Hidden Gems in Cloud Security Tools for AWS, GCP and Azure

These days, with everyone jumping on the cloud computing bandwagon, keeping your stuff secure is super important. As more folks use platforms like AWS, GCP, and Azure, the need to safeguard data and apps just keeps growing. While a lot of people know about the big-name security tools from these providers, there are some lesser-known gems that can really boost your security game. In this post, we’ll check out a few of these underrated tools, look at what makes them special, and see how you can easily fit them into your cloud security setup.

Understanding the Cloud Security Landscape

Cloud security goes beyond just protecting data; it encompasses practices, technologies, and tools aimed at safeguarding applications and infrastructures in the cloud. With the rapid migration to cloud platforms, organizations face unique challenges like data breaches and compliance issues.

Though AWS, GCP, and Azure present a wide array of security options, the sheer number can be daunting. Lesser-known tools can fill important gaps, offering specialized functionality that complements existing security measures.

AWS Hidden Gems

1. SecurityHub CIS Compliance Automator

The SecurityHub CIS Compliance Automator is an advanced solution designed to streamline compliance with the Center for Internet Security (CIS) benchmarks. This tool focuses on automating the assessment and reporting processes, ensuring you can adhere to security best practices and regulatory requirements in your cloud environments.

This automator provides a range of features, including Automated Compliance Checks, Real-time Reporting, Customizable Compliance Dashboards, and Integration with Existing Security Tools. By utilizing the SecurityHub CIS Compliance Automator, you can significantly enhance your security posture and ensure continuous compliance. It identifies compliance gaps and misconfigurations that could jeopardize sensitive data or lead to security breaches. This tool, as well as others can be found here: https://github.com/toniblyx/my-arsenal-of-aws-security-tools?tab=readme-ov-file

2. Amazon Macie

Amazon Macie is a data security service that uses machine learning to discover, classify, and protect sensitive information stored in AWS. While usage is growing, many organizations still underestimate its advantages, and I'm always surprised at how many clients don't use it.

For instance, Macie can find personally identifiable information (PII) in S3 buckets, giving insights into who is accessing what data. Companies using Macie report that they have been able to reduce data exposure incidents by as much as 70%, solidifying policies around data protection.

GCP Hidden Gems

1. Istio

Istio is an open-source service mesh that provides a way to control how microservices share data with one another. It is designed to enhance the security, observability, and reliability of applications running in cloud environments. Many GCP users are aware of Istio, but don't leverage its capabilities.

By implementing Istio, organizations can gain comprehensive visibility into their microservices architecture, allowing for improved management of service-to-service communication. Istio provides traffic management, security, observability, and policy enforcement. It can really speed up incident response improve your resilience, as well as security of your applications.

2. Forseti Security

Forseti Security is an open-source tool designed to manage GCP security postures. It includes features for policy enforcement and security monitoring.

For example, Forseti can automatically audit GCP resources against set security policies, ensuring compliance and minimizing misconfiguration risks. Companies using Forseti have reported a 30% decrease in compliance violations, reinforcing security governance practices efficiently.

Both of the opensource tools are available here: https://opensource.google/projects/

Azure Hidden Gems

There aren't actually a lot of tools that are Azure specific. A quick browser search will find several that are inclusive of Azure, however. Instead, here's a couple of under-used tools that are very helpful when used to their full potential.

1. Azure Policy

Azure Policy helps enforce organizational standards while assessing compliance at scale. While many are aware of it, its potential for governance is often overlooked.

With Azure Policy, organizations can create rules that automatically review resources against compliance standards. This feature ensures that all resources follow established security best practices, significantly lowering the chances of misconfigurations.

2. Microsoft Defender for Cloud

Microsoft Defender for Cloud offers comprehensive threat protection for both Azure and on-premises workloads. Although it's gained a lot of traction, many businesses have yet to explore its full range of features.

Defender for Cloud delivers vulnerability assessments, threat detection, and security recommendations. Businesses using it in conjunction with other Microsoft tools have seen their overall security posture improve, with a reported 25% reduction in security incidents.

Integrating Lesser-Known Tools into Your Security Strategy

• Assess Your Current Security Posture

  First, evaluate your current security measures. Identify any gaps and determine which lesser-known tools can bridge these weaknesses effectively.

  
  

• Start Small and Scale

  Begin with a pilot project before rolling out new tools organization-wide. This approach lets you evaluate effectiveness and make adjustments as necessary.

  
  

• Train Your Team

  Provide thorough training for your team on the new tools. Utilize resources and sessions to help them understand the various functionalities and best practices.

  
  

• Monitor and Adjust

Once integrated, continuously monitor the performance of these tools. Be prepared to adjust your strategy to ensure maximum benefit from your security initiatives.

Expanding Your Cloud Security Horizons

Exploring beyond the popular tools offered by AWS, GCP, and Azure can pave the way for improved security. Lesser-known tools, such as AWS Config, Amazon Macie, Google Cloud Security Command Center, and Azure Security Center, can tackle unique security challenges and enhance compliance with industry standards.

As the cloud ecosystem continues to mature, staying aware of these hidden gems will empower organizations to build a resilient security framework that effectively protects sensitive data and applications.