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Cloud security testing is still a relatively new practice although it has advanced by leaps and bounds over the past few years. In the early days of cloud computing technology, security was still handled through traditional methods that tended to be time consuming and weren’t as responsive to a highly scalable environment. As a result, cloud security evolved in order to better support cloud based applications and keep pace with business. Today, cloud security testing is more effective and convenient than ever before. Keep reading to learn how cloud security testing has grown and what we can expect in the future.

The Evolution of Cloud Security Testing

Traditional security testing relied on on-premise tools, including IT professionals who would have to test for known threats while also trying to monitor for emerging challenges. This was a time-consuming approach that created bottlenecks when it came to development and deployment. New applications would be stalled while security issues were addressed.

In response to these issues, security testing was also moved to the cloud. This method incorporates scanning tools that can detect abnormalities and alert the relevant parties so that they can take action. While this isn’t a foolproof system, it does allow for CI/CD without slowing down the pipeline.

How Cloud Security Testing Works

Basically, you have an environment which is built on your choice of cloud provider. From there, you may need to provide information about authentication requirements and functionality expectations. This expectation could be in the form of one of well known compliance standards. You can also take other steps to customize the compliance tests to make sure that it is scanning for specific concerns that are related to your business. Once you initiate the test, the scanner will go to work detecting any potential problems and providing you with a detailed report. This is a quick and easy way to test cloud environments against known threats and challenges.

What to Look for in a Testing Tool

As you explore how to approach cloud security testing and which tools are right for you, here are some things to take into consideration:

1. Comprehensive – you want a scanner that offers a comprehensive set of compliance tests and the ability to put new tests in the scanner based on the unique needs of your business.
2. Speed – you want a scanner that offers fast performance so that you can continually run tests as changes are made to various applications. This is key to adequately supporting the development process and avoiding delays due to security concerns.
3. Reporting – look for solutions that provide detailed reports along with actionable suggestions for resolving any problems. This automation and information is key to improving security in a way that keeps pace with cloud technology.
4. Scalability – one of the main advantages of cloud technology is scalability and flexibility. Any effective security testing tool will have these same qualities.
5. Availability – business happens on a 24/7 lifecycle, especially as it becomes more globalized. Security testing solutions need to keep that same schedule and be available at any time.
6. Value – cloud security testing will need to be continuous and involve multiple iterations. That is why you want a cost-effective option that will support this strategy without eating away at your IT budget.

Today’s cloud security testing tools are able to support cloud technology and CI/CD in new and exciting ways. Security testing is allowing businesses to take full advantage of cloud computing, free up time to IT professionals and allow for more collaborative relationships between security and development teams. If you are still relying on traditional security testing methods, now may be the time to consider incorporating cloud-based security testing tools.

To learn more about cloud testing, validation, and security, contact the experts at prancer. We are happy to answer your questions and help you find the right solutions for your business.