTAEHEr_9J1A3PQdpJ3hp8zCei6U7KU_TFoGpYRMra9jN5vi66xbgaAuiEEALw_wcB
Source: CSA
Title: The Cloud Security Layer Cake: Modern Use Cases for PAM
Feedly Summary:
AI Summary and Description: Yes
Summary: The text discusses the critical importance of privileged access management (PAM) within a multi-layered IT infrastructure, likening effective security strategies to a well-constructed chocolate cake. It emphasizes tailored controls and best practices across various layers of IT—from on-premises servers to cloud-native applications—to mitigate risks associated with high-risk access.
Detailed Description:
The article metaphorically compares a well-structured IT infrastructure to a chocolate layer cake, highlighting the need for a robust security framework, particularly focused on privileged access management (PAM). It illustrates how PAM can effectively secure different layers of modern IT infrastructure, ensuring comprehensive threat mitigation and compliance.
Key Points:
– **Multi-Layered IT Infrastructure**: The modern enterprise IT landscape includes various layers, such as:
– **On-Premises Servers**: Linux and Windows servers support traditional applications, particularly in regulated industries.
– **Cloud-Hosted Virtual Machines (VMs)**: Organizations often transition to the cloud through ‘lift-and-shift’ strategies.
– **SaaS Applications**: Applications that empower workers and require secure access controls.
– **Containers and Serverless Functions**: Modern cloud-native applications rely on these dynamic resources.
– **Cloud Management Layer**: This layer is considered the highest risk, as it allows for significant administrative access.
– **PAM Controls for Different Layers**:
– **Layer 1 – System-level Access**: Emphasizes the importance of securing credentials and SSH keys used to access servers, suggesting practices like automated credential rotation, least privilege access, and monitoring privileged sessions to prevent insider threats.
– **Layer 2 – Operational Access on VMs**: Discusses securing ephemeral workloads with Just-in-Time (JIT) access controls, reducing credential theft risks, and promoting Zero Trust practices.
– **Layer 3 – Access to CSP Services**: Highlights the significance of protecting high-level access in cloud environments, advocating for zero standing privileges to safeguard developers while maintaining efficiency.
– **Layer 4 – SaaS App Access**: Stresses the necessity of session protection and monitoring for web applications to prevent unauthorized access and ensure compliance.
– **Bonus Layer – Secrets Management**: Underlines the importance of managing machine identities and application secrets in a central hub to mitigate risks associated with hardcoded credentials.
– **Strategic Implications**:
– Effective PAM implementation fosters a user-friendly security environment, enhancing operational agility, and reducing risks associated with credential theft and insider threats.
– Organizations are encouraged to tailor their security strategies based on the risk level of data accessed, ensuring that sensitive information is protected appropriately.
Overall, this article serves as a call to action for IT security professionals, highlighting the necessity of integrating multiple layers of identity security into their DevSecOps practices to achieve compliance and safeguard against evolving threats in a complex digital landscape.