Cloud-based breach and attack simulation vs traditional breach and attack simulation
As more businesses move their data and applications to the cloud, security remains a top concern. In fact, according to a recent survey, 75% of IT professionals cited security as a top challenge for their organizations' cloud deployments [1]. Breach and attack simulation (BAS) is one approach that can help businesses identify potential vulnerabilities in their cloud infrastructure before they can be exploited, but which method is the most effective: cloud-based BAS or traditional BAS?
Traditional Breach and Attack Simulation
Traditional BAS involves deploying hardware and software on-premises that simulates attacks on networks, endpoints, and applications. Various tools used can help identify potential vulnerabilities and assess the effectiveness of existing security measures. This type of BAS is known for its accuracy and flexibility, it allows organizations to gain control over what is being tested and can be customized to their specific needs. However, traditional BAS can be expensive, require constant updates/maintenance, and does not always simulate realistic attack scenarios due to the limited scale of testing.
Cloud-based Breach and Attack Simulation
Cloud-based BAS, on the other hand, allows businesses to conduct continuous testing of their cloud infrastructure without the need for expensive hardware and software. Users can easily access the platform through a web browser and gain real-time insights into their security posture. Cloud-based BAS is becoming increasingly popular, correspondently so is the number of vendors. Take a look at Flare Compare's comparison tool for cloud-based BAS vendors to find the best solution for your business. Despite this, one of the major limitations of Cloud-based BAS is its inability to test physical appliances and end-users.
Comparison
Both traditional and cloud-based BAS have their own strengths and limitations. Traditional BAS is more accurate and can simulate more complex attacks, but it requires more resources to deploy and maintain. Cloud-based BAS is more cost-effective and is easier to deploy but cannot test some of the physical aspects of network security. Although traditional BAS can provide more control over what is being tested, more organizations are shifting to cloud-based BAS due to its scalability and flexibility.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the decision to choose a traditional or cloud-based BAS depends on the specific needs of the organization. However, the shift toward cloud-based BAS is clear and inevitable. While traditional methods continue to have their importance, they may become less relevant as cloud-security solutions continue to evolve and improve.
As the number of organizations moving to the cloud continues to increase, the importance of cloud security will become even more crucial. By conducting regular breach and attack simulation testing, businesses can make sure they have preventive measures and a plan of action in place to secure their valuable data and infrastructure.
References
- "Public Cloud Security Breaches & Key Challenges 2021." Check Point Software. May 2021. https://www.checkpoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Security-Report_Public-Cloud-Breaches-Key-Challenges-2021_04.21.pdf