A serverless application is an application that is developed and implemented on serverless platforms, without a core, conventional host or OS. Instead, the application is managed in the cloud. This modern arrangement comes with many benefits like the flexibility to scale up; however, it also poses some new security risks. Here are some tips on how to secure your serverless applications:
Authentication and Authorization
First of all, you must ensure that there are a reliable and robust authentication and authorization mechanisms and controls in place that can protect your application from unauthorized access. A serverless application is devolved, which means you need to make it certain that the application is running the appropriate authorizations. In case the application is used from different devices like mobile apps or web browsers, there will be redundant authorizations and sophistication that may deploy multiple authentication systems.
Least Privilege Permissions
Secondly, you must implant the least privilege permission mechanism. It will reduce the risks to your data and systems if any breach happens. Applications normally access the database, file storage, and other systems. When you restrict the permission to access, it will secure your application from unauthorized access and use.
Cloud Native Controls
A serverless application is closely linked to the cloud in the form of a platform. As such, the application provides access to the cloud service provider’s security controls that must be used whenever available. Most cloud services offer security services like confidential management, permission security, and logging. As a result, your application will get double security, which can cut down the risk of security breach.
Manage Dependencies and Third-Party Services
The conventional patching method does not apply to serverless applications. However, you must make it certain that any systems linked with the application are fully secure and updated. To be sure, you can use tools that can automatically scan and check if the systems are secure, up to date and there are no risks.
Secure Software Development Life Cycle
Remember that any application loophole diagnosed after the release is expensive to remediate. You must make it sure that your application is developed with a reliable, safe, and trusted software development lifecycle.