Tenant security myths and misconceptions are putting your business data at risk—and the clock is ticking.
Three years after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and the shift to remote work, businesses worldwide have recognized the importance of using the cloud to keep applications easily accessible. Yet, even with 61% of businesses on the cloud, tenant security is still a major concern for businesses.
According to a report by the Cloud Security Alliance, only 4% of respondents report sufficient security for their cloud data. This leaves 96% of organizations with insufficient security measures for their sensitive or confidential data.
Below, we’ll delve into the misconceptions surrounding tenant security, and how consultants can play a critical role in rectifying these concerns.
The Significance of Tenant Security
Regardless of whether you have a single- or multi-tenant environment, the tenant is responsible for storing data. Whether stored data is sensitive or not, it’s critical it be safeguarded to prevent unauthorized users from viewing the data. Additionally, strong security measures safeguard intellectual property and business operations from cyber attacks, data breaches, and other security threats.
Failing to prioritize tenant security can result in a number of consequences, including financial loss, reputational damage, legal ramifications, and loss of customer trust. To avoid these consequences, organizations need to move beyond common misconceptions and implement robust system security for their tenants.
Debunking Tenant Security Misconceptions
1. Cloud providers handle all security measures.
This is one of the most common misconceptions regarding cloud providers. While larger providers such as Microsoft, AWS, Amazon, and Google Cloud do include security features, the responsibility of securing data, access, and configurations lies with the tenant’s organization. Too often, organizations assume providers will handle all security measures which leaves security gaps that hackers can exploit.
To close these gaps, organizations must carefully review service agreements to determine what security measures the cloud provider covers and which they’re responsible for. This ensures cloud data is completely protected.
2. Identity and Access Management (IAM) is Ineffective
Organizations frequently underestimate the significance of robust IAM practices. Improper user provisioning, weak password policies, and inadequate authentication measures can lead to unauthorized data access. The idea that basic username and password combinations are enough is a grave misconception that can expose organizations to significant risks.
Utilizing IAM adds an extra layer of protection to your tenant by providing more control of user access to your company system. This also protects sensitive information accessible through more than one device, including router servers, smart phones, controllers, personal computers, sensors, and more. If you are wanting to test the security of your tenants IAM practices, check out how, here.
3. ‘One-and-Done’ Security Set Up
Another misconception is that setting up security measures once is sufficient. In reality, tenants require ongoing monitoring, regular audits, and emerging threats. With cybercriminals becoming more resourceful and intelligent, organizations must perform regular audits of security systems. This ensures that all vulnerabilities are quickly resolved and tenants stay protected. Learn about types of security assessments, and a recommended technology partner to guide you through them, here.
Says Hector Perez, Senior Modern Work and Security Architect at JourneyTEAM: “With an ever-changing productivity platform like Microsoft 365, security controls must be continuously evaluated and updated. Implementing a new feature and ignoring tenant security can open vulnerabilities to your company’s valuable user information and data.”
4. Training Isn’t Necessary
Cybercriminals are able to disguise security threats, such as malware, virus, or phishing through well-disguised emails or other digital messages. Employees need to be aware of these methods to prevent them from breaching your company’s tenants. This is why regular cybersecurity training is so important.
Understanding the importance of safeguarding you tenant data is just the first step. Now, it’s time to act—a sentiment that’s far easier said than done. You may not know where to start or simply don’t have the time to delve into tenant security. That’s where technology consultants like JourneyTEAM can help.
Consultants: Bridging Tenant Security Gaps
Even if you have an in-house security team, they may not have the expertise or time necessary to bolster tenant security. Working with consultants can provide that much-needed expertise as well as support in bridging any security gaps.
Here are some ways consultants can help bolster security within your organization:
1. Educating stakeholders
Consultants can provide stakeholders or other business leaders with much-needed education regarding tenant security. For example, experts can show leadership how to increase communication between a cloud provider and their tenant, and that information is shared seamlessly between the two. Or, they can explain how to fill security gaps in a shared responsibility model.
2. Implementing zero-trust mentality and best practices
The zero-trust security approach is when all users and devices are treated as untrusted or unauthorized devices until proven otherwise. The mentality is highly suited to today’s modern IT environments and is more effective in protecting both internal and external tenant data. Additionally, the approach helps to reduce your organization’s attack surface and minimizes the damage that occurs after an attack.
When implementing zero-trust, ensure your approach includes the following:
Multi-factor authentication (MFA): Require users to provide multiple forms of verification before granting tenant access. This ensures users are who they say they are, and no unauthorized viewers are viewing sensitive data.
Least-privilege principle: Grant users only the permissions necessary for their roles, limiting potential damage in case of a breach.
Regular auditing and monitoring: Ensure admins are continuously reviewing security logs and audit trails for any suspicious activities. Follow up to ensure any vulnerabilities have been resolved.
Employee training: Educate employees about social engineering tactics and how to recognize phishing attempts.
Encryption: Encrypt data both in transit and at rest to prevent unauthorized access.
Patching and updating: Regularly update and patch systems to address known vulnerabilities.
3. Strengthening identity and access management
Most consulting firms emphasize implementing mutli-factor authentication (MFA), strong password policies, and role-based access controls. Each of these approaches assists in designing IAM frameworks that ensure proper access provisioning and least privilege principles.
4. Continuous monitoring and incident response
Consultants guide organizations in establishing robust monitoring mechanisms and incident response plans. This proactive approach enables quick detection and mitigation of security breaches, minimizing potential future breaches or damage.
Create Impenetrable Tenant Security with Expert Help from JourneyTEAM
Often underestimated due to misconceptions, tenant security is a critical aspect of modern business operations. Consultants play a pivotal role in dispelling these misunderstandings and guiding organizations toward implementing robust security measures.
Through services like our tenant health check and security assessments, we’ll quickly identify where, if any, security vulnerabilities are in your system and create a detailed plan to rectify them. Our team of experts will then help you execute your customized tenant security approach and provide continued support once it’s done.
Don’t wait for tenant security breaches to occur before increasing security—contact JourneyTEAM now to start safeguarding your data.