A simple checklist for securing your cloud environment (even if you're not a security expert)
A simple checklist for securing your cloud environment (even if you're not a security expert)
Cloud misconfigurations are one of the leading causes of data breaches.
The problem? Most teams don't have a dedicated security engineer. And cloud platforms (like AWS, Azure, and GCP) are complex.
This checklist gives you a practical starting point to lock down your cloud setup — even if you're not a security expert.
Step 1: Lock down public access
- Review all storage buckets (S3, Blob, GCS) for public access.
- Disable public access by default on new buckets.
- Use access control lists (ACLs) and bucket policies.
Tresal can automatically flag publicly accessible storage buckets.
Step 2: Audit your IAM (identity & access management)
- Remove inactive users and unused roles.
- Use role-based access control (RBAC).
- Avoid assigning full admin privileges unless absolutely necessary -> Least privilege
- Enable MFA for all user accounts.
Tresal detects overly permissive IAM roles and suggests remediation.
Step 3: Check for exposed services
- Scan for open ports or exposed IPs.
- Ensure APIs are protected with authentication and a WAF.
- Restrict access to test/dev environments.
Tresal helps you detect externally visible ports, subdomains, and APIs.
Step 4: Monitor credentials
- Rotate keys and secrets regularly.
- Avoid hardcoding credentials in code or scripts.
- Remove unused or expired credentials.
Tresal flags stale or orphaned access credentials.
Step 5: Enforce compliance standards
- Align with CIS benchmarks, GDPR, or ISO 27001.
- Use tools that continuously check your configurations against standards.
- Generate audit-ready reports for internal stakeholders or regulators.
Tresal maps your posture to key compliance frameworks.
Step 6: Set up ongoing monitoring
- Schedule regular scans of your infrastructure.
- Get alerts for changes in your cloud posture.
- Maintain visibility into both internal and external risks.
Tresal continuously monitors your cloud and external attack surface.
Conclusion
Securing your cloud doesn't have to be complicated or expensive.
With the right checklist and tools, even lean teams can stay ahead of misconfigurations and exposures.
Tresal gives you an instant overview of what's exposed — and what to fix first.
No experience required. Just visibility.
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Matthias
CPO & Cyber Security Enthusiast
CPO bridging product strategy and cybersecurity—sharing insights on secure product design, attack surface awareness, and platform risk management.
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