How to Build a Hybrid Cloud Data Security Strategy

Today, the hybrid cloud model is the most common cloud mode used across organizations. The reason for this is pretty straightforward – it gets the benefits of both on prem and cloud computing models. But its popularity means that having a solid strategy to secure both in a holistic manner is essential. In this post, we’ll explore key components of a hybrid cloud data security strategy and discuss unique challenges and best practices for maintaining a secure, compliant hybrid cloud environment.

Understanding Hybrid Cloud Security

When we say “hybrid cloud”, we’re referring to a computing environment that combines private on-premises systems with public cloud services from third-party providers. It can also include applications and compute, networking, and storage. In this model, organizations can swap workloads back and forth between the two as computing needs and costs fluctuate.

All this to say that hybrid cloud security is the way that organizations protect data, applications, and infrastructure across both private data centers, public cloud platforms and on-prem environments – this last part is crucial; The thing is that the shift to the cloud does not mean that on-prem threats have somehow lessened or become all of the sudden unimportant. Quite the opposite, in fact. As organizations move more and more critical assets and processes to the cloud, on-prem assets may be even more exposed than they were previously. So having a sound hybrid security strategy ensures that business processes and workloads remain secure – regardless of processing environment, physical location, or data storage format. 

Securing hybrid cloud environments is complex and measures must not only cover multiple platforms but also comply with varying regulations. Moreover, a well-designed hybrid cloud security architecture makes sure that sensitive data and assets are protected, without impeding the inherent flexibility and scalability of cloud environments. 

What About Hybrid Cloud Data Security?

A branch of hybrid cloud security, hybrid cloud data security focuses on protecting – surprise, surprise – data across both private and public cloud environments. 

Hybrid cloud data security safeguards data that moves between on-premises systems and third-party cloud services – ensuring encryption, access control, and compliance with regulatory standards. Since data can flow between diverse platforms, hybrid cloud data security measures need to address vulnerabilities in each environment. This is done by encrypting data at rest and in transit, implementing robust identity and access management (IAM) systems, and monitoring data movements for potential threats. 

Effective hybrid cloud data security ensures that sensitive information remains secure, no matter where it’s located in the hybrid infrastructure. When done right, hybrid cloud data security enables organizations to maintain data security and integrity (not to mention compliance) without sacrificing the incredible productivity benefits of the cloud.

Challenges in Ensuring Hybrid Cloud Data Security

But like all things in life, ensuring security in hybrid cloud environments comes with some unique challenges, including:

• Visibility gaps – Tracking and securing data across varied cloud and on-premises infrastructures can lead to blind spots, making it challenging to detect threats in real time. Solving this requires centralized monitoring tools to maintain visibility across environments.
• Access management – Ensuring consistent Identity and Access Management (IAM) across systems is complicated in hybrid clouds. Misaligned access controls or identity management gaps can easily expose sensitive data to unauthorized users.
• Network security – Data moving between public and private clouds is vulnerable during transit. Traditional on-premises security protocols just don’t work for hybrid setups.
• Compliance – Multiple regulatory frameworks can apply to hybrid cloud environments, especially when data resides in various regions. Ensuring compliance demands careful monitoring and regular audits to align with regulations.
• Skill gaps – Managing security in a hybrid cloud is a highly specialized skill – which IT teams may lack. Investing in training and considering managed security services can help bridge this gap and enhance security management.

11 Best Practices for Implementing Hybrid Cloud Data Security

Keeping your hybrid environment secure requires a multifaceted approach that blends technology, policy, and – especially – best practices. Here are the top 11 best practices for securing data in hybrid cloud setups:

1. Encrypt data – Encrypt data both at rest and in transit to ensure that even if data is intercepted, it remains secure. Use industry-standard encryption methods to protect sensitive data across hybrid environments.
2. Identity and Access Management (IAM) – Centralize IAM systems across on-prem and cloud environments. Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA), role-based access controls (RBAC), and the principle of least privilege to restrict access to critical resources.
3. Network security – Strengthen network defenses with firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDPS), and VPNs. This helps secure communication channels between cloud and on-prem systems and protect against unauthorized access.
4. See all attack paths – Get a real-time view into all possible attack paths across your hybrid cloud environment and use context and choke points – key entities where multiple attack paths converge before reaching critical assets – to determine which need to be addressed first.
5. Continuous monitoring and auditing – Monitor hybrid cloud systems 24/7 with tools like SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) to detect anomalies and security threats in real time. Conduct regular audits to ensure compliance and identify vulnerabilities.
6. Data backup and disaster recovery – Implement secure, regular backups and establish a disaster recovery plan. Ensure data can be swiftly restored if lost or corrupted.
7. Vendor security assessments – If you use third-party services in the hybrid cloud, on-prem assets their security practices, compliance with industry standards, and the potential risks they introduce. This ensures any external vendor aligns with your security policies.
8. Network segmentation – Divide your network into smaller, isolated segments to prevent lateral movement in case of a breach. This approach limits the scope of attacks and helps contain security incidents.
9. Employee training – Ensure your employees are educated on security risks, phishing attacks, and best practices for handling data. Human error is a significant threat in hybrid cloud data security, so training is essential.
10. Automate security enforcement – Use automation tools to enforce security policies consistently across your hybrid cloud infrastructure. 
11. Implement zero trust architecture – Adopt a Zero Trust model so that you never trust any entity – inside or outside the network – by default. Every user and device needs to be verified continuously, even after initial authentication. ​

The Bottom Line

Securing your hybrid cloud environment is essential to not only safeguard data but also take full advantage of the scalability and flexibility of the hybrid cloud. By implementing best practices like data encryption, strong identity and access management (IAM), and continuous monitoring, you can ensure the integrity and confidentiality of their sensitive data. As the hybrid cloud model continues to evolve, staying proactive with security measures will ensure long-term success and resilience in the face of emerging threats.