What Are Baseline Security Requirements That Should Be Appli ✓ Solved

What Are Baseline Security Requirements That Should Be Applied To The

What are baseline security requirements that should be applied to the design and implementation of applications, databases, systems, network infrastructure, and information processing when considering cloud computing within an enterprise risk management framework? Your paper should include an introduction, a body with fully developed content, and a conclusion. Support your answers with the readings from the course and at least two scholarly journal articles to support your positions, claims, and observations, in addition to your textbook. Be clearly and well-written, concise, and logical, using excellent grammar and style techniques. You are being graded in part on the quality of your writing.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The rapid adoption of cloud computing within enterprises has revolutionized how organizations manage their information technology resources. Cloud services offer scalability, cost efficiency, and flexibility; however, they also introduce significant security concerns that must be addressed through the implementation of baseline security requirements. These foundational security measures are critical to protecting applications, data, and infrastructure in the cloud environment, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and mitigating enterprise risks. This paper explores the essential baseline security requirements applicable to applications, databases, systems, network infrastructure, and information processing within a cloud computing framework, emphasizing their integration within an enterprise risk management (ERM) approach.

Understanding Baseline Security Requirements in Cloud Computing

Baseline security requirements refer to a set of minimal security controls and standards that are essential for safeguarding cloud computing environments. These requirements serve as the foundation for establishing a secure cloud architecture, and they must be consistently applied during the design, implementation, and operational phases. Within an ERM framework, these controls help in identifying, assessing, and managing risks associated with cloud deployment, aligning security initiatives with organizational objectives.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) provides a comprehensive framework for cloud security, emphasizing the need for controls related to identity and access management, data protection, incident response, and continuous monitoring (NIST, 2021). Applying these controls uniformly across all layers of cloud infrastructure ensures a robust security posture that can adapt to evolving threats.

Baseline Security Requirements for Cloud Applications and Databases

For applications and databases hosted in the cloud, authentication and access management are critical. Implementing strong, multi-factor authentication (MFA) mechanisms ensures that only authorized users can access sensitive data and functionalities (Kostopoulos et al., 2018). Furthermore, role-based access control (RBAC) enforces the principle of least privilege, limiting user permissions to only what is necessary for their roles, thereby reducing the attack surface.

Data encryption at rest and in transit is fundamental, providing confidentiality and integrity for critical information (Zhou et al., 2019). Cloud providers often offer encryption services, which organizations should rigorously configure and manage. Regular vulnerability assessments and security patches for applications and databases further minimize exploitable weaknesses.

Security Controls for System and Network Infrastructure

Securing the underlying systems and network infrastructure calls for stringent controls. Firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS), and network segmentation are essential to prevent unauthorized access and contain potential breaches (Al-Fuqaha et al., 2015). Proper configuration of virtual private networks (VPNs) and secure communication protocols, such as TLS, ensures data confidentiality during transmission.

Additionally, implementing baseline configurations for virtual machines (VMs) and containers reduces the likelihood of vulnerabilities stemming from misconfigurations (Subashini & Kavitha, 2011). Continuous monitoring of network activity helps detect anomalies indicative of security incidents, enabling prompt response.

Information Processing and Data Management Security

Protection of information processing involves establishing secure data handling procedures. Data classification policies aid in identifying sensitive information requiring additional safeguards. Data masking and anonymization techniques help protect privacy when necessary (Shah et al., 2020). Backup and disaster recovery plans are indispensable, ensuring data availability and integrity during ransomware attacks or system failures.

Auditing and logging are crucial for accountability and forensic analysis. Cloud environments should implement comprehensive logging mechanisms that record access and changes, with logs regularly reviewed to identify suspicious activities (Sans Institute, 2020).

Integrating Baseline Security into Enterprise Risk Management

Incorporating baseline security controls within an ERM framework ensures that security measures are proactive and aligned with organizational risk appetite. Risk assessments help identify vulnerabilities specific to cloud environments, leading to the prioritization of security investments (McDonald & Nelson, 2014). Regular audits, compliance checks, and vulnerability assessments are vital to maintaining the security baseline and adapting to emerging threats.

Furthermore, organizations should foster a security-aware culture and provide ongoing training to staff. This holistic approach enhances security effectiveness and ensures continuous improvement aligns with organizational objectives and risk management strategies.

Conclusion

Implementing baseline security requirements across cloud computing environments is fundamental to safeguarding applications, data, and infrastructure. These controls—spanning access management, encryption, network security, and data protection—form the foundation for a resilient security posture within an enterprise risk management framework. As cloud technology continues to evolve, organizations must persistently review and update their security baselines, integrating them into risk management processes to address emerging threats and compliance requirements effectively. A comprehensive and proactive approach to security not only minimizes risks but also enables organizations to leverage the full potential of cloud computing securely.

References

  • Al-Fuqaha, A., Guo, C., Mohanty, S. P., & Ray, P. (2015). Security and privacy challenges in the Internet of Things. IEEE Wireless Communications, 24(6), 26-33.
  • Kostopoulos, G., Koziris, N., & Kefalas, I. (2018). Multi-factor authentication for cloud applications: A systematic review. Journal of Cloud Computing, 7(1), 1-20.
  • McDonald, T., & Nelson, D. (2014). Implementing risk management in cloud security. Journal of Information Security, 5(3), 154-161.
  • NIST. (2021). NIST SP 800-53 Revision 5: Security and privacy controls for information systems and organizations. National Institute of Standards and Technology.
  • Shah, S. M., et al. (2020). Data privacy and protection techniques in cloud computing. IEEE Access, 8, 133-145.
  • Sisodia, D., & Jain, P. (2020). Cloud security challenges and solutions: A review. Journal of Cloud Computing, 9, 1-15.
  • Subashini, S., & Kavitha, V. (2011). A survey on security issues in service delivery models of cloud computing. Journal of Network and Computer Applications, 34(1), 1-11.
  • Zhou, Y., et al. (2019). Secure cloud storage with data integrity verification. IEEE Transactions on Cloud Computing, 7(4), 1139-1152.
  • Sans Institute. (2020). Best practices for cloud security monitoring and logging. SANS Institute.
  • Kim, D., & Feamster, N. (2013). Improving network management with cloud-based security solutions. Communications of the ACM, 56(4), 78-86.

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