Empowering your team with effective hybrid cloud security strategies
Hybrid cloud environments appeal to companies that restrict where data is stored or prefer to secure sensitive data on premises. The hybrid cloud model provides the solution for securely managing sensitive data and controlling its storage and transfer while also taking advantage of the cloud’s flexibility, security, and services.
Hybrid cloud environments are popular with SaaS companies and others when data security control is desired or required for compliance. Public and private clouds are solid solutions, but they don’t offer the ability to control and keep company data on-premises. Hybrid cloud systems are complex and require additional security around the on-premise data center to public clouds, services, and storage.
This guide describes the core components of hybrid cloud security, security best practices, implementation, and what the future of hybrid holds.
Understanding hybrid cloud security
Hybrid cloud security combines technologies to better protect sensitive data and infrastructure assets. The name hybrid means the environment combines in-house or third-party cloud, on-premises data centers, and public cloud services. The combination of connected services, data, and infrastructure creates a single infrastructure environment.
Many companies choose hybrid cloud environments because it provides the benefits of a public and private cloud in one. There are two significant challenges with hybrid cloud environments: implementation and security. Hybrid cloud environments also offer the ability to house and secure data on-premises while using managed services and workload distribution available on public clouds.
Hybrid cloud security provides the following benefits:
- Greater redundancy
- Environment flexibility
- Improved failure protection
- Greater control over data
- Cost-effective in the long term
- Easier regulatory compliance
Redundancy improves in a hybrid cloud environment as different components can serve as failovers in an outage or service interruption. Better failover means less business interruption or poor performance if one component fails. A hybrid cloud environment provides flexibility in responding to threats or security incident attempts. All critical workloads can be stored on-premises for improved data security protection. Data moves as needed while staying secure.
Another benefit is there’s no single point of failure. Each component within a hybrid environment can back up the other. Data is dispersed across private and public clouds or held on premises. Failover protection provides the necessary security for keeping the business running despite issues with the system.
Core components of hybrid cloud security
Cloud security solutions for hybrid environments involve multiple components that use various technologies to provide complete security.
Components of hybrid cloud security include:
- Identity and access management
- System configuration
- Vulnerability scanning
- Microsegmentation
- Regulatory compliance management
- Security management
- Workload security
- Environment perimeter defense
- Secure data transfer
Identity and access management tools provide secure authentication so only approved users can access systems. System configuration means managing and updating cloud security policy documents so systems are always protected. Using vulnerability scanning helps identify any potential sources for security incidents and close them.
Microsegmentation refers to how a hybrid environment splits into zones. Each zone has administrative control and can prevent the movement of security threats across zones. Compliance gets managed across the environment and includes documentation and records held on-premises for easy access when needed.
Security information and event management go under one umbrella, including continuous monitoring for security incidents, alerts, and mitigation processes. Part of security management is securing workloads, including applications and services, with the hybrid cloud. Perimeter defense includes systems like VPNs, firewalls, and secured API gateways.
Implementing cloud security solutions
A strategic plan is the first step in implementing a hybrid cloud security solution. A plan helps to make sure all parts are delivered and compatible.
Hybrid cloud environments require four main components:
- One or more public infrastructure as a service (IaaS) platforms.
- Examples: AWS, Azure, IBM, or Google.
- A private computing resource like an on-premises data center, which includes private cloud capabilities.
- Suitable network connection to hybrid clouds in private and public cloud environments.
- Common software platform that discovers, operates, and manages private and public cloud components.
- The best options are policy-driven and include options for automating processes.
Select a strong network connection because it determines performance power. Most connections involve a WAN or dedicated networking service that provides an additional security layer. Many cloud providers can suggest a WAN or networking service that functions with their services.
The choice of a public cloud platform is critical because the cloud provider controls the SaaS and IaaS parts of the environment. Ensure policies are in place for service levels, performance, security, and API requirements. Next, select compatible hardware for the on-premises data center so servers, storage, LAN, and load balancers work together with the cloud system. Check with your cloud provider for any suggested models and best practices. The smoother the integration, the faster the business can adapt.
Advanced reporting and compliance monitoring
Every hybrid cloud environment needs security management. The security manager must have access to and visibility into all resources, systems, and data within the hybrid cloud environment. Ensuring teams actively monitor and report for security reasons and regulatory compliance is crucial.
Due to the complex nature of a hybrid environment, cloud monitoring security tools are necessary to identify and prevent security incidents or attempts across the system. Many cloud providers automatically provide security monitoring within their service structure. Check with your cloud provider, see what reporting and compliance monitoring they perform, and then fill in any gaps.
Reporting tools may require specific configuration settings to measure compliance with each standard. For example, systems may need to accommodate only the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) or the CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act) and HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). Be sure the system is set to comply with all standards required.
Best practices for hybrid cloud security
Best practices for securing a hybrid cloud environment include:
- Using encryption
- Running continuous audits
- Practicing least privilege
- Using zero-trust policies
- Using open or non-proprietary technologies
- Practice unified security management
- Using AI (artificial intelligence) for vulnerability management
- Backup data daily
- Invest in training programs to keep staff current
- Monitor and report for regulatory compliance
The best way to secure a hybrid environment is to keep IT and cloud providers working on a shared set of rules and responsibilities. Ongoing training helps keep everyone on the same page and using current processes.
Standardize all security and monitoring tools and policies across the hybrid cloud environment. Using shared policies helps mitigate the complexity of the environment and verify that all zones are managed appropriately.
Future trends in hybrid cloud security
The industry may see fewer hybrid cloud environments as security improves for private and public clouds. However, many companies will choose to retain complete control over some or all business data. Expect the hybrid cloud environment to be around for the foreseeable future.
Hybrid cloud tools are expanding and evolving. Many are building AI technology to offer additional security options and process automation features. Many cloud providers are building additional services for hybrid cloud security through managed services.
Other possible future developments for hybrid cloud models include:
- Open-source projects that offer total hybrid cloud environment management.
- Higher levels of automation feature AI and machine learning technology to provide predictive analytics and process automation tools.
- Increased adoption of open-source cloud management solutions that can support all parts of a hybrid environment using one tool.
- Incorporating distributed cloud models to help address cybersecurity threats by spreading out the risk.
SaaS providers and other companies must keep abreast of future developments in managing hybrid cloud environments and security. Keep tabs on trusted cloud providers when they offer new tools and services that help reduce costs and provide easier environment management.
Hybrid cloud environments require strategic planning for effective implementations that cover the complexity of using different systems and connecting them into one. Keep on-premises data centers current on evolving security practices and compliance requirements. Continuous monitoring and vulnerability scanning help keep the entire environment secure. Find a trusted and experienced cloud provider capable of assessing the system and assisting with security setup and management.
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