Sandy Bird, Co-founder and CTO of Sonrai Security, joins the podcast to discuss the challenges of scaling least privilege in the cloud. Topics include automating identity security, optimizing cloud access control, and the evolution of attribute-based access control. Discover the importance of just-in-time access permissions and prioritizing assets for enhanced security.
Automating least privilege in cloud environments remains a significant challenge due to scale and complexity.
Starting small by testing least privilege implementation on one app or permission is a wise strategy.
Deep dives
Scaling Least Privilege Automation in Cloud Environments
Automating least privilege in cloud environments poses a significant challenge due to the scale and complexity of the issue. With the continuous creation of machine identities, manual approaches to least privilege are no longer feasible. The necessity to automate this process is crucial, but the envisioning of such automation remains largely theoretical. The approach involves integrating automation tools to manage service and non-human identities consistently across cloud environments, akin to existing automation for end-users.
Start Small: Testing Least Privilege Implementation
Starting small by selecting one app or permission to test least privilege implementation proves to be a wise strategy endorsed by Jonathan Walgrip. This approach involves testing the plan on a single application or permission to ensure success without disruption before expanding to other apps or higher levels of control. Establishing a solid process for permissions, approval mechanisms, requirement criteria, and periodic permission reviews is crucial for effective least privilege implementation.
Attribute-Based Access Control vs. Role-Based Access Control
Attribute-based access control (ABAC), as highlighted by Von Sank and others, offers a scalable alternative to role-based access control (RBAC). ABAC leverages attributes such as resource tagging for the data plane and log analysis for the control plane to manage access efficiently. Government entities have successfully utilized ABAC to enforce least privilege principles and the need-to-know basis. Implementing ABAC requires a thorough data inventory, continuous policy auditing, and refined IAM policies leveraging RBAC or ABAC.
Enhancing Just-in-Time Access and Visibility
Implementing just-in-time access control provides an intermediary step towards effective privilege management, as discussed by Samarth Rao and Jeff Belknap. Just-in-time permissioning offers temporary access when needed, reducing the risk of permanent standing privileges. Through this approach, users have access only during necessary times, enhancing security. Additionally, fostering visibility into identity infrastructure ensures efficient IAM policy management and understanding of user access, promoting robust security practices.
Why does scaling least privilege in the cloud remain challenging?
Is throwing more people at the problem feasible?
How are you managing it?
What aspects haven’t been considered?
Thanks to our podcast sponsor, Sonrai Security
A one-click solution that removes excessive permissions and unused services, quarantines unused identities, and restricts specific regions within the cloud. Later, maintain this level of security by automatically enforcing policies as new accounts, roles, permissions, and services are added to your environment.Start a free trial today! sonrai.co/ciso
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode