When it comes to cloud security, you might think you're safe as houses—especially if you’re leaning on the names that dominate the industry. However, a recent study throws a hefty wrench into that confidence, revealing significant gaps in the security capabilities of cloud-native firewalls from prominent providers like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP). What’s more? These findings serve as a wake-up call for enterprises that might be relying too heavily on these tools to protect their digital infrastructure.
Source: SDxCentral Why AWS, Azure, and GCP cloud-native firewalls ‘suck’
The Alarming Findings
In a revealing assessment conducted by CyberRatings.org, the performance of these cloud-native firewalls fell shockingly short of expectations. The study used an “open-book” testing approach that allowed vendors to prepare and respond to known vulnerabilities. The results? Disastrously low scores across the board. Here’s what the researchers found:- AWS Performance: AWS emerged as the least effective performer with just 0.38% effectiveness in stopping standard hacker exploits. Not only was that a regression from its previous score of 0.54%, but it raised eyebrows about their prioritization of fixing known issues.
- Azure and GCP Performance: Both Azure and GCP also did not hold up well in comparison. Azure managed to block a mere 24.14% of exploits, while GCP barely scraped by with a 50.57% protection level. These scores show that all three platforms fall woefully short of delivering the minimum security expectations users should demand.
What Went Wrong?
Vikram Phatak, CEO of the testing lab, expressed his incredulity regarding these results, indicating that they are fundamentally flawed. Here are some pressing factors contributing to this disappointing performance:1. Misaligned Priorities
- There's a possibility that cloud providers are focusing on enhancing other product features at the expense of security improvements.
2. Resource Allocation
- These companies may be prioritizing operational efficiency or performance enhancements, thereby sidelining robust security measures.
3. Organizational Silos
- Gaps in communication between engineering and operational teams could mean that critical vulnerabilities are not adequately addressed.
4. Technical Constraints
- The unique architecture of cloud environments often requires specialized solutions that don’t always align with traditional security practices.
The Implications for Businesses
For organizations banking on cloud-native firewalls, this research serves as a critical reminder: trusting these built-in solutions for adequate protection may be a grave mistake. Phatak urges businesses to reconsider their cloud security strategies and suggests they take some proactive steps:- Explore Third-Party Solutions: Leading third-party firewall providers like Palo Alto Networks, Fortinet, and Check Point have established themselves as reliable options for cloud deployments.
- Conduct Independent Testing: Companies should assess the performance of their current firewall solutions, particularly when relying on Azure or GCP, to gauge potential risks.
- Demand Accountability: Organizations should call upon providers to prioritize security improvements and maintain transparency regarding product capabilities.
Looking Ahead
CyberRatings has ambitious plans for the future by scheduling a comprehensive retest that will include third-party firewall solutions across the major cloud platforms. This upcoming study is expected to shed light on which solutions effectively bolster cloud security, providing enterprises with a much-needed clarity in an arena where the stakes continue to rise.The Bottom Line
In the fast-paced world of cloud computing, complacency can be a killer. As adoption of cloud services accelerates, organizations must not assume their security tools will keep them safe. Instead, they must vet their solutions rigorously to guard against a constantly evolving threat landscape. If you're trusting AWS, Azure, or GCP firewalls as your sole defense, it’s time to re-evaluate whether you're truly secure or just crossing your fingers in hopes of the best. Robust cybersecurity requires due diligence, and as it stands, these firewalls are not delivering the protection they promise.Source: SDxCentral Why AWS, Azure, and GCP cloud-native firewalls ‘suck’
