In a technology-driven world, where cloud adoption is at the forefront of innovation, securing your cloud infrastructure has never been more critical. Businesses, from small startups to large enterprises, rely on cloud environments for scalability, efficiency, and cost effectiveness. However, with these advantages comes the responsibility of ensuring that your cloud configurations are robust, secure, and optimised.
This guide explores the key components of cloud configuration reviews with a tailored focus on businesses operating in the UK, particularly those in sectors such as SaaS, e-commerce, and IT services. By following this structured approach, organisations can protect their infrastructure, reduce risks, and future-proof their operations.
What Are Cloud Configuration Reviews?
Cloud configuration reviews are a systematic evaluation of your cloud environment to ensure its security, efficiency, and compliance. These reviews assess whether cloud resources are configured correctly to safeguard data, applications, and systems while aligning with business goals and regulatory requirements.
In any cloud service model (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS), both the cloud service provider and the customer share security responsibilities. While providers handle the physical infrastructure and some layers of security, end users are responsible for configuring and managing their applications, data, and access controls. A cloud configuration review ensures that these responsibilities are properly fulfilled.
Why Are Cloud Configuration Reviews Important?
Misconfigurations in cloud environments are one of the most common vulnerabilities, often exploited by malicious actors. A well-executed review process helps:
- Identify and rectify security gaps.
- Adhere to compliance standards.
- Prevent data breaches and cyberattacks.
- Optimise performance and cost efficiency.
- Strengthen overall infrastructure resilience.
Key Areas of Cloud Configuration Reviews
Below are the six critical areas every organisation should focus on during a configuration review:
1. Identity and Access Management (IAM) Reviews
IAM is the backbone of any secure cloud environment. A robust IAM system prevents unauthorised access while ensuring legitimate users can perform their tasks seamlessly.
Key Actions:
- Restrict global admin accounts: Minimise the use of highly privileged accounts to reduce exposure to bad actors.
- Enable multifactor authentication (MFA): Bolster security by requiring an additional layer of authentication.
- Implement conditional access policies: Define rules for access based on location, device type, or user behaviour.
- Block legacy protocols: Disallow outdated authentication methods unless required for specific hybrid solutions.
- Adopt a Zero Trust approach: Assume no user or device is trustworthy by default, enforcing continuous validation.
2. Storage Reviews
Data storage must be secure, organised, and resilient. Misconfigured storage resources can lead to data leaks and unauthorised access.
Key Actions:
- Block public access: Ensure storage accounts are not exposed to the internet unless necessary.
- Enable encryption: Protect data at rest and in transit by activating encryption protocols.
- Activate logging: Track access and modifications to storage for better visibility.
- Leverage versioning: Protect against ransomware and accidental data loss by enabling versioning for critical files.
3. Compute Reviews
Compute resources, such as virtual machines and containers, are at the core of most cloud workloads. Ensuring their security and efficiency is paramount.
Key Actions:
- Apply OS patching: Keep operating systems updated to reduce vulnerabilities.
- Implement endpoint protection: Safeguard compute resources against malware and intrusions.
- Enable disk encryption: Protect sensitive data stored on virtual machines.
- Avoid hard-coded secrets: Use key management services (e.g., Azure Key Vault) to store sensitive information securely.
4. Network Reviews
A robust network configuration ensures the secure interaction of cloud resources and prevents unauthorised access.
Key Actions:
- Harden firewall rules: Only allow necessary traffic to flow through your environment.
- Avoid default security groups: Replace default configurations with tailored rules to reduce exposure.
- Use private connectivity: Establish secure connections using VPNs or dedicated lines like Azure ExpressRoute.
- Encrypt communication: Ensure that data transmitted between services is encrypted using protocols such as TLS.
5. Database Reviews
Databases often contain the most sensitive information within an organisation, making them a prime target for attackers.
Key Actions:
- Enforce encryption: Ensure that data in databases is encrypted both at rest and in transit.
- Disable public access: Restrict direct internet access to databases.
- Enable automatic backups: Regular backups provide protection against data loss or corruption.
- Activate threat protection: Use advanced monitoring tools to detect and mitigate suspicious activities.
6. Logging and Monitoring
Without centralised logging and monitoring, it’s impossible to identify issues, respond to breaches, or meet compliance requirements.
Key Actions:
- Centralise logging: Collect logs from all cloud resources into a unified system for analysis.
- Set alerts: Monitor for failed login attempts, privilege escalations, and other anomalies.
- Define retention policies: Retain logs for an appropriate duration to meet regulatory and business requirements.
- Adopt proactive monitoring: Stay ahead of issues by using tools that offer real-time insights and predictive analytics.
Deliverables of a Configuration Review
After conducting a configuration review, organisations should produce actionable deliverables to guide their next steps. These include:
- Configuration review checklists: Service-specific checklists detailing the status of configurations.
- Remediation plans: Steps to address identified issues, prioritised based on severity and impact.
- Tool outputs: Use tools such as Microsoft Defender for Cloud to generate comprehensive reports.
- Prioritised action plans: Clear and concise plans to address vulnerabilities and improve configurations.
Key Takeaways
- Understand shared responsibility: Secure your part of the cloud environment while relying on providers for underlying infrastructure.
- Focus on IAM and Zero Trust: These are foundational to protecting access and preventing breaches.
- Encrypt everything: From storage to databases, ensure data is encrypted at rest and in transit.
- Centralise monitoring: A unified logging system is essential for security and compliance.
- Constantly review and adapt: Cloud environments are dynamic, so regular configuration reviews are necessary.
- Invest in the right tools: Tools like Scout Suite or Azure Security Centre can automate and enhance the review process.
- Prioritise remediation: Address the most critical issues first to maximise impact.
Conclusion
Cloud configuration reviews are a vital part of maintaining a secure and efficient cloud environment. By focusing on IAM, storage, compute, networking, databases, and monitoring, businesses can mitigate risks, optimise performance, and align with industry best practices. For organisations in the UK navigating rising costs and stringent compliance requirements, adopting a structured cloud review process is no longer optional - it’s essential. By taking proactive measures today, you can safeguard your business against tomorrow’s challenges.
Source: 🔍 Configuration Reviews for Cloud Services Best Practices Every Cloud Engineer Must Know!
- The Azure 365 Hub, YouTube, Sep 1, 2025 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7d4qD6njio
Use: Embedded for reference. Brief quotes used for commentary/review.