Cloud Security: In-House vs.

Cloud,
Virtualization Security Primer, Cloud
Network Security, Instance and Image
Security

Submitted to:
Course Code:
 Team Members
● Ashish Anand - 22BSA10071
 Table of Content
● Cloud Network Architecture Basics
● Introduction to Cloud Security

● In-House vs. Cloud Security: An Overview ● Common Cloud Network Threats

● Key Features of In-House Security ● Network Security Strategies in Cloud

● Key Features of Cloud-Based Security ● Implementing Zero Trust in Cloud

● Comparison: Pros and Cons ● Instances and Images: Overview

● Decision-Making Factors: In-House or Cloud? ● Security Issues with Instances & Images

● Introduction to Virtualization ● Best Practices for Instance & Image Security

● Virtualization Security Threats ● Real-World Examples / Use Cases

● Virtualization Security Measures

● Hypervisor Security Essentials

Cloud Security: In-House
vs. Cloud
Cloud security is critical. It ensures data protection and
compliance. This presentation compares in-house and cloud
solutions. We'll also explore virtualization security.

• Comparing In-House and Cloud Security Features

• Analyzing the Pros and Cons of Each Approach
• Exploring Key Decision Factors for Choosing a Solution
• Understanding Virtualization Security Challenges and Measures
In-House vs. Cloud Security
Overview
In-House Security Cloud Security

Traditional approach where organizations manage their Leverages the cloud provider's security services and
own security infrastructure and data centers. Requires infrastructure. Operates on a shared responsibility
significant investment in hardware, software, and model, where the provider secures the cloud and the
personnel. customer secures what's in the cloud.
• Full control over security measures • Reduced capital expenditure and operational costs
• Direct management of data and infrastructure • Scalable security solutions
• High initial investment and ongoing maintenance • Reliance on provider's security measures
costs
In-House Security
Features
Control Customization
Full control over security Tailor-made security
policies and infrastructure. solutions based on specific
needs.

Compliance Expertise
Direct management of In-depth knowledge and
compliance requirements expertise in managing
and audits. security systems.
Cloud Security
Features
Shared
Responsibility
Provider and customer share security duties.

Scalability
Easily adjust security resources as needed.

Automated Tools
Leverage cloud-based security tools and services.

Compliance
Adhere to industry standards and regulations.
Pros & Cons: In-House vs.
CloudIn-House Pros
• Full control: Direct oversight of security policies and infrastructure, ensuring alignment
with specific organizational needs.
• Customization: Tailor-made security solutions to meet unique requirements, allowing for
flexibility and adaptability.

In-House Cons
• High cost: Significant upfront investment in hardware, software, and personnel, leading
to substantial ongoing expenses.
• Maintenance: Continuous monitoring, updates, and troubleshooting required, demanding
dedicated resources and expertise.

Cloud Pros
• Scalability: Easily adjust security resources as needed, providing flexibility to
accommodate changing demands and growth.
• Lower cost: Reduced capital expenditure and operational expenses, as infrastructure and
maintenance are handled by the provider.

Cloud Cons
• Less control: Limited direct control over security measures, as reliance is placed on the
provider's infrastructure and policies.
• Vendor lock-in: Dependence on a specific cloud provider, potentially creating challenges
when migrating to alternative solutions.
Decision Factors

Cost Flexibility
Assess upfront and ongoing Consider scalability and
expenses. customization needs.

Risk Tolerance
Expertise
Evaluate security posture and risk
Determine in-house security skills.
appetite.
Virtualization Security
Primer
What is
Virtualization?
Virtualization is using software to create virtual versions of hardware, enabling multiple
operating systems and applications to run on a single physical server. This improves
resource utilization and reduces hardware costs.

Hypervisors
A hypervisor manages and allocates resources such as CPU, memory, and storage to
virtual machines. It sits between the hardware and the VMs, ensuring they operate
independently and securely.

VMs
Virtual machines simulate physical hardware, allowing you to run different operating
systems and applications in isolated environments. Each VM has its own OS, libraries, and
applications.

Containers
Containers are lightweight, portable, executable images that bundle an application with its
dependencies. Unlike VMs, containers share the host OS kernel, making them more
efficient and faster to deploy.
Security Challenges in Virtualized
Environments
Multi-Tenancy
Sharing resources creates potential
risks.

VM Escape
Attackers breaking out of
VMs.

Hypervisor
Vulnerabilities
Exploits in the hypervisor
itself.
Key Virtualization Security
Measures
Isolation
Patching
Prevent VMs from accessing each
Keep hypervisors and VMs
other.
updated.

Monitoring
Encryption
Track VM activity and resource
Protect data at rest and in transit.
usage.
Role of the Hypervisor in
Security
1 2
Access Control Segmentation
Manage VM permissions by defining which Isolate workloads by creating separate virtual
users or groups have access to specific networks for different applications or
virtual machines, ensuring that only environments, preventing potential security
authorized personnel can manage or interact breaches from spreading across the entire
with them. infrastructure.

3
Attack Surface
Minimize potential exploits by hardening the
hypervisor and reducing its attack surface,
which can be achieved through regular
patching, disabling unnecessary services,
and implementing strong authentication
mechanisms.
Cloud Network Security: A
Comprehensive Guide
This presentation provides a comprehensive overview of cloud
network security, covering essential aspects to protect your data
and infrastructure. We will cover architecture, threats, and best
practices. Let's dive in!
• Understanding Cloud Network Architecture
• Identifying Potential Security Threats
• Implementing Robust Security Strategies
• Securing Instances and Images
• Following Best Practices for Cloud Network Security
Cloud Network
Architecture
Basic Cloud
Components
Cloud network architecture relies on several core
components working together.

Virtual Private Clouds (VPCs): Logically isolated

sections of the cloud, enabling you to define a virtual
Subnets:
network. Divisions within a VPC to isolate resources
and control traffic flow.
Firewalls: Control network access and protect against
unauthorized traffic.

These components allow you to create a secure and

scalable infrastructure in the cloud.

Understanding the basics is key to securing your cloud infrastructure.

Cloud Network Security
Strategies
IDS/IPS
Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems: These systems monitor network traffic for
malicious activities or policy violations. IDS detects and alerts, while IPS actively blocks
or prevents detected threats.

Segmentation
Isolate network segments: Network segmentation divides the network into smaller,
isolated segments to limit the impact of security breaches. This reduces the attack
surface and contains potential threats.

Firewalls
Control network traffic: Firewalls act as a barrier between trusted and untrusted
networks, controlling incoming and outgoing traffic based on predefined security rules.
They are essential for preventing unauthorized access.

VPNs
Virtual Private Networks: VPNs create a secure, encrypted connection over a less
secure network. They are used to protect sensitive data during transmission and provide
secure remote access to cloud resources.

Security strategies such as IDS/IPS and firewalls are critical. Implement Zero Trust to enhance cloud
security.
Instance & Image
Security
Understanding Instances and
Images
Virtual Machines: Emulated computer systems that provide the resources of a dedicated
physical machine. They allow multiple operating systems to run simultaneously on a single
Base Images:
physical server. Initial templates used to create virtual machines. They include a pre-
configured operating system and software, providing a consistent starting point for new
Golden Images: Hardened and optimized base images that include security configurations,
instances.
patches, and necessary software. They serve as a trusted source for creating secure
instances.
Common
Vulnerabilities
Outdated Images: Images with outdated software versions can contain known security
vulnerabilities, making them susceptible to exploits.
Misconfiguration: Improperly configured virtual machines, such as open ports or weak
security settings, can create entry points for attackers.
Weak Credentials: Default or easily guessable passwords provide unauthorized access to
instances and images, compromising security.

Secure your virtual machines by addressing common vulnerabilities. Use golden images to
maintain a consistent security posture.
Best Practices &
Q&A
Hardened Images
Use hardened images, which are pre-configured with security settings, to minimize
vulnerabilities from the start. This reduces the attack surface and ensures a secure
baseline.

Regular Patching
Keep systems up to date with the latest security patches. Regular patching
addresses known vulnerabilities and protects against exploits, ensuring ongoing
security.
Secure Storage
Protect sensitive data using encryption and access controls. Secure storage prevents
unauthorized access and data breaches, maintaining data confidentiality and
integrity.
Integrity Checks
Verify system integrity regularly to detect unauthorized changes. Integrity checks
ensure that systems remain in a trusted state and that no malicious modifications
have occurred.
Follow best practices such as using hardened images to reduce risk. Implementing these
practices enhances your overall cloud security posture. Do you have any questions?