A Proactive Approach to Addressing Security Challenges in Cloud Migration

Abstract

In today's digital landscape, organizations are increasingly migrating their operations to the cloud. However, during this shift comes the crucial need for robust security measures. This paper explores the major security challenges organizations face during cloud migration and proposes an effective strategy to mitigate these risks. By building upon existing research, the paper identifies key security challenges and focuses on a proactive approach to address them. The paper delves into the fundamental principles of cloud security, emphasizing the shared responsibility model and the importance of encryption, access controls, identity management, and cloud governance. It highlights the specific security issues encountered during cloud migration. To address these challenges, it advocates for the application of threat modeling—a systematic approach to identify and evaluate potential threats, vulnerabilities, and risks. The benefits of threat modeling include early risk identification, risk prioritization, a security-by-design approach, alignment with standards and best practices, and ongoing security assurance. Practical guidance on implementing threat modeling for a secure cloud migration is provided particularly based on the Microsoft threat modelling approach by identifying and prioritizing potential security threats, implementing effective controls, and validating their effectiveness. Keyword: Proactive Approach, Security Challenges, Cloud Migration, Security, Risks, Models Proceedings Citation Format Njoku, J. (2023): A Proactive Approach to Addressing Security Challenges in Cloud Migration. Proceedings of the Cyber Secure Nigeria Conference. Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC) Abuja, Nigeria. 11-12th July, 2023. Pp 89-96. https://www.csean.org.ng/. dx.doi.org/10.22624/AIMS/CSEAN-SMART2023P11