How can you secure data in a multi-cloud environment?

Multi-cloud is the use of multiple cloud providers to store and process data for different purposes. It can offer benefits such as scalability, flexibility, cost-efficiency, and redundancy. However, it also poses challenges for data security, as data may be exposed to different threats, regulations, and policies across different cloud platforms. How can you secure data in a multi-cloud environment? Here are some tips to help you manage data security in a multi-cloud setting.

1 Identify and classify data

The first step to secure data in a multi-cloud environment is to identify and classify the data you have, and determine where it is stored, how it is accessed, and who is responsible for it. You should also assess the sensitivity and value of the data, and the risks and compliance requirements associated with it. This will help you prioritize the data that needs more protection, and apply the appropriate security controls and policies for each data type and location.

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Dirk Jonker

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We're all familiar with listing safety measures for HR data. However, many HR departments are now building their own tools for workforce reports and data analytics, processing highly sensitive people data. This situation raises a big question: Do these HR(IT) teams truly have the necessary knowledge in cybersecurity and compliance with regulations? As the demand for connected insights grows in a cost-pressured environment, it seems they might be setting up a risky scenario. To address this, in a multi-cloud setup, you'll need tight access controls, robust data encryption, comply with regulations like GDPR, conduct regular security checks and audits, have solid backup plans, provide security training, and maintain data retention policies.

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2 Encrypt and protect data

The second step to secure data in a multi-cloud environment is to encrypt and protect the data both in transit and at rest. Encryption is the process of transforming data into an unreadable form that can only be deciphered with a key. Encryption can prevent unauthorized access, modification, or leakage of data, even if it is intercepted or compromised. You should use strong encryption algorithms and keys, and store the keys separately from the data. You should also use other protection methods, such as firewalls, anti-virus, and backup, to prevent or mitigate data breaches.

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3 Monitor and audit data

The third step to secure data in a multi-cloud environment is to monitor and audit the data activity and performance across different cloud platforms. Monitoring is the process of collecting and analyzing data metrics, such as usage, availability, latency, and errors. Auditing is the process of reviewing and verifying the data operations, events, and incidents, such as access, changes, and anomalies. Monitoring and auditing can help you detect and respond to data security issues, as well as optimize and improve data quality and efficiency.

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4 Manage and update data

The fourth step to secure data in a multi-cloud environment is to manage and update the data lifecycle and configuration across different cloud platforms. Managing is the process of controlling and coordinating the data creation, storage, distribution, and deletion. Updating is the process of modifying and enhancing the data features, functions, and security. Managing and updating can help you ensure that the data is consistent, accurate, and compliant with the latest standards and regulations.

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5 Train and educate users

The fifth step to secure data in a multi-cloud environment is to train and educate the users who access and handle the data across different cloud platforms. Users are often the weakest link in data security, as they may be unaware, careless, or malicious. Training and educating can help you raise the awareness and skills of the users, and instill a culture of data security and responsibility. You should provide regular and relevant training and education programs, such as workshops, webinars, and quizzes, and enforce clear and strict data security policies and rules.

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6 Collaborate and communicate with providers

The sixth step to secure data in a multi-cloud environment is to collaborate and communicate with the cloud providers who host and process the data across different cloud platforms. Cloud providers are often the main source of data security, as they offer various tools, services, and support for data protection and management. Collaborating and communicating can help you align and integrate the data security strategies and solutions with the cloud providers, and leverage their expertise and resources. You should establish and maintain a good relationship and communication channel with the cloud providers, and review and evaluate their data security performance and compliance.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you secure data in a multi-cloud environment?

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2

3

4

5

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1 Identify and classify data

2 Encrypt and protect data

3 Monitor and audit data

4 Manage and update data

5 Train and educate users

6 Collaborate and communicate with providers

7 Here’s what else to consider

Workforce Management

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How can you secure data in a multi-cloud environment?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Identify and classify data

2 Encrypt and protect data

3 Monitor and audit data

4 Manage and update data

5 Train and educate users

6 Collaborate and communicate with providers

7 Here’s what else to consider

Workforce Management

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