Monitoring and Detecting Anomalies in the Cloud

Computing, running an e-commerce business, selling software, and streaming all have something in common: they all use the cloud in some way and are likely cloud-native applications. Cloud-native applications are a big part of how we use technology today. Whether companies are developing software in the cloud using cloud-native native docking programs or merely offering cloud-native software to their customers, the truth is that cloud-native applications are a significant part of our modern computing lives. You’re probably using a cloud-native application on your device right now. As organizations continue to adopt cloud-native applications, it becomes essential to learn how to monitor and detect anomalies in the cloud so you can ensure the infrastructure remains sound. And in this article, we’ll explore cloud-native threat intelligence and how it can help organizations protect their cloud environments.

Introduction to Cloud Native Threat Intelligence

Threat intelligence—a fancy term for collecting and analyzing data to help understand an attacker’s methods/motives—is a big part of security in a cloud-native application. Cloud-native applications and their use are growing at a pretty significant rate.  Because of their widespread adoption and increased use, companies are starting to see a need for specialized threat intelligence and security measures. Organizations must identify and mitigate risks specific to cloud environments to maintain a secure infrastructure. A comprehensive understanding of the cloud-native threat landscape is necessary for effective security management. As cloud-native applications become more common, organizations must prioritize cloud-native threat intelligence to protect their assets and maintain a secure environment.

Proactive Monitoring in Cloud Native Environments

Implementing proactive monitoring in cloud-native environments is essential for minimizing the risk of cloud security incidents. Proactive monitoring is one of the best things you can do to prevent security incidents in any environment, but it’s especially important in cloud-native environments. Because cloud and native environments are often highly scalable and pretty complicated, it can be difficult to monitor them effectively. That’s why being proactive about it is so critical. Proactive monitoring helps identify potential vulnerabilities and misconfigurations before they become critical, minimizing the risk of security incidents. Monitoring continuously allows organizations to discover anomalies, identify misconfiguration, find vulnerabilities, and prevent threats in a reasonable time frame. Proactive monitoring helps a company maintain compliance with industry regulations and standards, further enhancing its security measures. 

Using Log Analysis for Threat Detection

When you want to quickly identify a problem, the best way to do so is to analyze logs. Log aggregation and analysis is pivotal to detecting threats and anomalies. This is especially true in climate events. Many organizations say that log data is one of the most valuable ways to detect issues, so using it should be a no-brainer for most companies. The simplest method for this is using log aggregation. Log aggregation—a process where companies collect, consolidate, and look at their logs—is vital to this process. It lets companies gather events and data from multiple sources, meaning it’s easier to find log incidents that might shed some light on potential anomalies. When you want to find out what users are doing, log system events, discover potential security incidents, and more, your logs will assist you with that. Effective log analysis can help you identify important patterns, significantly reduce the time it takes to detect and respond to issues and minimize damage to your organization’s infrastructure. By taking the time to set up log aggregation and use analysis tools, you can enhance your threat detection capabilities in cloud-native environments.

Using Anomaly Detection Algorithms for Early Warning Signs

In addition to using logs to detect anomalies, companies can use anomaly detection algorithms to watch for early signs of issues. These algorithms can identify early warning signs and strange patterns in cloud-native environments with a pretty good success rate. They can also help find weird data points that need to be clarified or aligned with what you expect in your cloud-native applications. Think of it as an early warning system. Machine learning and artificial intelligence can enhance the accuracy and efficiency of anomaly detection algorithms, too, making them a worthwhile addition to any security routine.

Cloud-Native Threat Intelligence Tools and Platforms

Cloud-native threat intelligence tools and platforms are essential for organizations to effectively manage and mitigate risks in their cloud environments. These services practice the necessary continuous monitoring, response, and analytical capabilities companies need to keep their apps secure. Organizations can use cloud-native application security services with their existing security tools and systems to create a larger security strategy. As organizations adopt cloud-native applications, monitoring and detecting anomalies in the cloud is a serious concern. Prioritizing cloud-native threat intelligence and using the techniques we’ve discussed here can ultimately lead to a more resilient cloud and better security for your cloud-native applications throughout the company.