How To Prevent My Software on Cloud Platform From Getting Hacked

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for some advice on how to keep my software on a cloud platform safe from hackers. I’ve been reading up on some security practices, but I’d love to hear from the community about what else I should be doing. Here are some of the things I’m already considering:

First off, I’m making sure to use strong authentication methods. This means setting up Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for all users to add an extra layer of security. I’m also using role-based access control to ensure everyone only has the permissions they really need. I know it’s important to regularly review and update these permissions too.

I’m also focused on securing the communication channels. For starters, I’m using HTTPS to encrypt data in transit (But can’t rely on it completely :face_with_peeking_eye:). I’m thinking of implementing VPNs or private network connections for internal services to keep things even more secure. Regularly updating SSL/TLS certificates and using strong encryption protocols is on my list as well. When I was searching about this I came across these resources/articles-https://www.reddit.com/r/googlecloud/comments/10xxcl2/how_do_you_protect_against_hack/?rdt=44843 what is microsoft azure for Cloud. However they have cleared many questions of mines but I want to know about it.

Keeping everything up to date is another priority. I’m making sure my operating system, software, and libraries get the latest security patches. Automating these updates where possible seems like a good idea to ensure they happen promptly.

I am also thinking about Firewalls and security groups that are also in place to restrict traffic to only what’s necessary. Am i right? Regular reviews and updates of firewall rules are something I’m planning to do to keep them relevant and secure.

Monitoring and logging activities are crucial too. I’m enabling logging for all critical actions and plan to regularly review these logs for anything suspicious. I’m considering using a Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) system to analyze logs and alert me to potential threats. Additionally, cloud-native monitoring tools seem like a good way to keep an eye on the health and security of my applications.

When it comes to storing data, I’m making sure to encrypt sensitive data at rest using strong encryption algorithms. I’m also looking at managed database services that offer built-in security features like encryption and automated backups. Regularly backing up data and ensuring those backups are securely stored is also on my agenda.

Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS) are something I’m planning to use to monitor network traffic for malicious activities and potential threats. Keeping the IDPS rules and signatures updated is important to stay protected against new threats.

I’m also thinking about conducting regular security audits and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities. Bringing in third-party security experts for an unbiased view of my security setup seems like a smart move. Addressing any findings promptly will help minimize risks.

Educating and training my team is another priority. Regular security training for all employees will help ensure everyone is aware of the latest threats and best practices. Promoting a culture of security within the organization will encourage everyone to take an active role in protecting the software.

An incident response plan is also something I’m developing. Having a clear plan outlining the steps to take in case of a security breach is crucial. Regularly testing and updating the plan will ensure its effectiveness, and making sure all team members know their roles during an incident will help streamline the response.

Lastly, I’m leveraging the security services and features offered by my cloud provider. Services like AWS Shield, Azure Security Center, or Google Cloud Security Command Center can provide additional layers of protection. Staying informed about the latest security updates and recommendations from the cloud provider is also something I’m doing.

That’s what I’ve got so far. I’d really appreciate any additional tips or advice from the community. What else should I be doing to keep my software safe?

Thanks in advance for your help!

All of that and follow the OWASP guide:
OWASP Web Security Testing Guide | OWASP Foundation