CDW Solutions / Cloud Native Solutions / Cloud Compliance & Security
Hybrid Cloud Security
Organizations today increasingly rely on hybrid cloud architectures for agility, scalability and cost optimization. Yet, mixing private and public cloud deployments introduces complexity and expanded attack surfaces. As your trusted IT partner, CDW Canada helps unify security controls, maintain compliance with frameworks like NIST, CIS and ISO 27001, and adopt modern solutions – such as cloud-native application platforms (CNAPPs) – so you can confidently manage risk and innovation in tandem.
Why Hybrid Cloud Security Matters
Expanded Attack Surface
Multiple environments mean more endpoints, APIs and possible misconfigurations.
Regulatory and Compliance Requirements
Governing data across diverse infrastructures can be challenging, particularly with frameworks like GDPR, PCI DSS or PIPEDA.
Complex Integrations
Seamlessly integrating private and public cloud services without compromising security demands robust API security and consistent policy enforcement.
Performance and Resilience
Overlooking security can lead to breaches or downtime, negatively impacting service availability and operational resilience.
Hybrid Cloud Security Best Practices
Below are ten foundational best practices that cover the core pillars of hybrid cloud security, encompassing everything from unified management and advanced encryption to incident response and more. Because every organization operates under different regulatory, operational and business constraints, it’s essential to adapt these recommendations to your unique environment and risk profile. A holistic risk assessment is crucial for understanding how this evolving environment fits into your organization’s broader security roadmap.
Holistic Risk Assessments
This type of assessment allows your organization to gain visibility into potential risks, then align remediation efforts with recognized frameworks like NIST SP 800-53 or CIS Controls.
Asset Inventory
Catalogue applications, data stores and network segments in both private and public clouds.
Threat Modeling
Identify how attackers might exploit vulnerabilities in cross-cloud workflows.
Vulnerability Scanning
Use automated scanning tools and CIS benchmarks to detect misconfigurations and common security gaps.
Unified Security Management
This reduces complexity, streamlines security operations and maintains consistent governance across on-premises and cloud environments.
Centralized Oversight
Leverage CNAPP and monitoring tools for a clear view across all cloud resources.
Consistent Policy Enforcement
Ensure uniform application of security controls and compliance rules across hybrid deployments.
Automated Threat Response
Integrate machine learning to detect anomalies and automate remediation steps.
Data Protection & Encryption
Data protection and encryption help mitigate unauthorized access risks and maintain compliance through robust encryption and governance policies.
End-to-End Encryption
Encrypt data in transit (TLS) and at rest (AES-256).
Key Management
Use secure key vaults and adopt role-based key management to prevent unauthorized access.
Data Classification
Align classification with standards like ISO 27001 and label sensitive data accordingly.
Identity and Access Management (IAM)
Honing your IAM practice helps secure user and service identities, reduce the blast radius of compromised credentials and meet compliance requirements.
Multifactor Authentication (MFA)
Mandate MFA for admin and privileged accounts.
Least Privilege Principle
Grant only necessary permissions – especially crucial in hybrid or multicloud environments.
Single Sign-On (SSO)
Streamline user access across private data centres and public clouds with identity federation.
Secure API Integration
Prevent unauthorized data sharing and protect back-end services from malicious traffic or misconfigurations.
OAuth & OpenID Connect
Enforce strong authentication and authorization for inter-cloud and app-to-app communication.
API Gateways
Monitor, throttle and secure API calls that bridge private and public cloud services.
Regular Testing
Schedule routine penetration tests and use CNAPP capabilities to identify vulnerabilities in API endpoints.
Compliance & Governance
Maintain an auditable record of your security posture and quickly adapt to evolving regulatory demands.
Policy Enforcement
Automate policy checks (CIS Hardened Images, NIST-aligned controls) for new workloads.
Comprehensive Audit Trails
Log all activities across clouds for forensics and compliance reviews.
Continuous Monitoring
Adopt tools that continuously map your environment to recognized standards like ISO 27001 or NIST CSF.
Security Awareness & Training
Reduce human-error vulnerabilities and build a proactive security culture within your organization.
Phishing Simulations
Educate employees to recognize and report suspicious communications.
Compliance-Focused Training
Align staff education with CIS Controls or NIST CSF guidelines.
Incident Reporting Culture
Encourage immediate reporting of suspected breaches or security anomalies.
Incident Response Planning
Rapidly contain threats, minimize downtime and continuously evolve your defensive posture.
Prepare
Develop a documented response plan aligned with frameworks (e.g., NIST 800-61).
Detect
Monitor 24/7 for abnormal behaviours or threat indicators, integrating CNAPP for advanced cloud workload protection.
Contain and Eradicate
Quickly isolate affected workloads or network segments and remove malicious footholds.
Recover and Improve
Restore data from verified backups and refine processes based on lessons learned.
Continuous Monitoring & Logging
Gain actionable insights, detect threats early and maintain real-time visibility into your organization’s hybrid cloud activities.
Centralized Log Management
Aggregate logs from on-prem, cloud apps and containers for a holistic view.
Anomaly Detection
Use ML-driven analytics and CNAPP solutions to identify suspicious patterns.
Real-Time Alerts
Define escalation paths for critical events to ensure swift response.
Regular Audits & Penetration Testing
Continuously validate and strengthen your security posture, reducing the likelihood of unanticipated breaches.
Internal Assessments
Validate alignment with internal policies and ISO 27001 controls.
Third-Party Reviews
Engage external auditors familiar with hybrid architectures and recognized standards (e.g., CIS, NIST).
Penetration Testing
Simulate attacks across both private and public endpoints to uncover potential weak spots.
The Importance of Hybrid Cloud Security
The hybrid cloud's fragmented nature introduces unique security challenges, including data breaches, cyberattacks and compliance issues. Addressing these requires an intricate security strategy encompassing multiple environments and maintaining a unified security posture.
Challenges and Solutions in Hybrid Cloud Security
While implementing hybrid cloud security best practices, organizations may face several challenges. Here are some common challenges and recommended solutions:
- Complexity and Integration
- Data Sovereignty & Compliance
- Visibility and Control
Complexity and Integration
Complexity arises from integrating disparate environments and tools. Solutions include:
Standardization
Standardize tools and processes across environments.
DevSecOps
Incorporate security into DevOps practices for seamless integration.
Vendor Collaboration
Work closely with cloud providers to align security practices.
Data Sovereignty and Compliance
Different countries have varied regulations that impact data storage and processing. Solutions include:
Data Classification
Classify data based on sensitivity and compliance requirements.
Local Compliance
Ensure adherence to local regulations through localization strategies.
Policy Enforcement
Use tools to enforce compliance policies programmatically.
Visibility and Control
Maintaining visibility and control across clouds is essential yet challenging. Solutions include:
Unified Monitoring Tools
Deploy tools that provide end-to-end visibility.
Automated Policies
Implement automated policies to maintain control.
Consistent Metrics
Use consistent metrics to measure and manage security.
Overcoming Common Hybrid Cloud Security Challenges
Complexity & Integration
Standardizing configurations and adopting DevSecOps or CNAPP help ensure consistent security.
Data Sovereignty
Establish robust data classification and locale-specific policies in line with ISO 27001 controls.
Visibility & Control
Tools like cloud security posture management (CSPM) and CNAPP provide continuous oversight of distributed resources.
Emerging Trends in Hybrid Cloud Security
How CDW Canada Can Help
1
Cloud Strategy & Assessment
Align workloads with the right environments, ensuring security and regulatory compliance.
2
Secure Implementation and Integration
Deploy advanced solutions, including CNAPP, while unifying security controls across private and public clouds.
3
Managed Services
Hand off daily security tasks – like maintenance, monitoring and incident response – to our 24/7 SOC.
4
Incident Response and Remediation
Rely on our and our partner’s incident response teams for rapid threat containment and forensics, aligned with NIST best practices.
5
Professional Services & Training
Equip your team with the skills and guidance needed to maintain robust hybrid cloud security.
Why CDW Canada?
Industry-Spanning Expertise
From healthcare to finance and beyond, we’ve successfully secured hybrid architectures for diverse business needs.
Global Reach, Local Touch
Our nationwide presence ensures you receive personalized support, backed by global resources.
Trusted Partnerships
We hold top-tier certifications with major vendors and emerging tech providers, granting you access to cutting-edge CNAPP, SASE solutions and more.
Standards-Aligned Approaches
Our frameworks (e.g., Assess, Architect, Implement and Operate, or Prepare, Defend, Respond) map directly to NIST, CIS and ISO 27001 methodologies, ensuring a proven path to security maturity.
FAQs
How do NIST, CIS and ISO 27001 fit into hybrid cloud security?
While frameworks are not necessarily hybrid-cloud specific, they are regularly updated and provide well-established controls and best practices that guide risk management, compliance and operational excellence across on-prem, private and public cloud environments.
What is CNAPP and why is it crucial for hybrid cloud?
Cloud-native application protection platforms (CNAPP) integrate cloud security posture management (CSPM), cloud workload protection platform (CWPP) and additional features (like runtime protection and vulnerability scanning) to safeguard cloud-native applications end-to-end – especially useful in hybrid deployments.
Can CDW Canada align security controls with our industry-specific compliance requirements?
Yes. We tailor solutions based on your unique regulatory environment – be it finance, healthcare, government or beyond – leveraging industry standards like ISO 27001, NIST and CIS.
What role does zero trust play in hybrid cloud environments?
Zero trust ensures continuous verification of users, devices and transactions across private and public clouds, mitigating the lateral movement that attackers often exploit in hybrid setups.
How can CDW Canada help with ongoing hybrid cloud security management?
Through our managed security services, we offer 24/7 SOC monitoring, threat hunting, compliance checks and incident response – freeing your team to focus on strategic innovation.
How do we manage data sovereignty in a hybrid cloud?
By classifying data, enforcing geographic restrictions in your public cloud provider and adopting encryption and key management aligned with recognized standards, you can maintain full control over data location and access.
Secure Your Hybrid Cloud Journey with CDW Canada
Implementing hybrid cloud security best practices not only helps you protect critical assets but also empowers your organization to innovate confidently. By adhering to established frameworks (NIST, CIS, ISO 27001), deploying CNAPP for cloud-native threat protection and unifying security across on-prem and public environments, you’ll maintain a robust defence-in-depth posture.
Contact Us
Ready to Elevate Your Hybrid Cloud Security?
Contact CDW Canada today to explore tailored solutions and services. Let us guide you in harmonizing flexibility and security – so your organization can thrive in a cloud-driven future.
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