Amazon Web Services (AWS) is a subsidiary of Amazon that enables more than two software programs to communicate and provide more functionality for a product.

The other primary function of AWS is to provide on-demand cloud computing platforms. It offers fully-featured services, such as database storage, compute power, content delivery, and other functionalities, to help businesses globally. AWS cloud security should be given prime importance as it allows users to host dynamic websites by running web and application servers in the cloud.

AWS is divided into different services; it uses managed databases, such as MySQL, Oracle, and SQL Server, to securely store information and files on the cloud so that users can access them from anywhere. It offers a wide array of benefits, due to which securing the data on the AWS cloud becomes crucial. Let’s learn some more details about AWS security factors.

Implement a Security Strategy for AWS Tools

Various AWS tools like CodeArtifact, CodeCommit, CodePipeline, CodeBuild, CodeDeploy, and CodeStar require a security strategy in the first place. Many get confused about whether to put tools and controls first or set up the security strategy. But it is recommended to establish the security strategy first.

For instance, if you use configuration tools to automate software patches and updates, you will monitor the functioning throughout the tools if you have an established integrated security system.

Securing Amazon S3

According to an article, AWS is the second most preferred cloud computing platform after Microsoft Azure. Amazon S3 refers to its innovative, simple storage, scalable, high-speed, web-based cloud computing service. Many users use Amazon S3 to store confidential and sensitive information.

The risk of storing such information in S3 is high, and the chances of security breaches also increase. For ensuring the safety of the data in S3 or cloud, you must create a set of written and consistent security controls and procedures. Build a hierarchy to categorize the sensitive data, define what type of data can be stored in the cloud, and determine who can access it.

Updating the AWS Policies and Practices Regularly

Every organization must create consistent security policies to secure AWS cloud infrastructure. This way, you can protect the cloud environment from unauthorized access, malware attacks, and DDoS attacks (distributed denial of service).

Document all the AWS policies and practices in one common place where everyone can have access to.

The commonplace could be anything like a shared drive or internal network. Make use of the latest AWS cloud security approach and update the AWS practices from time to time. It will ensure that all your stakeholders, trading partners, and third-party vendors are on the same page.

Using Amazon EBS Encryption

Amazon Elastic Block Store is a high-performance block storage service. It is designed to be used with EC2 (Elastic Cloud Compute) for throughput and transaction-intensive workloads. When you use Amazon EBS encryption, you need not worry about building, maintaining, or securing your key management infrastructure for EBS resources.

The encryption secures the servers hosting EC2 instances and secures both data-in-transit & data-in-rest. You can easily encrypt the boot of an EC2 instance and data volumes with EBS encryption.

Avoid Using Expired Certificates

Expired certificates may lead to errors for custom applications or ELB (Elastic Load Balancing). And it may impact the overall productivity and security of your organization.

Industry experts suggest you must always keep your SSL/TLS (Secure Sockets Layer/Transport Layer Security) certificates updated. The older versions of these certificates may not be compatible with the AWS services.

Emphasize the Use of Built-in Cloud Security Resources

There are several native AWS security tools, such as AWS Shield, Cloud Watch, and Guard Duty, to secure the cloud environment. You can also make use of Amazon CloudFront to protect your web applications hosted anywhere across the globe.

Furthermore, if you use standard compliance frameworks, such as Amazon Machine Images or ISO/IEC 27000 series, you can protect it with additional secured measures.

Be Vigilant About the Access to AWS Management Console

With the deployment of the AWS management console, you can manage all your AWS resources and instances. It acts as an advanced dashboard on a site. The key features of the AWS management console are, it aids in creating new virtual machines and helps in removing or modifying other AWS services.

It is crucial to monitor the users who have access to the AWS management console and detect any unauthorized access.