The advent of emerging technologies such as automation, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) has drastically disrupted what it takes to remain relevant. Globally, enterprises are seeking strategies that can provide them with a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.  According to a recent report, the global hybrid cloud market is expected to reach US$262 billion in 2027, with the APAC region expected to grow at the highest rate.

Hybrid cloud strategies have gained popularity as they provide the flexibility, scalability, and redundancy businesses need for improved modern operations. By integrating the benefits of both public and private clouds, businesses can utilise the scalability of public cloud services while keeping sensitive data and applications securely within their private cloud infrastructure.

Notwithstanding the numerous financial and efficiency benefits of hybrid cloud solutions, a lack of proper data management practices can quickly manifest into significant cybersecurity hurdles. With widespread cloud adoption, organisations are exposed to increased cyber risks and are also introducing complexity into their operations.

Notably, cloud-related threats are among the top three cyber concerns for 51 per cent of APAC organsations. Hence, finding the right balance between leveraging hybrid cloud benefits and maintaining a secure network for cyber resilience is crucial. So how can businesses best pursue their hybrid cloud set up, while ensuring that their network remains secure?

New multi-cloud cyber challenges raining on businesses

Managing a multi-cloud ecosystem without effective data practices can hinder an organisation’s ability to implement sound security frameworks.

Clear data visibility is critical in enabling an organisation’s capacity to integrate frameworks, such as zero trust. In particular, zero trust frameworks operate on the principle that no entity, whether inside or outside the network, should be trusted by default, necessitating continuous monitoring and verification of every request. The ability to identify whether a user is verified or not can become complicated if an organisation does not have adequate oversight of their data.

Ensuring data is protected whilst it moves between public and private clouds is another significant challenge. The movement of data across different environments can often increase the risk of exposure to malicious actors. Robust encryption and secure communication channels are essential to protect data during transit and storage.

Also Read: How cybersecurity teams can involve HR to optimise incident response

For many, taking the first step in implementing security solutions across various cloud environments can be daunting, but it is increasingly necessary. Australia, in particular, faces heightened risks, with the new statistics from the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) showing the number of data breaches notified to the regulator in the first half of 2024 was at its highest in three and a half years.

Recent data breaches from high-profile organisations across the region proves just how critical strong data coordination is for security purposes. Business leaders must ensure that their security measures are uniformly applied across both public and private clouds to prevent such vulnerabilities and risks.

Strategies for enhanced security in hybrid cloud environments

To navigate the cybersecurity challenges posed by hybrid cloud strategies, businesses of any size should look to implement several key measures:

• Perform cyber risk assessments

Conducting thorough cyber risk assessments can help organisations understand how their data is stored and identify potential vulnerabilities. Regular reviews can enable businesses to stay ahead of potential threats and implement necessary security measures proactively.

• Implement Zero Trust Frameworks

Adopting zero trust frameworks ensures that malicious activities are detected promptly. By continuously monitoring and verifying every access request, organisations can prevent unauthorised access and reduce the risk of data breaches.

• Utilise robust encryption

Robust encryption protects data both in transit and at rest. By encrypting data, businesses can secure sensitive information and prevent unauthorised access, even if data is intercepted during transmission between public and private clouds.

Also Read: Embracing AI evolution: The crucial role of data management and cybersecurity in AI success

• Employ multi-factor authentication (MFA)

MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring multiple forms of verification before granting access to critical or sensitive data. This significantly reduces the risk of unauthorised access, as attackers would need to bypass multiple authentication factors.

• Adhere to the principle of least privilege

The principle of least privilege ensures that users are granted the minimum level of access necessary to perform their tasks. By limiting access rights, businesses can minimise the potential damage caused by compromised accounts and prevent unauthorised access to sensitive data.

• Enhance security posture with AI capabilities

The integration of AI capabilities into cloud data protection and security solutions will significantly enhance efficiency. These tools not only alleviate tedious tasks but also swiftly identify patterns, trends and anomalies that might otherwise be undetected and autonomously adjust security parameters—such as multifactor authentication and multi-person authentication—to lock down access to data and protect it against attacks.

Hybrid cloud strategies are opening new doors for businesses looking to keep their competitive edge in a rapidly evolving market. Done right, businesses can optimise their operations by combining the flexibility of public clouds with the security and control of private clouds.

Embracing these new pathways necessitate proactive data monitoring and management. Effective data management, with expanded AI-driven capabilities to strengthen cyber resilience, is essential to fully harness the benefits of a hybrid cloud environment while mitigating potential risks.

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