Hybrid cloud is becoming a cornerstone of IT infrastructure in modern organizations. Combining the flexibility of public services with the control and security of private or local clouds, it enables companies to dynamically scale operations. However, with this flexibility comes significant security challenges. OPSWAT shows how to effectively secure data, applications and infrastructure in hybrid environments.
Key findings
-
Hybrid cloud increases the attack surface, so it requires consistent and advanced security.
-
Threats include misconfigurations, malware, ransomware and unauthorized access.
-
Solutions such as IAM, SIEM, CASB and MetaDefender Cloud™ allow you to bring risk under control.
-
Zero Trust and supply chain management are key elements of modern hybrid security.
-
Thanks to OPSWAT organizations can detect and neutralize threats regardless of where the data is stored.
Table of contents
-
What is hybrid cloud
-
Why hybrid cloud security is so important
-
Major threats and security gaps
-
Key components of hybrid cloud protection
-
Implementation and best practices
-
How OPSWAT supports data protection in hybrid environments
-
Summary
What is hybrid cloud
Hybrid cloud combines local (on-prem), private and public cloud environments into one cohesive operational environment. It allows sensitive data to be stored in a closed environment and less critical processes to be handled in the public cloud, increasing flexibility but also the level of risk.
Why hybrid cloud security is so important
In a hybrid model, one misconfiguration can open up access to the entire infrastructure. Organizations must simultaneously meet various regulatory requirements, manage identities and maintain business continuity. Without unified tools such as IAM, DLP and real-time monitoring, data protection becomes fragmented and ineffective.
Major threats and security gaps
-
Incorrect configurations – incorrect access and storage settings
-
File-based attacks – such as hidden malware in documents transferred between environments
-
Complex supply chains – dependencies on APIs, third-party vendors and open source components
-
Lateral movement – after an intrusion, attackers move between resources
-
Visibility and auditing issues – lack of consistent logs and controls across the environment
Key components of hybrid cloud protection
-
IAM and RBAC – role-based and identity-based access management
-
PAM – securing privileged accounts
-
SIEM and SOC – centralized collection and analysis of security logs
-
CASB – control over access to cloud applications and detection of Shadow IT
-
CSPM – detection of anomalies and gaps in configurations
-
Zero Trust – no default trust, each access attempt requires validation
Implementation and best practices
Implementing effective hybrid cloud protection requires, among other things:
-
Consistent security policies across all environments
-
Automatic enforcement of rules (e.g., encryption, MFA, locks)
-
Continuous monitoring and rapid response to incidents
-
Limit attack surface through access control, network segmentation and file sanitization
-
Supply chain risk management, supplier auditing, API isolation
How OPSWAT supports data protection in hybrid environments
MetaDefender Cloud™ solution from OPSWAT enables:
-
Inspection of more than 20 file types in the cloud
-
Remove hidden threats with Deep CDR™
-
Protect data in motion and at rest in AWS, Azure and hybrid environments
-
Integration with SIEM, CASB and SOAR tools
-
Implement Zero Trust strategy through inspection and control at every stage of data processing
Summary
Hybrid cloud security is a priority today. The complexity of the environments, the multitude of tools and the different levels of risk require a modern approach. With OPSWAT and solutions like MetaDefender Cloud™, organizations can not only detect and neutralize threats, but also effectively manage security at every level of the infrastructure – from the local server to the global cloud.
