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NAVIGATING THE COMPLEXITIES & SECURITY RISKS OF MULTICLOUD MANAGEMENTNAVIGATING
THE COMPLEXITIES & SECURITY RISKS OF MULTICLOUD MANAGEMENT

Businesses that successfully manage the complexities of multicloud management
will be best positioned to thrive in an increasingly digital and interconnected
world.

Jatin Mannepalli, Information Security Officer, IMC Trading

October 3, 2024

6 Min Read
Source: John Williams RF via Alamy Stock Photo


COMMENTARY

Improper cloud security has cost organizations millions — sometimes even
billions — in revenue in the past decade alone. A significant example is
Japanese automaker Toyota, which suffered a data breach due to cloud
misconfiguration, exposing the personal data of more than 2 million customers.
Another example is Accenture, which in August 2021 fell victim to the LockBit
ransomware group. Due to cloud misconfigurations, hackers gained access to and
stole 6TB of proprietary client data, demanding a ransom of $50 million. These
incidents highlight the catastrophic impact that cloud security failures can
have. 

As organizations increasingly adopt multicloud strategies, managing multiple
cloud environments can lead to cloud misconfigurations and improper handling of
cloud resources. Each cloud provider offers different tools, settings, and
protocols, making it challenging to ensure consistent security configurations
across all platforms. These misconfigurations often are the root cause of
significant security breaches, as seen in the examples above. The lack of
visibility and control over multiple clouds exacerbates these risks, making it
imperative for organizations to adopt robust cloud security practices.

The shift to multicloud environments offers enhanced reliability, reduced vendor
lock-in risks, and greater business capabilities. However, this transition is
fraught with complexities that require careful planning and strategic management
to ensure success. Let's look at the critical aspects of managing multicloud
environments, focusing on governance, security, and operational challenges. 


EVOLUTION AND RISKS OF MULTICLOUD ENVIRONMENTS

The cloud landscape has evolved from traditional on-premises virtualization to a
complex array of cloud platforms operating simultaneously. This shift has
introduced significant security challenges for enterprises. One of the primary
drivers for adopting a multicloud strategy is the need to mitigate risks such
as: 

 * Downtime concerns 

 * Security vulnerabilities/zero-days 

 * Platform dependencies 

 * Cost management 

However, these benefits come with inherent risks. Organizations must navigate
the challenges of the following: 

 * Shared security controls: Implementing consistent security measures across
   different platforms can be challenging. 

 * Governance across multiple platforms: Ensuring compliance with various
   regulatory requirements can be complex. 

 * Varying compatibility: Third-party tools and services may not be compatible
   across all cloud environments. 

For example, companies that previously operated in a single cloud environment
must now contend with the complexities of integrating and securing multiple
cloud platforms, each with its own unique set of tools and protocols. The lack
of coordination and governance in operations and deployments can lead to
increased vulnerabilities and operational inefficiencies. Moreover, the scarcity
of skilled professionals proficient in multiple cloud platforms exacerbates
these challenges, making it crucial for organizations to invest in
cross-functional training and development. 


THE STRATEGIC IMPERATIVE OF GOVERNANCE AND SECURITY

Effective governance is at the heart of a successful multicloud strategy.
Organizations must establish clear guidelines and policies to manage the
complexities of multiple cloud environments. Key governance aspects include: 

 * Defining roles and responsibilities: Clarifying who is responsible for cloud
   administration and security across different platforms. 

 * Deploying consistent security controls: Ensuring that security measures are
   uniformly applied across all cloud environments. 

 * Ensuring regulatory compliance: Meeting compliance requirements in each cloud
   environment.  

Security in a multicloud environment is particularly challenging, due to the
expanded attack surface and the need for consistent security measures across
different cloud platforms. A key aspect of managing security is the
centralization of security operations. Centralizing the deployment of images and
infrastructure-as-code (IaC) is essential for maintaining a secure and
consistent cloud environment. For instance: 

 * Standardizing configurations: Establishing uniform configurations across all
   cloud environments to minimize the risk of security breaches. 

 * Automating security controls: Implementing automated security checks to
   reduce the likelihood of human error. 

Cloud security posture management (CSPM) tools play a critical role in this
process. These tools enhance visibility across multiple cloud environments by
providing a unified view of security risks. CSPM tools help organizations
identify and prioritize risk mitigations according to their business
requirements, ensuring that the most critical vulnerabilities are addressed
promptly. By consolidating security data from various clouds into a single
dashboard, these tools offer a comprehensive picture of the organization's
security posture, enabling more effective decision-making. 

CSPM tools like Wiz, Orca, and Lacework go beyond basic security monitoring.
They provide continuous assessment of cloud infrastructure, detect
misconfigurations, and monitor compliance against frameworks such as CIS, PCI,
NIST, and HIPAA. These tools also offer automation features, which can
streamline incident response processes by automatically remediating identified
risks or alerting security teams for further investigation. 

For instance, in my experience, Wiz and Orca have been particularly effective in
identifying and mitigating risks in multicloud environments. These tools not
only help prioritize the mitigation of various security risks but also provide
structured guidance based on widely accepted baselines. Similarly, Lacework
offers robust capabilities in anomaly detection, allowing organizations to
identify unusual behaviors that may indicate security breaches or
misconfigurations. 


TAKING MULTICLOUD MANAGEMENT TO THE FINISH LINE

Managing a multicloud environment requires a strategic approach that prioritizes
governance, security, and centralization. Organizations must develop
comprehensive strategies that align with their specific needs and invest in the
necessary tools and skills to navigate the complexities of multicloud
environments successfully. Understanding which offerings are unique to each
cloud service provider allows organizations to leverage the strengths of
different platforms effectively. Building a consistent monitoring capability
across clouds is essential to maintain visibility and control over the entire
infrastructure. 

The use of third-party tools suited for multicloud environments can enhance
security and operational efficiency. Applying a framework with consistent
policies and controls ensures that security standards are uniformly enforced
across all cloud environments. Additionally, implementing a single identity
system across clouds simplifies identity and access management, reducing the
risk of unauthorized access and improving overall security posture. 

CSPM tools are essential components of this strategy, offering enhanced
visibility and control across multiple cloud platforms. These tools provide a
single, comprehensive view of the organization's security posture, enabling more
informed decision-making and more effective risk management. As businesses
continue to embrace the multicloud paradigm, those that successfully manage
these complexities will be better positioned to thrive in an increasingly
digital and interconnected world. 




ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jatin Mannepalli

Information Security Officer, IMC Trading

Jatin Mannepalli, CISSP, CCSP is an information security officer (ISO) at IMC
Trading, where he brings a deep commitment to managing security and risk across
organizations. With more than 10 years of experience in the InfoSec space, he
has built and led information security and risk management teams, and has also
worked as a security consultant for major consulting firms like McKinsey &
Company. Jatin is passionate about security governance and risk management, as
well as developing technology-driven, customer-focused strategies that
prioritize both organizational success and client satisfaction. Known for his
holistic approach, he is dedicated to fostering a culture of security that
aligns with the organization’s broader goals. In addition to his professional
accomplishments, Jatin is recognized as one of the top voices in Information
Security on LinkedIn. In his leisure time, he volunteers to promote security
awareness in local communities and contributes to the cybersecurity community by
helping develop exams for ISC2. 

See more from Jatin Mannepalli
Keep up with the latest cybersecurity threats, newly discovered vulnerabilities,
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