Best Practices for Ensuring Data Security and Compliance in a Hybrid Cloud Environment
Hybrid Cloud has revolutionized the way businesses operate by providing the best of both worlds; the security and control of private Cloud environments, and the flexibility as well as scalability of public Cloud environments. The idea is to host mission-critical business data securely in a private Cloud environment on-premise, while non-critical data and applications can be the initial components that get hosted in multi-tenant Cloud data centers.
But here’s the thing; this approach also poses some significant security challenges. We are well aware how dangerous and damaging it can be for businesses to have a compromised cybersecurity posture. In this article, we explore industry-proven best practices to secure your Hybrid Cloud environment, and also ensure regulatory compliance.
How to Ensure Hybrid Cloud Security and Compliance?
Here, we have compiled a list of best practices that will help businesses safeguard their data and comply with regulations.
1. First and foremost, businesses must encrypt their data, both at rest and in transit, to ensure that even if their network is compromised, the data still remains secure.
2. Also, they need to make sure to use strong Identity and Access Management (IAM) capabilities, to regulate who has access to their data and systems.
3. It is also important for enterprises to communicate any inherent data security risks to their customers and end-users. This way, they will also have a better understanding of what measures are being taken to protect their data.
4. Similarly, it is imperative for businesses to evaluate and quantify the risks associated with private Cloud migration initiatives. They should develop a risk profile, and identify the resources required to address security challenges, within the allocated budgets.
5. In addition, enterprises must keep all software and network endpoints up to date with the latest security patches. They should always be on the lookout for abnormal network traffic or user behavior, as it may lead to suspicious activities.
6. Advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) based network monitoring technologies must also be used to correlate network behavior with potentially risky activities.
7. Businesses should also be aware of shadow IT practices that can put their sensitive information at risk.
8. To ensure compliance, enterprises must undertake any additional measures required, based on the type of data and Cloud deployment model.
9. It is vital that businesses evaluate data security and ownership, while also avoiding vendor lock-in. They must understand the shared responsibility model of each vendor, and effectively manage security configurations.
10.Enterprises should also train and educate their workforce and end-users on how to safely treat data and Cloud assets. Businesses must also use the principle of least privilege, when establishing access control for users.
To ensure data security and compliance in a Hybrid Cloud infrastructure, it is really helpful to partner with a reliable and trustworthy Cloud Service Provider (CSP) that can provide robust security and strong regulatory compliance.
It is better for businesses to adopt proactive measures to stay on top of their cybersecurity obligations, particularly when it comes to operating in Hybrid Cloud environments.
And for businesses looking for a reliable and flexible Cloud solution, ATSG should be your got-to option! Our Cloud solutions offer the perfect blend of private and public Cloud services, allowing you to take advantage of both, while also keeping your data secure and compliant.
