How to Improve Cloud Security and Productivity Through IP Whitelisting

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Manual IP whitelisting is time-consuming and needs constant management – yet, it’s still vital for:

  • Higher security. Improve system security by preventing unauthorized access to your account. If someone tries to access your network with an IP address that isn’t whitelisted, they will be denied access.
  • Better efficiency. With whitelisting, businesses can limit access to unsecured or distracting sites that can reduce productivity and cut into profits. In fact, 50% of businesses take whitelisting very seriously because of these reasons.
  • Secure Remote Access. With remote access security, businesses can mitigate both cloud and on-site risks that could negatively impact your company’s projects or profits.

And that’s why you need a service that will do it for you automatically. Keep on reading to learn how to use Perimeter81 to automatically whitelist IPs.

Quick Takeaways

  • Benefits of Whitelisting:
    • Higher Security: Prevents unauthorized access to your network.
    • Better Efficiency: Limits access to unproductive websites.
    • Secure Remote Access: Mitigates security risks.
  • How Perimeter 81 Makes Whitelisting Easier:
    • Automatic Whitelisting: Eliminates manual work.
    • Group-Based Access Control: Simplifies permission management.
    • User Access Visibility: Provides full control over who can access resources.
  • Perimeter 81 with Cloud Services:
    • Integrates with AWS, Azure, and others.
    • Whitelist Perimeter81 IP for cloud resource access.

Note: Whitelisting is a security measure, but not a replacement for others. Use it alongside strong passwords, encryption, and activity monitoring.

How to Whitelist IPs with Perimeter 81

Utilizing Perimeter 81’s secure network access service, all Internet traffic is fully secured and encrypted. Using the unified management portal, IT administrators can easily:

  • Block out threats
  • Grant user access to approved resources
  • Automatically whitelist specific IP addresses

How it Works

Perimeter 81’s private gateway feature provides IT administrators with the power to whitelist IP addresses, thereby enabling all team members to share a single, static outgoing IP address accessible by your organization or partners. 

For example, remote users can always connect to the Perimeter 81 private gateway first and then have their IP address whitelisted.

With Perimeter 81, you can give each user access to the resources they need from any IP address by assigning users to groups. Each user signs in via Identity Provider integration, username and password, and/or two-factor authentication and is then able to access resources according to the roles and permissions assigned to them. 

This keeps IT administrators from having to manually whitelist every user’s IP address. 

After the whitelist is configured with users and permissions, the user list should be audited on a routine basis as employees are hired and leave companies on a regular basis. In addition, partners that access IP whitelisted resources come and go and IT administrators should have full user access visibility through IP whitelisting.

Perimeter81 IP Whitelisting in the Cloud 

Cloud service platforms, including AWS, Azure, Office Firewall, SalesForce, or Zendesk, can all be configured to work with Perimeter 81.

Using AWS, for instance, inbound traffic from Perimeter 81 to AWS can be authorized by whitelisting the Perimeter 81 Private Network IP address to your Security Groups (AWS Virtual Firewall). AWS Security.

Groups enable the control of IP traffic to your instance, including incoming traffic that can reach instances and services both in the cloud and on-premises.

To whitelist IPs, you can allow computers from only your Perimeter81 Private Server to access your instance using SSH, or use a web server that allows all IP addresses to access your instance using HTTP or HTTPS, so that external users can browse the content on your web server only once connected to Perimeter 81. 

Real-Life Example: How to Whitelist IPs in AWS

Following is a walkthrough of how to use AWS Security Groups to enable the control of traffic to an AWS instance, including traffic that can reach both instances and services:

  • Step 1: Create a Private Network IP AddressFirst, create a Perimeter 81 Private Server and then obtain its static public IP address.. 
  • Step 2: Add an EC2 Security Group RuleAdd an EC2 Security Group Rule for Inbound Traffic from Perimeter 81 to the required resources by whitelisting access to the Perimeter 81 Private Network to other instances, databases, and related security groups.

    • In the navigation pane of the Amazon EC2 console, choose Security Groups.
    • For every security group, you’d like to allow secured access over your Perimeter 81 Private Network, add an Inbound Rule:
    • Specify the related Type (ALL TRAFFIC, SSH, HTTP/HTTPS, etc..).
      • Under the Source, enter the Perimeter 81 Private Network IP address, including the subnet mask. For example, for IP address 129.42.24.22, enter 129.42.24.22/32 (CIDR notation).
      • Click Save

Add access from Perimeter 81 Private Network to your AWS Environment, Instances or databases

For most businesses, whitelisting IP addresses can be overwhelmingly beneficial. However, even though whitelisting can improve cybersecurity, boost productivity and benefit your bottom line, it’s important to remember that each line of security is important. 

IP Whitelisting Isn’t A Replacement!

Whitelisting should not replace other security measures, but instead, be used as a complementary piece of a comprehensive security solution.

Create a Bulletproof Security with Perimeter81

Maximize security and get rid of a tedious process of manual IP whitelisting. Perimeter81 will help you automate the whole process, and also:

  • Boost security
  • Secure remote access
  • Maximize employee productivity

Looking to supercharge your cybersecurity?

Book a FREE discovery call with our experts, create a bulletproof security strategy, and stay safe right now.

FAQs

What is whitelisting in cloud computing?
In cloud computing, whitelisting restricts access to only approved resources, like IP addresses or applications. It’s like a security passlist.
How do I whitelist in AWS?
There are various ways to whitelist in AWS, depending on the service. You can whitelist IP addresses for security groups or API gateways. Search “AWS whitelist” for specific instructions.
Why is whitelisting better?
Whitelisting improves security by explicitly allowing trusted users or resources. It reduces the attack surface by blocking unauthorized access.
How to strengthen cloud security?
Whitelisting is one method. Other ways include using strong passwords, encryption, and monitoring activity for suspicious behavior.
What is whitelisting an API?
API whitelisting restricts access to an API (application programming interface) to authorized users or applications. This controls who can interact with your API.

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