Security

What Is Multi-Cloud Security? (Threats, Challenges & Solutions)

Delbert DavidNovember 10, 20236 Mins read

Multi-cloud is a cloud computing method that allows companies to run their software and services across a variety of cloud platforms, both public and private So, securing multi-cloud platforms is not an easy task.

Since flexible and resilient are the main objectives of a multi-cloud strategy, Multi-cloud security should be flexible, securing applications and data across multiple account types, providers and cloud services, various geographical availability zones, and the data center on premises. This article will examine multi-cloud security and best practices to address the variety of risks these environments could confront.

Top Multi-Cloud Security Risks

With the variety of multi-cloud environments, businesses have a myriad of problems including the most important of which is the larger attack area. One of the most prevalent threats to security in multi-cloud environments are:

Cloud Account Hijacking

Cloud account hijacking occurs when attackers gain login to accounts on the cloud. They may gain access by making use of compromised credentials, or by exploiting vulnerabilities. When inside, hackers possess the capability to steal information, alter resources, or engage in other illegal activities.

Data Breaches

With data spread across multiple clouds, the possibility of leaks of data and breaches is increased. The risk of data exposure could be because of insufficient access restrictions, incorrect configurations, or inadequate authentication.

Also read: 5 Ways to Use Technology to Prevent Data Breaches

DDoS Attacks

DDoS attacks are able to cause disruption and render cloud services inaccessible. Attackers can overload cloud resources by causing traffic and causing service disruptions. DDoS Prevention along with mitigation is crucial to maintain the availability of services.

Identity And Access Management (IAM) Problems

Identity And Access Management (IAM ) could lead to security breaches. Unsecured and exposed accounts and the excessive amount of permissions granted to users and applications could result in unintentional access, disclosure of data, and misuse of resources. It is essential to set up IAM policies in a way that is secure.

Inadequate visibility

It requires effort to keep an omnipresent awareness across a variety of cloud platforms. Security teams may be unable to recognize and respond to threats promptly when they are not able to effectively monitor and visibility technology.

Insider Threats

Although external threats are often discussed, people with malicious intentions or who are unaware of security vulnerabilities could also be a risk. Access to internal networks is to be controlled and monitored.

Misconfigurations

Misconfiguration in cloud settings is a frequent security issue. Cloud services offer a variety of options for setting up and mistakes can create vulnerability. Unsecure access restrictions, exposed storage buckets and APIs, or improper network configurations can provide the attacker with a number of options.

Shadow IT

Shadow IT is the usage of non-approved software or services by employees who do not have knowledge of IT. Untested technologies can lead to vulnerabilities in security and also lead to data disclosure problems. Gaining control and insight over shadow IT is challenging, but a cloud access security broker (CASB) is an excellent alternative for cloud-based application control.

Supply Chain Attacks

Attackers could hack into the supply chain software to inject malware or other vulnerabilities into your cloud systems usually via open-source components which are part of other applications. If they are not identified and dealt with this could lead to massive security vulnerabilities. Application vulnerability scanning and DevOps tools can aid in identifying these vulnerabilities.

Third-Party Risks

In a multi-cloud system using third-party providers or services can pose additional risk. They might have security issues and security breaches within their systems may affect your security. Risk management tools from third parties (TPRM) instruments can assist you in dealing with these risks.

5 Common Challenges to Multi-Cloud Security

Switching to a multi-cloud strategy provides significant benefits, however, it also poses important problems.

1. Complex Infrastructure

Different Technologies: Multi-cloud setups typically include a variety of clouds, all with a specific set of technology offerings and settings. The management of these differences can be time-consuming and difficult.
Non-uniformity: due to the lack of standardization among cloud providers, the size of instances and the services and methods could differ significantly. This may make resource management and allocation more challenging.

Resolving the issue: Utilize cloud management tools to make infrastructure management easier speed up deployment processes and establish uniform security guidelines.

2. Multiple Skills Sets and Vendors To manage

Skill Requirements: Running multi-cloud setups requires a variety of technical skills. Each cloud platform will require specific knowledge to ensure proper management and optimization.
Vendor Management: The task may be difficult to manage and coordinate relationships with multiple cloud providers. Contract negotiations, billing, and ensuring that service quality/SLAs are maintained among cloud providers are all aspects of this.

Resolving the issue: Encourage cross-training for IT teams, use cloud-based management platforms that offer vendor-neutral solutions, and consider the use of managed services from cloud providers to reduce the burden on internal skills.

3. Migration Complexity

Data Transfer and Integration: Transferring data and apps between cloud environments is difficult. Data transferred across various storage systems, formats for data and programs could require substantial changes in order to run smoothly across platforms.
Risk mismanagement: If migration is not done correctly it could result in costs that are overrun and data loss. It may be difficult to ensure that the change meets the budget and performance standards.

Resolving the issue: Create a well-defined cloud migration strategy, create an elaborate plan, and utilize the tools and processes for migration provided by cloud providers or other third-party suppliers.

Also read: Top 10 Cloud Migration Tools

4. Interoperability issues

Integration: Difficulties Due to the different APIs and data formats and compatibility issues, it may be difficult to integrate apps or services and data across multiple cloud platforms. The process of creating or maintaining solutions that work across platforms could take a lot of time.
Dependency Management: Controlling dependencies between apps and services that are hosted by various cloud providers requires meticulous planning. Any changes or disruptions to the services offered by one provider could impact related services.

Resolving the issue: Use open APIs and protocols, and cloud-native solutions that can be cross-cloud compatible. To bridge the gap and ensure smooth data flow and process flow make use of integration platforms.

5. Data Governance and Compliance

Varying Regulatory Requirements: Different cloud service providers operate in different regions and are required to comply with local privacy and data protection laws. Your personal data could require geographic security controls as well.
Data Security and Privacy: Maintaining the security of data and privacy in a multi-cloud setting requires a consistent implementation of rules and regulations, which isn’t easy to manage across multiple cloud platforms.

Resolving the issue: To comply with legal requirements, establish a consistent data governance framework that applies to all cloud providers, offer access and encryption, and often evaluate compliance.

Conclusion

Businesses can implement a multi-cloud security approach to maximize resources, satisfy ever-changing business requirements, and ensure the long-term sustainability of a constantly changing environment while safeguarding vital assets. Integration of multi-cloud security is difficult and can be a hurdle for wider adoption. To overcome these obstacles enterprises must implement an approach that is cloud-first and cautiously select a multi-cloud security supplier.

Written by

Delbert David

Delbert David is the editor in chief of The Tech Trend. He accepts all the challenges in the content reading and editing. Delbert is deeply interested in the moral ramifications of new technologies and believes in leveraging content marketing.