Cloud protection is one of the most talked about topics in all of cybersecurity. With so much of the world now digitally present in the cloud, the cloud has become a primary target for all sorts of threats. Those threats may be amplified in a hybrid cloud environment due to its nature. But hybrid clouds can be secured with the right tools and strategies.
Look at the Big Picture
We encourage taking a holistic approach to hybrid cloud security. As with anything else considered holistic, the holistic approach to cloud security suggests not obsessing over one or two key components but, rather, approaching the entire cloud environment as a whole. This further suggests three keys:
- Not focusing entirely on the cloud itself
- Implementing a zero-trust policy throughout
- Paying close attention to compatibility during deployment.
Taking a holistic approach to securing hybrid clouds also means looking at the bigger picture. The details definitely matter, but so does the view of how individual security measures affect the entire cloud environment.
Components of Holistic Hybrid Cloud Security
Cloud protection is only as effective as its individual components, whether you are working with a hybrid cloud or not. At the top of the list is access control. Looking across an entire cloud, it is clear that everyone does not need access to every bit of information. That leads directly back to the previously mentioned zero-trust policy.
We take zero-trust seriously at Hillstone Networks. We also consider additional components in hybrid cloud security:
- Shared Responsibility – Strong cloud security requires shared responsibility between cloud service provider (CSP) and the organization it serves. The CSP handles security for the cloud and its infrastructure; the organization is responsible for applications and data.
- Data Encryption – Data is the heart and soul of any hybrid cloud. It should be encrypted at all times. Whether data is being stored or transmitted, encryption prevents unauthorized access should any of it be inadvertently or purposely intercepted.
- 24/7 Monitoring – A holistic approach to securing a hybrid cloud recognizes that threats are coming in from all directions. Those threats are amplified when you have multiple cloud environments sharing data and applications. Therefore, 24/7 monitoring is not even a question. It is absolutely necessary.
- Software Updates & Patches – Cloud providers and organizations should maintain an ongoing effort to ensure that all software is kept up to date. Security patches should be deployed as soon as they become available. This applies across the cloud, at every level.
None of the items in this list is more or less important than all the rest. Understanding that is key to making the best use of the holistic approach to security. All areas must be given equal and appropriate attention in order to close every opportunity otherwise open to threat actors.
Keeping People Up to Date
One final consideration is keeping people up to date on potential threats, security best practices, software updates and patches, etc. Hillstone Networks firmly believes that all employees need to be educated to some degree. What each one needs to know depends on individual roles and responsibilities. But no one should be left in the dark.
Hybrid clouds have their advantages. They also have some unique security vulnerabilities. If your organization operates a hybrid cloud, it is imperative that you harden it against every possible attack. Doing so starts with adopting a holistic approach to cloud security.
Look at the cloud environment with a big picture view. Consider every possible weakness and all your options for addressing them. Keep everything up to date, restrict access, and make sure everyone is on the same page.
