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Baseline Security Requirements in Cloud Computing
Introduction
The adoption of cloud computing has become a fundamental component of enterprise IT strategies, offering flexibility, scalability, and cost efficiency. However, as organisations migrate applications, databases, systems, and network infrastructure to the cloud, new security challenges emerge. Integrating baseline security requirements within an Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) framework ensures that risks are systematically identified, assessed, and mitigated, while aligning with organisational objectives. This paper explores the baseline security requirements necessary for cloud environments, examining their application across applications, databases, systems, networks, and information processing, and highlighting their role within ERM.
Baseline Security Requirements
Access Control and Identity Management
Effective access control ensures that only authorised individuals can access cloud resources. Organisations must implement role-based access control (RBAC) and the principle of least privilege to restrict user permissions according to job functions. Identity management systems, including multi-factor authentication (MFA) and Single Sign-On (SSO), are essential to verify user identities and prevent unauthorised access. From an ERM perspective, access control reduces insider threats and protects sensitive information, supporting operational and regulatory compliance (Fraser, Simkins & Narvaez, 2015).
Data Protection and Encryption
Data confidentiality and integrity are critical in cloud environments. Baseline security requires encryption of data both at rest and in transit using strong cryptographic protocols such as AES-256 and TLS 1.2 or higher. Data loss prevention (DLP) strategies, including secure key management and tokenisation, help protect against breaches and unauthorised disclosure. Within an ERM framework, these measures mitigate financial, reputational, and legal risks associated with data compromise (Beasley, 2016).
Network Security and Segmentation
Cloud network infrastructure must be designed to defend against external and internal threats. Firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS), and virtual private networks (VPNs) form the foundation of network security. Network segmentation isolates sensitive workloads to limit the impact of potential breaches. ERM integration requires that network security measures are assessed regularly to ensure resilience against emerging threats and alignment with organisational risk appetite (Fraser et al., 2015).
Application and System Security
Applications and operating systems deployed in the cloud must follow secure coding practices and be regularly updated to address vulnerabilities. Security baseline configurations, patch management, and vulnerability scanning are essential for protecting systems from exploitation. Implementing continuous monitoring and automated alerting enables rapid response to potential threats. Within an ERM framework, these practices reduce the likelihood of system downtime, data breaches, and business disruption.
