The adoption of cloud computing has led to an explosion of new cloud based applications and software. As a result, organizations are implementing cybersecurity solutions that are delivered via the cloud rather than on-premises.
Placing data access control in the cloud brings advantages such as flexibility and convenience. However, some organizations may still find on-prem controls to be the better solution.
Cloud based access control
Cloud adoption has accelerated as organizations embrace digital transformation. Multi-cloud and hybrid environments are now commonplace, driving the expansion of devices and digital identities. To help ensure the security of the entire environment and maintain compliance, authorization and authentication controls need to be applied consistently across the entire cloud and on-prem infrastructure.
In many cases, the existing architecture can be leveraged, and access controls can be extended into the cloud.
For example, many service providers offer support and integration with an on-prem LDAP directory. However, like other on-prem controls, LDAP does not work natively with web or cloud based apps and services. This adds complexity to deployment and integration and some service providers are starting to deprecate support for legacy controls.
Access control in the cloud is typically delivered via a software-as-a-service (SaaS) model, with the provider hosting the controls in the cloud. This eliminates the need for not only deploying and maintaining hardware and software on-premises, but also for training and upskilling personnel to do so.
Cloud based identity management
To streamline access control, whether in the cloud or on-prem, many organizations adopt an identity and access management (IAM) solution and framework. IAM provides centralized, unified control across the entire organization, helping ensure that policies are enforced consistently in any type of environment.
Enterprises are shifting to a cloud-first mentality as their environments evolve to enable employees to access resources from anywhere. As a result, cloud based IAM solutions are emerging as a better alternative for securing that access.
The move to zero trust
Another driver for moving access control to the cloud is the growing interest in a zero trust security model. The traditional access control approach was built on the foundational idea of restricting access to network resources. From there, additional controls were implemented to fill in the gaps.
The adoption of cloud apps, expansion of remote work, and other factors have created a dynamic environment where securing the network perimeter is no longer effective. Zero trust addresses that challenge by continuously and dynamically authenticating and authorizing every connection request. In other words, no user, device, or connection is trusted, whether on or off-premises.
Identity-centric security is integral to zero trust because it provides the context that cannot be gathered from network traffic alone. Zero trust principles can be achieved with on-prem controls. However, when a modern access control strategy needs to be implemented for digital business requirements, cloud based identity security helps ensure consistent control across the entire IT ecosystem.
Assessing cloud based access control vs. on-premise
When evaluating access control approaches, the merits and deficiencies of cloud based vs. on-premise should be considered. The following are notable pros and cons for each of these access control approaches.
Cloud based access control pros and cons
The rapid and broad adoption of cloud based access control systems is due to the many benefits that this model can deliver. Among the many pros of cloud based access control systems are:
- Enhanced security
- Cost savings on maintenance, capital procurements, and software licenses
- Easy implementation and deployment
- Highly scalable with minimal effort
- Maintenance and support delivered by the service provider, including all upgrades and patches
- Software upgrades are handled by the cloud service rather than the organizations’ staff
- Streamlined integrations with an open API that facilitates connections with a wide range of hardware, software, third-party apps, and platforms
While cloud based access control systems have many benefits, they do have limitations. Some of the cons associated with cloud based access control systems include:
- Compliance limitations with regard to the more stringent regulations and other industry-specific requirements
- Limited customization
- Ongoing annual or monthly subscription fees
- Requires internet connectivity
On-premise access controls pros and cons
Although many organizations are adopting cloud based access control, on-premise access control systems have distinct advantages. Pros of on-premise access control systems include:
- Direct control over data storage and usage
- Internet isolation can be employed
- Less expensive over time
- No need for internet connectivity to operate
- Total control over security to meet internal and compliance requirements
Despite the advantages of on-premise access control systems, this approach does have drawbacks. Several cons of on-premise access control security systems include:
- Higher initial expense
- Known vulnerabilities due to the fact that many on-premise access control systems are older and more vulnerable to attacks
- Lack of remote management, including issuing or revoking access credentials, setting permissions, and automatic updates
- Limited integrations
- Organizations are responsible for all maintenance and support
- Restricted scalability
- Support for only specific types of credentials
Cloud based access control real-world use cases
Following are several real-world examples of how cloud based access control is used. These scenarios demonstrate why organizations are shifting to a cloud based access control model.
Business tools
Cloud based applications, such as customer relationship management (CRM), enterprise resource planning (ERP), human capital management (HCM), collaboration, and productivity tools allow users to access and share data from any device. Other business tools that use cloud based access controls are virtual machines and servers, storage solutions, and development platforms. While this is of tremendous value from a usability and productivity perspective, it puts sensitive data at risk.
Organizations use centralized cloud identity systems with role-based access to protect sensitive information and resources. Cloud based access control solutions integrate single sign-on (SSO) and multi-factor authentication (MFA) to simplify secure logins and increase user adoption.
Facility access
Organizations also use cloud based access control to manage access to a facility, such as buildings (e.g., offices and data centers) and specific areas in a building (e.g., areas where sensitive information or systems are stored). These tools allow administrators, staff, and other authorized people to use an app to manage access control and gain access.
These cloud based facility access systems are widely used to control entry to office spaces, warehouses, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions. Because it is cloud based, administrators can grant or revoke access remotely. In addition, cloud based access control systems enable real-time monitoring of entry logs and help enable compliance and quick responses to security incidents.
Cloud security and compliance
Cloud based access controls have also been broadly adopted to protect sensitive information from unauthorized access and leaks. For example, cloud access security brokers (CASBs) can automatically scan files for malware, quarantine malicious files, and block users from uploading known malware.
These access controls help organizations comply with security and privacy requirements set forth in regulations such as General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). Key functionality that supports compliance includes data protections and access logs.
Automated workflows
In addition to controlling access, cloud based access controls are used to automate workflows and processes. Examples include granting temporary access, automatically revoking access when an employee’s contract ends, and schedule-based entry permissions.
Cloud based access workflows are often integrated with HR and visitor management systems to streamline operations. Using cloud based access controls for workflow automation reduces the workload for IT teams and improves overall security by restricting access to only those who need it when they need it.
Key takeaways when considering cloud based vs. on-premise access controls
To succeed in today’s fast-paced environment, digital businesses need to take full advantage of cloud computing. And understanding the risks of this new environment will help ensure that all security controls are evolving as well.
Both cloud based and on-premise access control systems have their pros and cons, depending on the organization’s needs and preferences. Here are some factors to consider when choosing between them:
- Cost
Assess the budget that is available to spend upfront and over time. - Integration
Compatibility between access control solutions and the systems and devices that they need to support, along with their compatibility, should be evaluated. - Security
Determine how important it is to have full control over the organization’s data and software and whether the cloud based solutions being considered align with the organization’s security requirements. - Support
Conduct an assessment of support requirements and what internal resources are available and their capabilities as well as their efficiency and speed. - Updates
Consider the number of updates that will be required and if the organization has the resources available to implement them in a timely fashion, both for security and to comply with changing regulations.
As more assets, applications, and data are moved to the cloud, it is crucial to think beyond the traditional IT infrastructure. Cloud based identity management and governance facilitate digital transformation while maintaining security and compliance—and they scale as organizations do.
