Cloud Infrastructure Security Measures #
The cloud infrastructure supporting a SaaS application is secured through a defense-in-depth strategy encompassing the following measures:
1. Physical and Environmental Security: #
- Data centers are housed in unmarked, access-controlled facilities with perimeter fencing, 24/7 security personnel, video surveillance, and intrusion detection systems.
- Strict access procedures using multi-factor authentication (e.g., biometrics, access cards) are enforced. Environmental controls include redundant power supplies, cooling systems, and fire suppression.
2. Network Security: #
- DDoS Mitigation: Automated, always-on Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) protection services are deployed at the network edge to absorb and scrub malicious traffic, ensuring service availability.
- Network Segmentation: The network is segmented using virtual firewalls, security groups, and Access Control Lists (ACLs) to create isolated security zones. This limits lateral movement and contains potential threats.
- Web Application Firewall (WAF): A cloud-based WAF is provisioned to inspect and filter incoming HTTP/HTTPS traffic, blocking common web exploits such as SQL Injection and Cross-Site Scripting (XSS).
3. Data Security: #
- Encryption at Rest: All data stored on volumes, in databases, and in object storage is automatically encrypted using strong industry-standard algorithms (e.g., AES-256). Encryption keys are managed and protected by a dedicated key management service.
- Encryption in Transit: All data moving between services within the cloud infrastructure and to external endpoints is encrypted using TLS protocols.
4. Infrastructure Hardening and Management: #
- The underlying hypervisor and host operating systems are hardened and regularly patched to mitigate vulnerabilities.
- Centralized identity and access management systems control all administrative access to the cloud infrastructure, enforcing the principles of least privilege and mandatory access control.
5. Operational Resilience: #
- Resources are distributed across multiple, geographically separate Availability Zones to ensure fault tolerance.
- Automated, continuous data backup processes are in place. Comprehensive disaster recovery protocols ensure business continuity in the event of a significant failure.
Summary #
The cloud infrastructure is secured through a multi-layered approach. This includes highly secure physical data centers, a robust network protected by DDoS mitigation and firewalls, comprehensive encryption for both stored and moving data, hardened core software, and resilient systems designed for high availability and disaster recovery. This foundational security provides a trusted environment for hosting critical applications.