More and more companies are turning to multi-cloud environments for greater flexibility, easy scalability, and to keep their digital operations running smoothly. But while this sounds ideal, managing security across multiple cloud platforms is not so simple. Things get complicated because each environment has its own particularities, and keeping everything under control with a consistent security strategy can become quite a challenge.
How can security be improved in multi-cloud environments?
Today, many companies are using multiple cloud services at the same time (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, and others) to take advantage of the best of each. But with that flexibility also come new headaches in terms of security. So how can you properly protect that entire digital ecosystem without losing control? Here are some key practices that can help you keep your data and systems safe.
1. Understand the shared responsibility model
One of the first things to understand is the shared responsibility model. In a nutshell: the cloud provider (such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud) is responsible for securing the physical infrastructure and certain basic aspects, but you are responsible for protecting your own data, configurations, and applications.
For example, they take care of their data centers and servers, but you must ensure that firewalls are properly configured, access is controlled, and data is encrypted. Being clear about this from the outset helps to avoid security gaps.
2. Unify your security strategy
When you work with multiple clouds at once, it's easy for each one to end up with its own rules and controls. But that only complicates things. The ideal solution is to have a unified security strategy that works across all your environments.
The key? Use tools that give you a centralized view of everything that's happening in each cloud. This allows you to apply consistent security policies, detect threats faster, and respond without wasting time. It also helps a lot with regulatory compliance issues.
3. Gain visibility and monitor constantly
One of the biggest risks in multi-cloud environments is not knowing what is happening. If you don't have full visibility into your systems, it's very difficult to detect if something is wrong, such as an incorrect configuration or suspicious access.
For that, you need continuous monitoring tools. SIEM systems or observability platforms, for example, give you a complete view of your cloud infrastructure. This allows you to see unusual behavior or detect potential threats in real time. It's not just about monitoring, but about being able to react in time.
4. Strengthen access control
When it comes to cloud security, who accesses what is one of the most important issues. That's where identity and access management (IAM) comes in. The idea is to apply the principle of least privilege: each user (or system) should have only the permissions they need, nothing more.
It's also a good idea to use things like multi-factor authentication (MFA) to add an extra layer of security. Tools like Entra ID (formerly Azure Active Directory) can help you manage identities from a single location. And don't forget to review permissions frequently: removing old or unnecessary access greatly reduces risks.
5. Automate everything you can
Managing security manually in a multi-cloud environment can be crazy. That's why automation is your best ally. You can automate tasks such as:
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Detecting and correcting insecure configurations
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Applying security patches
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Responding automatically to certain types of threats
Using scripts or infrastructure-as-code (IaC) platforms also allows you to standardize secure configurations and reduce human error. Plus, automation frees up time for the security team to focus on what really matters.
Read more: Patch Management: Why is it essential in IT security?
6. Protect Data at All Times
In any multicloud environment, data is the most valuable asset you have. Losing it or having it fall into the wrong hands can cost you far more than just a scare. That’s why protecting it should be at the heart of your security strategy. Here are some key actions:
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Encrypt data both at rest and in transit.
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Set up regular backups and clear disaster recovery plans.
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Classify your data based on its sensitivity to apply stricter controls where it truly matters.
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Use techniques like masking or tokenization to safeguard sensitive information.
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Implement Data Loss Prevention (DLP) tools to avoid leaks, whether accidental or intentional.
Additionally, having specialized solutions can make a real difference. For example, TecnetProtect Backup offers robust and flexible data protection, allowing for automated, encrypted, and easily restorable backups. It’s ideal for multicloud environments, as it adapts to different providers and workloads. With tools like these, you can rest assured that your data is always protected, no matter where it resides.
The more control you have over how your data is stored, moved, and backed up, the smaller the margin for error… and the more peacefully your organization can sleep.
7. Don’t Let Regulations Slip Through the Cracks: Compliance Is Also Protection
One of the biggest challenges of working with multiple clouds is staying up to date with industry regulations and standards. Regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, or PCI-DSS not only vary depending on the type of data but also by region, which can complicate things.
That’s why it’s essential to ensure that each cloud provider complies with the legal requirements. Moreover, it's wise to take a proactive approach: document processes, conduct regular audits, and make use of the tools offered by providers to ease compliance.
Complying with these regulations isn’t just a legal obligation—it’s also a way to better protect the information you handle.
8. Security Starts with People
You can have the best tools and systems in the world, but if your team doesn’t know how to use them or what risks they face, security becomes shaky. That’s why training staff and fostering a true security culture is just as important as any firewall or cloud solution.
Organize frequent training sessions, run cyberattack drills, and talk with your team about the real risks they face daily. Something as simple as teaching them not to click on suspicious links or to spot misconfigurations can prevent a lot of headaches.
When everyone in the organization understands their role in security, the chances of something going wrong drop significantly.
Read more: How to build a culture of cybersecurity in your company?
In Summary: Security Without Losing Flexibility
When you combine all these points (understanding your responsibilities, unifying your strategy, maintaining visibility, strengthening access, automating, protecting data, complying with regulations, and training your team), you're building a solid foundation for operating in multicloud environments without losing control.
The key is finding the balance between innovation and security. The cloud offers flexibility and scalability, yes—but that shouldn’t come at the expense of protecting your data and critical assets. With a clear and consistent approach, you can have the best of both worlds.
And if all this sounds overwhelming, you're not alone. At TecnetOne, we offer cybersecurity solutions designed to protect multicloud environments. We can help you implement each of these steps—from designing a unified strategy to automating processes, protecting data with tools like TecnetProtect Backup, and ensuring compliance with key regulations.
Our team is ready to support you every step of the way and help you get the most out of the cloud—without compromising security.
