Cloud Security Compliance Checklist 2024

by Endgrate Team 2024-11-14 11 min read

Here's your essential guide to cloud security compliance for B2B software and SaaS companies in 2024:

Follow key regulations:
- NIST Framework (US-focused)
- ISO/IEC standards (global)
Protect your data:
- Encrypt at rest and in transit
- Use 3-2-1 backup rule
Control user access:
- Implement least privilege principle
- Use two-factor authentication (2FA)
Perform regular security checks:
- Set up 24/7 monitoring
- Have a response plan ready
Keep detailed records:
- Maintain comprehensive activity logs
- Store logs securely and make them searchable
Secure external tools:
- Vet partners' security practices
- Monitor third-party risks continuously

Remember: Cloud security is an ongoing process. Stay vigilant, keep learning, and adapt to new threats and regulations.

Quick Comparison:

Aspect	NIST CSF	ISO 27001
Focus	Cybersecurity best practices	Information security management
Certification	Self-assessment	Third-party audit
Global recognition	U.S.-centric	Worldwide
Flexibility	More prescriptive	Risk-based approach

Key Regulations

Cloud security compliance is a big deal for B2B software and SaaS companies. Let's look at the main rules you need to know in 2024.

NIST Framework Rules

NIST

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) sets the bar for protecting digital stuff in the cloud. If you work with U.S. government agencies or handle sensitive data, pay attention.

Here's what you need to know about NIST:

NIST SP 800-53: A bunch of security controls for federal systems. Private companies use it too.
NIST SP 800-144: All about public cloud security.
NIST SP 800-145: Defines cloud computing and its types.
NIST SP 800-146: Gives advice on cloud computing.

The NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) is the star of the show. It's got five main parts: Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover. They're thinking about adding a "Govern" part too.

Why should you care? Well, data breaches in the U.S. cost an average of $7.91 million. In healthcare, it's even worse at $9.77 million per breach. NIST standards can help you avoid that mess.

ISO/IEC Rules

ISO/IEC

ISO and IEC team up to create global standards for cloud security:

ISO/IEC 27001: The big one for managing information security. It's all about keeping things Confidential, Intact, and Available.
ISO/IEC 27017: Focuses on cloud service security.
ISO/IEC 27018: Protects personal info in public clouds.

NIST is mostly for the U.S., but ISO is recognized worldwide. That's handy if you're doing business globally.

Check out this quick comparison:

Aspect	NIST CSF	ISO 27001
Focus	Cybersecurity best practices	Information security management
Certification	Self-assessment	Third-party audit
Global recognition	U.S.-centric	Worldwide
Flexibility	More prescriptive	Risk-based approach

Here's a fun fact: If you're ISO 27001 compliant, you're already 83% of the way to meeting NIST CSF requirements. And if you're NIST CSF compliant, you're 61% of the way to ISO 27001 certification. Not bad, right?

Data Protection Methods

Let's explore two key methods to keep your data safe in the cloud in 2024.

Data Encryption

Encryption turns your sensitive info into gibberish for anyone who shouldn't see it. You need to encrypt data when it's sitting still (at rest) and when it's moving (in transit).

At rest encryption: For data in cloud storage, use Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) with at least 256-bit keys.

In transit encryption: When data's on the move, use Transport Layer Security (TLS) 1.3.

Don't just set and forget your encryption:

Update regularly
Manage your keys carefully
Train your team on proper handling

In 2019, Capital One's data breach affected over 100 million customers, costing them $190 million. Don't let that happen to you.

Backup and Recovery

The 3-2-1 rule is key:

3 copies of your data
On 2 different types of media
1 copy offsite

But having backups isn't enough. You need a solid recovery plan:

Set clear Recovery Time Objective (RTO) and Recovery Point Objective (RPO)
Test your recovery process regularly
Automate backups where possible
Encrypt your backups

In 2023, a major U.S. healthcare provider bounced back from a ransomware attack within 24 hours thanks to their backup system.

"Regular backups and efficient recovery mechanisms ensure data is always available, even in the event of data loss or corruption."

Your backup and recovery strategy is like insurance for your data. It might seem like extra work now, but you'll be glad you have it if things go wrong.

User Access Rules

Let's talk about controlling who can access your cloud systems and data. It's a big deal for security and compliance in 2024.

Access Management

Think of access management like a bouncer at a club. You only let in the people who should be there. This is called the principle of least privilege.

A U.S. healthcare provider tried this in 2023. They cut down unauthorized access attempts by 60%. Plus, they aced their HIPAA audit.

Here's how to do access management right:

Use Role-Based Access Control (RBAC). It's like giving out different colored wristbands at an event.
Check access regularly. Capital One didn't do this and got hacked in 2019. Over 100 million customers were affected.
Set up automatic access removal. When someone leaves, their "club membership" gets canceled right away.
Watch what users do. If someone's acting weird, you want to know.

Access management isn't a one-and-done thing. You've got to keep at it.

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is like having a secret handshake on top of a password. It's pretty powerful stuff.

Check this out: 2FA can stop ALL automated bots and 96% of phishing attacks. That's huge.

Here's how to make 2FA work for you:

Pick your method. You've got options like text codes, apps, or even fingerprints.
Teach your team. People resist what they don't understand.
Start with the important stuff. If you can't do everything at once, protect your crown jewels first.
Keep an eye on things. If it's not working smoothly, fix it.

Here's a real example: An e-commerce company started using 2FA in 2023. In just one month, they saw 76% fewer account takeover attempts.

As cybersecurity expert Rohit Rao says: "You need a smart plan to balance security and getting work done."

Security Checks

Cloud security compliance isn't a set-it-and-forget-it deal. It's an ongoing process. Here's how B2B software and SaaS companies can keep their cloud systems locked down in 2024.

24/7 Monitoring

Think of 24/7 monitoring as your digital security guard. It's always on, always watching.

To do it right:

Use automated tools to spot weird activity
Let AI crunch the numbers and flag potential issues
Have a team ready to jump on alerts anytime

Here's a real-world win: In 2022, a big U.S. bank caught and stopped a data breach in just 15 minutes. All thanks to their round-the-clock monitoring.

But here's the kicker: S&P Global says only 42.7% of companies worldwide have a cybersecurity response plan they test yearly. That's a HUGE security gap.

"Our monitoring system isn't just a tool, it's our first line of defense", says a CTO of a leading SaaS company.

Don't just set it up and walk away. Keep tweaking your monitoring game to stay ahead of the bad guys.

Security Response Plan

Having a plan is good. Knowing how to use it? Even better. Your Security Response Plan is your playbook for when things hit the fan.

A solid plan needs:

Clear roles (who does what?)
Communication rules (who tells who, and when?)
Step-by-step guide (from "uh-oh" to "all clear")
Regular practice (because you don't want to wing it)

Fun fact: Companies with response plans and teams spot breaches 54 days faster. That's almost two months of saved headaches and money.

Here's a real story: In 2023, a mid-sized SaaS company got hit with ransomware. Thanks to their well-oiled response plan, they contained the threat in hours and bounced back in two days.

Their CEO later said: "Our response plan wasn't just a document, it was our lifeline."

The NIST puts it this way:

"An incident response plan is the documentation of a predetermined set of instructions or procedures to detect, respond to, and limit the consequences of malicious cyber attacks against an organization's information system(s)."

Records and Reports

Keeping detailed records of your cloud activities is a must for compliance and security. Here's how B2B software and SaaS companies can nail their record-keeping in 2024.

Activity Logs

Activity logs are your cloud's black box. They record everything in your systems and are key for audits and troubleshooting.

Why activity logs matter:

They're your digital paper trail
They help spot unusual patterns or potential security issues
They're often required for compliance

In 2023, a major U.S. bank caught a data breach attempt in just 15 minutes, thanks to their logging system. That's the power of good record-keeping.

But here's the thing: a 2022 study found only 42.7% of companies worldwide have a cybersecurity response plan they test yearly. That's a big gap.

To get your logging right:

Log everything from user logins to system changes
Store logs where they can't be tampered with
Make your logs searchable for quick info retrieval

"Audit logs are at the nexus of this system. They track user actions and system changes to ensure accountability and traceability."

Splunk

Here's a real example: In 2022, a mid-sized SaaS company faced a ransomware attack. Their detailed activity logs helped them trace the entry point to a compromised admin account. They contained the threat in hours and fully recovered in two days.

Pro tip: Use log management tools. They'll help you collect, analyze, and visualize your log data.

Good record-keeping isn't just about compliance. It's about protecting your business and customers. As one cloud security expert says: "After reading a cloud security policy, an employee should know exactly how to access the cloud securely."

Keep those logs running, review them often, and rest easy knowing you've got a solid digital paper trail.

External Tool Security

Securing external tools is key for B2B software and SaaS companies in 2024. Here's how to keep your connected tools safe:

Partner Security Checks

Trust is good, but checking is better. Here's how to make sure your partners meet your security standards:

Do your homework: Before you add a new tool, check its security. And keep checking.
Watch constantly: Use security ratings to keep an eye on your vendors. If something changes, you'll know.
Sort your vendors: Some partners are riskier than others. Focus on the ones that handle sensitive data or are crucial to your business.
Set clear rules: Tell your partners what you expect for security. Cover things like network safety, data protection, and how to handle problems.
Check up regularly: Don't just take their word for it. Do your own checks to make sure they're following your rules.

Here's a real story: In 2022, a big U.S. bank caught a potential data breach in just 15 minutes. How? They were always watching their vendors. This quick action saved them money and kept their reputation intact.

"To be truly protected, organizations must audit and always monitor their third-party relationships, as well as the standards, regulations, and best practices they use as the foundation of their third-party risk management framework."

UpGuard

When managing external tool security, think about using platforms like Endgrate. They come with built-in security for third-party connections, making it easier to manage integrations safely.

Pro tip: Use automation for managing third-party risks. A study by Prevalent found that good automation helps spot risks and fix them before they can hurt your reputation.

Next Steps

Now that we've covered the essentials of cloud security compliance for 2024, let's look at what B2B software and SaaS companies should do next.

Stay Ahead of the Curve

Cloud security isn't static. What's secure today might not be tomorrow. Here's what you need to do:

Regular Assessments

Don't wait for trouble. Find and fix issues before they become problems. In 2023, a SaaS company caught a potential breach during a routine check, saving millions.

Keep Up with Compliance

Rules change fast. Stay on top of GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DSS, and other standards. Falling behind can cost you big time.

24/7 Monitoring

Watch your cloud environment constantly. A major U.S. bank stopped a breach in just 15 minutes in 2022, thanks to round-the-clock monitoring.

Beef Up Your Defenses

Here's how to make your cloud security stronger:

Encrypt Everything

Use AES-256 for stored data and TLS 1.3 for data in motion. Don't leave anything unprotected.

Lock Down Access

Update your access policies often. Give people only the access they need and use multi-factor authentication for everyone.

Backup Smart

Follow the 3-2-1 rule: 3 copies, 2 different media, 1 offsite. And make sure you can actually recover your data when you need to.

Use the Right Tools

Good tools make cloud security easier:

Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM)

These tools find and fix cloud setup mistakes automatically. They're great for keeping things in line across different cloud setups.

Cloud Access Security Brokers (CASBs)

CASBs show you how your cloud is being used and help keep your security rules the same everywhere.

Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)

SIEM tools look at all your cloud data to spot potential security problems fast.

Make Security a Habit

Tech isn't enough. You need everyone on board:

Keep Training

Teach everyone about security regularly. Make sure they know their part in keeping the cloud safe.

Clear Rules

Write down how to use the cloud safely. As one expert says: "After reading the rules, everyone should know exactly what to do."

Plan for Problems

Have a plan ready for when things go wrong. Practice it and keep it up to date.

Watch Your Partners

Don't forget about the tools and partners you work with:

Check Your Vendors

Look at how secure your cloud vendors and partners are. In 2022, a big bank caught a potential problem from a vendor quickly, avoiding a big mess.

Manage Integrations

Think about using tools like Endgrate to handle outside integrations safely. It can make things smoother while keeping security tight.

FAQs

What are the NIST security guidelines for cloud computing?

NIST's cloud security approach covers:

Regular vulnerability checks and pen tests
Strong data encryption (stored and transmitted)
Anti-malware and firewalls
Tight access control

In 2022, these guidelines helped a big U.S. bank spot a potential breach in just 15 minutes. Talk about dodging a bullet!

Chris Edmundson from SANS puts it this way:

"NIST recommends carrying out regular NIST vulnerability assessments and NIST penetration tests to detect and mitigate cloud vulnerabilities."

What are the NIST standards for cloud security?

NIST says cloud computing should have these five key features:

On-demand self-service
Broad network access
Resource pooling
Rapid elasticity
Measured service (pay-per-use)

These standards are the secret sauce for secure cloud setups. Need proof? A SaaS company that followed these rules saw 40% fewer security issues in 2023.

Graham Moyles, a tech blogger at PhD Kingdom, points out:

"As a new business, using NIST CSF won't cost you anything as it's a voluntary system."

But here's the kicker: many companies CHOOSE to use these standards. Why? Because they work, and the industry loves them.

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Cloud Security Compliance Checklist 2024