Page 179 - Cyber Defense eMagazine Annual RSA Edition for 2024

modeling is essential for all relevant teams. By tailoring traditional threat modeling practices for cloud-
based applications, organizations can prioritize growth and expansion without being hindered by security
breaches.

What is Cloud Threat Modeling?

Cloud Threat Modeling refers to the process of identifying and assessing potential security risks and
vulnerabilities in cloud computing environments. Prior to delving into the primary activities that take place,
let us first comprehend the model. Cloud threat modeling is an extension of classic threat modeling that
focuses on the unique aspects of cloud systems. It aids organizations:

• Gain a proactive understanding of the vulnerabilities in their cloud infrastructure. Identify
critical points of vulnerability from the development stage to deployment, which, if overlooked,
could be exploited by attackers to gain unauthorized access to the system.
• Identify specific weaknesses that attackers could potentially take advantage of.
• To maximize effectiveness, prioritize the implementation of defensive measures such as
constructing security gates that can help eliminate potential vulnerabilities in the system.

The Need for Cloud Specific Threat Modeling

Cloud threat modeling builds on the core principles of identifying threats, assessing risks, and designing
mitigations – but it does so with the unique qualities of cloud services in mind. This specialization is
essential because cloud threat modeling enables you to:

• Proactively strengthen cloud security: Identify vulnerabilities before attackers can exploit
them.
• Optimize resource allocation: Focus security efforts where they'll have the greatest impact.
• Meet compliance standards: Demonstrate proactive steps to protect sensitive data in the cloud.
• Understand your cloud attack surface: Visualize potential weaknesses and reduce blind spots.
• Adapt security across cloud providers: Develop security requirements that can be translated
across different cloud platforms.
• Make informed risk decisions: Weigh risks against business needs when making cloud
infrastructure choices.

Core Cloud Threat Modeling Activities

The primary goal of threat modeling is to synchronize your business objectives with technical needs. This
entails taking into account both the objectives of the business and the regulatory obligations. Although
standard threat modeling methodologies are effective, cloud-native apps require a more sophisticated
approach. Here is a simplified and tailored approach built specifically for cloud computing.

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