Cloud native is the future of application development. It employs a new way of architecting systems with increased scalability, improved adaptability, and enhanced performance. Instead of generating new software as you would for a typical cloud-based implementation, cloud native allows you to introduce existing 'containers.'

Cloud-native systems are intuitively built to bring ideas to market quicker with integrated security measures and scalable solutions to address emerging demands. The beauty is that security is built into every step to detect vulnerabilities in your system before deployment. 

Cybersecurity professionals with specialized expertise in cloud computing technologies and security infrastructures continue to be in high demand. Garnering industry knowledge and acquiring certifications within cloud-native security will offer practical advantages.

What is Cloud-Native Security?

It's a simple concept to understand, although admittedly difficult to implement. Useful for organizations of all shapes and sizes, the cloud can be leveraged as a database, network, or server. Think of it as a filling cabinet that exists in the sky. 

Today, the paradigm is shifting towards a cloud-native approach, with security built into each step to automatically detect vulnerabilities in production. Built-in integrations within the cloud-native architecture allow engineers to scale rapidly toward production. Rather than patching an existing container, the engineer can simply generate a new container to unveil a new feature. A cloud-native approach has abandoned the traditional server infrastructure and transitioned to a software-based model with improved ease of use. 

Comprehensive cloud security entails a shared responsibility between the user and the cloud supplier to mitigate the risk of a data breach. Making it paramount that the user is cognizant of the three main categories of cloud computing. These include IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service), PaaS (Platform as a service), and SaaS (Software as a Service). Each with varying levels of integrated security. Let's take a look at the security measures integrated within these three cloud computing services. 

1. IaaS

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) is used to migrate services and technologies to the cloud. IaaS firms, like AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, and IBM Cloud, only provide servers and APIs for security measures. For context, APIs (Application Program Interfaces) allow software applications to communicate effectively and allow for customizable applications. The downside here is that the shared responsibility model here means the user is responsible for making sure the applications and systems are working in tandem to ensure proper security. Organizations have unveiled zero-trust architecture systems to identify users, introduced data encryption systems for client information, and encrypted internal server information to manage access and build a robust cloud security system.

2. PaaS

Platform as a Service (PaaS) is used to create applications and software. PaaS include Google App Engine and Heroku. The cloud provider is solely responsible for the security of the network. Seems like an easy, hands-off approach to data security, but it comes at a cost. A third-party entity controls your data storing them in their protected network. Meaning your company cannot deploy services specific to your individual needs to ensure data security and compliance. Additionally, this can often stifle new features' ascent to production because integrations cannot be easily adopted when the data is being stored in a separate server.

3. SaaS

Software as a Service (SaaS) is publicly available on a central network. SaaS includes HubSpot, DocuSign, Salesforce, and Google Workspace. The cloud provider has complete control over managing the application, but managing data falls into the hands of the user. This becomes a slippery slope for data transfer of large quantities. Often, the data would have to be delivered to an external data center to perform the move. This move is not only costly to an organization but can usher in a flurry of security concerns, including data loss, data breaches, and compliance infringement. Meaning that a simple data breach for a SaaS would compromise the entirety of your company's data. 

What is a DEVSECOPS Software Engineer?

Currently a high-demand Application Security resource commodity. DevSecOps Engineers are responsible for solving customer challenges and acting as a liaison between software engineering and IT to bring ideas to production. They deploy automated application security tools to limit risk on the 'integrated' cloud platforms and ensure the company's cloud network is purged of security threats. They oversee all aspects of cloud security, including testing, selecting, and implementation by creating embedded security into the entire lifecycle to managing access based on identity through encryption keys. They are responsible for generating cloud-native applications that empower security protocols. 

IBM Cloud DevSecOps Certification

This IBM certification is great for anyone interested in becoming a DevSecOps engineer. The learning path comprises 26 courses stretching over an estimated 14 hours. It details the fundamentals of DevSecOps, IBM Cloud schematics, and typical templates to immerse the user in the lifestyle of a DevSecOps professional. In order to become certified, one must take the exam at the completion of the learning path by registering with an IBM partner for a nominal fee. For cybersecurity professionals serious about advancing their careers, these training assets can be the answer.

Access IBM Cloud DevSecOps Training Path Here to Attain Certification!

Cloud Security Opportunities

The cloud continues to solve a variety of business challenges for organizations. Cloud-native systems have proven to be effective in driving performance, increasing scalability, and accelerating implementation. 

For cybersecurity professionals interested in learning more about data security measures built into cloud-native systems, consider consulting with Yoh's Cybersecurity team of subject-matter experts. Our dedicated team of consultants is standing by to help you navigate your cybersecurity journey.