In today’s digital age, organizations rely on cloud apps and services to improve productivity and collaboration. However, with the increasing adoption of cloud technology, there are challenges regarding security and compliance. Microsoft Defender’s Cloud Discovery feature helps organizations address these challenges by providing visibility into the cloud apps being used in their environment. Here’s a closer look at how Cloud Discovery helps enhance security and reduce risks:
Key Use Cases of Cloud Discovery in Simple Terms:
Detect Shadow IT: Employees often use cloud applications and services without IT approval, a phenomenon known as “Shadow IT.” Cloud Discovery helps identify these unapproved cloud services and applications in use, giving IT teams the visibility they need to take action and ensure they comply with organizational security standards.
Usage Insights: Cloud Discovery provides insights into how often and by whom cloud apps are being used within the organization. This information helps businesses understand which cloud services are critical to their daily operations and which ones might pose a risk due to excessive or unauthorized usage.
Risk Assessment: Not all cloud apps are created equal, and some may pose higher risks than others. Cloud Discovery evaluates the security and compliance standards of discovered apps, helping businesses assess the level of risk each app presents to the organization. This helps in prioritizing actions based on risk severity.
Policy Enforcement: Once risky or unauthorized cloud services are identified, organizations can enforce policies to block or manage access to these services. Cloud Discovery allows businesses to implement security controls, ensuring that only compliant cloud apps are used in the workplace.
Activity Monitoring: Cloud Discovery helps track user activity within cloud apps. By monitoring these activities, organizations can spot unusual or risky behavior that might indicate potential security threats, such as data breaches or insider threats.
Compliance Reporting: Regulatory compliance is a critical aspect of cloud security. Cloud Discovery makes it easy to generate detailed reports on cloud app usage, providing businesses with the necessary documentation to meet regulatory requirements and demonstrate compliance to auditors.
How Cloud Discovery Enhances Security and Compliance
Cloud Discovery in Microsoft Defender improves organizational security by offering real-time visibility into cloud app usage and associated risks. It empowers businesses to:
Reduce the risks of unauthorized cloud app usage (Shadow IT)
Ensure compliance with security and regulatory standards
Identify and mitigate risky behaviors and activities
Enforce access policies to safeguard sensitive data
Watch the video below to see how Cloud Discovery in Microsoft Defender Protects your Organization from Cloud Risks
By leveraging Cloud Discovery, organizations can create a
more secure and compliant cloud environment, ensuring that only authorized and
secure cloud services are used to support business operations.