4 Common Risks in Understanding Hybrid Cloud Security

 A hybrid cloud model makes a lot of sense for enterprises. The combination of on-premise, private, and public cloud infrastructure has many advantages. From the perspectives of scalability, performance, and cost, hybrid architecture is a winner. 72 percent of the companies in a survey said they had a hybrid-first or private-first approach. Thus, the popularity of hybrid-environment is evident. But hybrid architecture also brings with them a host of security challenges. In a complex security landscape, understanding hybrid cloud security risks has become vital.

Major security challenges that hybrid cloud computing poses

1. Data Protection Challenges

Data security is at risk when the IT workload is distributed across public and private cloud platforms. Companies have to access the data from different locations by using network connections. These connections may or may not be safe. Unprotected networks compromise on the security of data under transit. There are chances of data leaks and infringements. Since the cloud deployments are many, a single protective implementation might not be effective in mitigating the vulnerabilities.

Enforcing advanced encryption can foster hybrid cloud security. Securing network endpoints and communication through cryptographic protocols like SSL/TSL is also a best practice company can follow.

2. Access Management Challenges

Efficient user authentication is essential for optimized security. In a hybrid cloud model, the authorization requirements for each cloud vary. Thus, companies have to deal with complex access management challenges. Mismanagement or inadequate identification tools can cause security blunders by proving unauthorized access.

However, centralizing the authentication process can seal the security in a hybrid cloud model. A single-sign-on system for all the cloud-based platforms can make access to manage safe and straightforward.

3. Compliance Concerns

Today, data privacy is much regulated. The mix of IT infrastructure in a hybrid cloud environment, make compliance challenging. Each cloud platform may be unique in many ways. This makes running compliance audits through each time and resource-intensive. Not adhering to regulatory norms can cause serious security risks.

Taking the automation route can help companies overcome some of the compliance-related challenges. Automated scanning and remediation tools are effective in making hybrid cloud compliant.

4. Infrastructure Monitoring and Controlling Challenges

Third-party services are an important component in the Hybrid cloud models. The presence of vendors brings are limitations to visibility and control. Implementing security solutions in such an environment is challenging. Companies need in-house expertise to combat these challenges and optimize the security of its cloud deployments. But not every company can afford such expertise.

Addressing visibility and control challenges requires a higher degree of automation. By opting out of manual processes, companies can enhance verification that makes security audits easier and repeatable.

In Conclusion

In tailoring the perfect combination of cloud-based infrastructure, companies should never undermine security. The value of the hybrid cloud model multiplies with the right security strategy. So, it is important to acknowledge hybrid cloud security risks. Companies are then able to prevent the risks from becoming security disasters. Only with a security-first approach, companies can get the best out of hybrid cloud architecture.