AWS Security vs. Azure Security Involve Subtle Differences

Cloud data storage and services continue to grow at an exponential rate. Upwards of 60 percent of global data storage resides in the cloud, and more than half of organizations do not always use encryption and other fundamental security measures. That being said, advanced Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Azure security measures offer a unique opportunity to harden an operation’s cybersecurity posture in the cloud and on-premises networks.

The AWS security vs. Azure security approaches appear to be nuanced, and choosing the right one for your business can make a significant difference. If you are planning to upgrade your cybersecurity measures to better protect your valuable and sensitive data, these are things to consider.

What is AWS Security?

Ranked among the leading cloud service providers today, Amazon Web Services (AWS) utilizes a variety of tools and features to deliver enhanced security on a global scale.  Operating under what AWS calls the “shared responsibility” model, customers and their managed IT service providers are tasked with handling the security workloads and controls necessary to an enterprise. These generally involve the following.

• Customer Data
• Platform, Applications, Identity & Access Management
• Operating System
• Network & Firewall Configuration
• Client Data Encryption
• Server Side Encryption
• Data Integrity
• Networking Traffic Protection

AWS tends to focus on the cloud security side of the symbiotic relationship. These typically include secure software opportunities such as storage, database options and networking, among others. From a hardware standpoint, AWS offers global infrastructure across wide-reaching regions and edge locations.

Benefits of Employing AWS Security

It’s important to understand that AWS is not necessarily a standalone set of security values. The service leverages wide-reaching tools and partners to bring comprehensive, forward-facing cybersecurity together. Many of the tools resemble the controls used in on-premises networks designed to further systems configuration, access management and data security, among others. These rank among the benefits companies enjoy when integrating AWS security into their operations.

• Infrastructure Security: The firewalls embedded in the Amazon Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) allow users to create select control access, with customers accessing company assets within established parameters. The AWS infrastructure also delivers the high-level encryption capabilities necessary to protect sensitive information when in transit. Whether on-premises or working remotely, AWS infrastructure provides secure connections from on-premises networks as well as cloud-based organizations.
• Inventory and Configuration Management: The variety of tools offered through the AWS security system helps organizations maintain digital agility. This facet is bolstered by the fact that cloud-based assets adhere to your company’s select and unique cybersecurity standards and best practices.
• Data Encryption: The value of being able to add encryption security to information residing in the cloud cannot be understated. The AWS approach allows users to select and manage encryption options in a fashion that best suits an outfit’s profit-driving and goal-achieving endeavors. Data encryption also helps organizations maintain regulatory compliance and protect the personal identity information of staff members, clients and business partners.
• Identity and Access Control: One of the pillars of advanced cybersecurity involves login profile limitations. Should a hacker gain access to a business network using a legitimate username and password, valuable and sensitive information is at risk. By utilizing AWS tools, companies can implement strategies such as zero trust access and multi-factor authentication, among others.
• Monitoring and Logging: The tools and features organizations gain from AWS allow them to identify data storage issues and movements across your network clearly. This includes user accounts and calls through the AWS management console. This flexible, scalable approach to monitoring and logging has been a boon for growing organizations that prefer to invest in security on an as-needed basis.

Along with determined cybersecurity, perhaps the most significant benefit of working with AWS involves compliance. In the global marketplace, corporations need to meet the regulatory standards of other countries, as well as the U.S. For example, AWS meets the General Data Protection Regulation standards imposed by the European Union.

What Is Azure Security?

These security measures involve the tools and resources provided through Microsoft’s Azure cloud platform. Microsoft offers a wide range of controls and secure infrastructure to support numerous operating systems, devices and frameworks in a variety of languages. As long as your staff members, clients and business partners can access the internet, they can rely on Azure security.

Like AWS security, Azure also utilizes a shared responsibility model. Items such as data governance, account management, access and endpoints remain the purview of the user. After that, Azure offers a variety of flexible services that can be taken on by the cloud provider. These typically include operating systems and network controls, as well as identity and directory infrastructure. The cloud service provides physical hosting, networks and data centers. However, on-premises networks may be an exception.

Benefits of Azure Security

In many ways, Azure delivers a unified front for Microsoft users. Given the high number of organizations that rely on Microsoft products, this can seamlessly enhance productivity in a framework of determined cybersecurity. The Azure approach provides clear visibility over resources such as virtual machines, cloud-based services and virtual network capabilities. It has the capacity to protect hybrid workloads regardless of whether they are positioned in the Azure environment, another compatible space, or established on-premises systems. The ability to routinely check the cloud and determine the status of digital assets helps paint a concise cybersecurity picture. These rank among the top cybersecurity concerns that Azure addresses.

• Shifting Workloads: Organizations continue to integrate more processes into the cloud. While cloud usage provides cost-effective benefits, the services seem to be constantly evolving. Azure security offers a consistent and reliable cybersecurity foundation.
• Advanced Threats: Hackers continue to devise new schemes and malware to breach systems and steal digital assets. Azure offers a secure pathway for customers to maintain cybersecurity measures on the public cloud by providing a series of best practices. Following the Azure methodology helps companies minimize vulnerabilities and eliminate unnecessary threat exposure.
• Built-In Security Controls: The static controls provided through Azure help manage data security while stored in the cloud or in transit. Azure storage, for example, automatically encrypts data to protect it from prying eyes. These same built-in safeguards can encrypt sensitive information when transmitted between networks, endpoint devices and Microsoft data centers, among others.

It’s also important to note that Azure security helps create a security environment that detects and mitigates potential threats. The use of machine learning and a dashboard that delivers advanced warnings allows managed IT and cybersecurity professionals to intervene before hackers seize control over critical data. In many ways, Azure gives security professionals actionable intelligence to address critical threats in real time without getting bogged down in false alerts.

AWS Security vs. Azure Security: What’s the Difference?

To make a fair comparison of AWS security vs. Azure security, it’s essential to focus on the cloud-based services each offers. Many of the cybersecurity offerings overlap or are inherently similar. That’s largely why it’s crucial to understand the subtle differences in order to make an informed decision. These are essential similarities and nuanced differences between AWS and Azure security.

Identity and Access Management

Both Azure and AWS enhance the ability of businesses to identify network users within a system. But Azure and AWS actualize these security benefits through vastly different approaches. Microsoft extends its identity management system across Windows to Azure. This simplifies the process and costs for Microsoft users. By contrast, Azure AD offers a free tier with limitations. Users can upgrade their data usage by subscribing to a paid level.

The AWS approach differs from Azure by offering a cloud-based identity and access management system relatively free of upgrade costs. While this delivers seamless cloud-centric security, there are challenges associated with integrating it with on-premises networks.

Encryption of Storage Data

When considering AWS security vs. Azure security through the encryption and data storage lens, both provide strong management tools. The variety of data encryption solutions provided by AWS highlights its commitment to cybersecurity. Available tools and services allow users to encrypt sensitive and valuable information in storage or while being electronically transferred. By employing complex algorithms, tools and techniques, AWS delivers tamper-proof data protection.

On the other hand, Azure Blob Storage offers secure data storage at a scalable cost. Its advanced encryption capabilities are widely touted as among the most secure, primarily because of its Advanced Encryption Standard. While both platforms meet industry encryption standards, there are subtle differences that may make each a more suitable option. Business professionals outside the managed IT and cybersecurity fields would be well-served to enlist the support of a consultant when making a choice.

Threat Detection and Management

The AWS Inspector assesses inherent and emerging vulnerabilities as a service. It works by analyzing behaviors and alerting organizations about possible flaws in their cybersecurity posture. This function helps companies take proactive measures to shore up weaknesses and harden their potential attack surface.

Azure and AWS are quite competitive in this security space. One advantage that Azure does have, however, is its ability to integrate wide-reaching elements that augment its threat management capacity.

Cost of AWS vs. Azure Security

The differences in cost between AWS and Azure are not necessarily deal-breakers by any means. But each operates from a different pricing philosophy. AWS employs a pay-as-you-go approach in which customers assume the cost of select services they require. There are generally no long-term obligations or overly complicated licensing implications. One might say that AWS prefers to keep it simple and meet the fluctuating needs of growing organizations.

Although Azure utilizes a similar pay-as-you-go model, there are typically short-term obligations. Integrated with a variety of enterprise-level Microsoft products, these short-term commitments usually result in customers receiving pricing discounts. If your operation already uses various Microsoft products, this can tip the cost scales.

A Managed IT Services Provider Can Help with Azure or AWS Security

Cloud and on-premises security remains a critical component of any enterprise. The threat actors trolling the internet have only gotten more prolific in their attempts to steal valuable and sensitive data from companies. Onboarding protections such as AWS and Azure require thoughtful consideration because the seemingly minor differences can have a substantial impact on your operation. An experienced managed IT services provider with cybersecurity expertise can help you with the following:

Provide Enhanced Security

Azure and AWS are excellent options to round out a robust cybersecurity posture. Savvy business leaders do not take chances integrating these and other measures without careful consideration and intricate knowledge of how they impact other defenses, productivity and user access.  A managed services provider can help you merge AWS or Azure in an effective fashion.

Achieve Regulatory Compliance

While AWS and Azure are designed to help companies meet or exceed data privacy standards and regulations, each operation has to streamline its cybersecurity measures to achieve compliance. Although AWS has an eye toward the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation standards, there are wide-reaching mandates to consider. For example, companies in the military-industrial base are gearing up to meet the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC), and organizations in the healthcare sector must follow the stringent HIPAA protocols. A managed IT services provider can bring everything together.

Scalable Security Services

Like the Azure and AWS models, a managed IT services provider offers pay-as-you-go opportunities. Companies can onboard services to accompany growth, expansion and the need to meet changing data protection requirements. More than 60 percent of organizations are expected to rely on managed services within the next two years. That’s largely because there is a global shortage of managed IT and cybersecurity professionals, and regulations continue to mount.

Red River Delivers Reliable Managed IT & Cybersecurity Services

Red River remains a trusted managed IT services provider for enterprise organizations nationwide. Our services go well beyond IT infrastructure management to include digital transformation strategies. We routinely help growing enterprises make informed decisions about security measures such as AWS and Azure. Contact us today, and let’s get the process started.