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Cloud computing has brought the concept of subscription-based services related to IT computing and the concept extended to hardware, systems, virtual machines, computing power, storage, networking and so on. But what about security? can that also be provided as a subscription-based model to enterprises. 70% of the IT budget is consumed for securing the IT environment. Can there be any cost savings and other benefits like top Notch security services by outsourcing it to security as a service (SECaaS) providers?
Today we look more in detail about what is Security as a Service (SECaaS) model of cloud computing, what are its benefits and how it works etc.
Understanding Security as a Service
Security as a Service (SECaaS) is a model which offers security services to IT companies on a subscription model like other cloud computing services which are prevalent nowadays. A top-notch platform of security is provided by outsourcing providers to lower the total cost ownership instead of business supplying it. SECaaS is implemented to implement security services which do not require on premises hardware, capital investment on security products and tools. These services typically include authentication, antimalware, spyware, intrusion detection and prevention, penetration testing and security log and event management etc.
Working of Security as a Service (SECaaS)
When security software such as antivirus, spam filtering software, intrusion detection software etc. are installed on premises on the network or servers (Physical or virtual); the virus definition signatures, intrusion signatures or patterns required to be kept up to date and maintained. This mode of operation involves hardware investment as well as ongoing fees or licenses to use the product and also qualified staff is required to manage and maintain the software.
With a Security as a Service (SECaaS) model it is simple as there is no investment in hardware and someone else manages the security software for enterprise. Some of the services which are successfully delivered via a SECaaS model are:
- Encryption – making data unreadable until it is decoded authentically and unencrypted.
- Network Security – network access management protocols to secure the network services.
- Email Security – protection against email frauds, Spam , Phishing, and malware etc.
- Identification and authentication – Valid log-in and legal permissions to users and illegitimate access is denied.
- Data Loss Prevention – Monitor and secure data from loss by data protection tools.
Features of SECaaS
Some of key features of Security as a Service are :
- Continuous monitoring of every threat by SECaaS
- Security analysts handle cyber security
- Proactive threat management helps to detect malfunctions proactively which could lead to compromise
- Sophisticated techniques are deployed to detect intrusions
- Automated response to SPAM and virus and its elimination
Benefits of SECaaS
- Greater security for the enterprises
- Latest version of security tools and software’s available for enterprise security
- Company can hire qualified security personnel to enhance organization and support organization security posture
- Faster delivery of security related services
- No new hardware and license to be renewed instead it may be upgraded or replaced with new version as required on lesser costs
- Log management outsourcing helps to save time for focus on core skills
Challenges of SECaaS
- Legacy hardware elimination thought migration – overestimation of cloud security outsourcing advantages are tough to assess as you may be left susceptible during transition period switching from legacy security to cloud based security.
- Risks of misconfiguration – Configuration errors lead to cloud security breaches. There might be issues if there is a provisioning error by an internal team or cloud provider.
- Accountability – Managed security provider and client share jointly responsibility of security breach. Enterprises need to reduce risks of outsourcing by implementation and enforcement of rules to address vulnerabilities in cloud related to security.
Conclusion
Cloud computing applications process and store large volumes of data. Security is one of the major concerns in cloud computing applications as user and data/applications are uploaded on cloud which is under the ownership of cloud providers. The SECaaS is a user centric security architecture which provides security for cloud computing at different levels and mainly focused on addressing security issues in cloud-based applications.
Quick Fact!
Security services market is expected to grow to $23.8 billion by 2026