How do you protect data in hybrid cloud environments?

1 Identify and classify data

The first step is to identify and classify the data that you need to store, process, and analyze in the hybrid cloud. You should determine the sensitivity, value, and regulatory requirements of each data type and assign appropriate security levels. For example, you may want to keep sensitive data, such as personal information, financial records, or health records, in a private cloud or on-premises, while less sensitive data, such as logs, metrics, or public data, can be stored in a public cloud.

2 Encrypt and mask data

The second step is to encrypt and mask the data that you transfer and store in the hybrid cloud. Encryption ensures that only authorized parties can access and read the data, while masking obscures or replaces sensitive data elements with dummy values. You should use strong encryption algorithms and keys, and manage them securely across the hybrid cloud. You should also apply data masking techniques, such as anonymization, pseudonymization, or tokenization, to protect the privacy of the data subjects and comply with data protection regulations.

3 Implement access control and auditing

The third step is to implement access control and auditing policies and mechanisms for the data in the hybrid cloud. Access control defines who can access what data, when, where, and how, and enforces granular permissions and roles. Auditing tracks and records the data access and usage activities, and detects and reports any anomalies or violations. You should use a centralized identity and access management system that integrates with the hybrid cloud services and platforms, and supports multi-factor authentication and single sign-on. You should also use a unified logging and monitoring system that collects and analyzes the audit logs from the hybrid cloud sources.

4 Secure data pipelines and workflows

The fourth step is to secure the data pipelines and workflows that run in the hybrid cloud. Data pipelines and workflows are the processes that ingest, transform, and deliver the data from various sources to various destinations in the hybrid cloud. You should design and implement them with security in mind, using best practices such as code review, testing, validation, version control, and configuration management. You should also use secure protocols and formats for data transmission and integration, such as HTTPS, SSL/TLS, SFTP, or JSON.

5 Apply data governance and compliance

The fifth step is to apply data governance and compliance rules and standards for the data in the hybrid cloud. Data governance and compliance are the frameworks and policies that ensure the quality, integrity, availability, and legality of the data. You should establish and follow data governance and compliance principles, such as data ownership, stewardship, lifecycle, retention, deletion, and backup. You should also adhere to the relevant data protection and privacy regulations, such as GDPR, CCPA, or HIPAA, and conduct regular audits and assessments.

6 Update and patch data systems and tools

The sixth step is to update and patch the data systems and tools that you use in the hybrid cloud. Data systems and tools are the software and hardware components that enable the data storage, processing, and analysis in the hybrid cloud. You should keep them up to date and patched with the latest security fixes and enhancements, and avoid using outdated or unsupported versions. You should also use reliable and reputable vendors and providers for the data systems and tools, and review their security policies and practices.

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?