Protecting our multi-cloud infrastructure with agility and security

As businesses move more and more workloads to cloud, they gain the flexibility and scalability to meet their demands but also face new security challenges. Handling security across cloud platforms becomes more complex when it comes to maintaining visibility, configuration drifts, and compliance with standards like PCI-DSS, HIPAA, SOC2, etc. 
 
At TPI, we developed a comprehensive and adaptable security strategy to address the modern-day challenges without slowing down cloud adoptability. 

Why cloud security matters

Cloud adaptation brings many benefits, but also has risks associated if it is not managed well. Operating within a multi-cloud environment means managing different tools and services from cloud platforms like Azure and AWS. These cloud platform vendors provide very good security features, but still, we need to introduce additional layers of checks as necessary to manage configurations effectively, ensure compliance, and detect potential threats. 

We  built our security strategy to be balanced to maintain flexibility to drive business needs and at the same time maintain strict security adherence to meet various standards of compliance. This approach not only helps to protect critical infrastructure and data as needed but also supports maintaining compliance while implementing deployments through modern DevSecOps practices. 

Principles that guide our security framework

Our cloud security strategy is defined by a set of core principles:

• Security by design: We have adopted security at every stage, from planning, designing, and deployment.
  
  
• Zero trust: We ensure strict identity and access controls for users and devices, along with verification process in place.
  
  
• Least privilege access: Permissions are limited only to those with a requirement and for only what it is required for, reducing risk exposure.
  
  
• Defense in depth: Multiple layers of security ensure that if one control fails, others remain in place to reduce the impact.
  
  
• Automation and visibility: We use automation to keep pace with the demands of cloud environments, ensuring extended monitoring.

Identity and access management (IAM)

Managing identity and access is very crucial to our security principle. While AWS and Azure provide tools to cater, we enforce our tailored policies to protect user IDs and resources effectively.

• Zero trust architecture: Following this model of zero trust for everyone both inside and outside the network. Multi-factor authentication and conditional access policies are heavily utilized to ensure only authorized users and services have access to only approved areas.
• Role-based access control: Following the principle of least privilege, we have implemented strict role-based access control (RBAC) policies to govern access across cloud resources. 

Infrastructure and network security 

To keep our infrastructure and network secure, we use layered approach with segmentation and constant monitoring to keep an eye on the potential threats.

• Network segmentation: Our infrastructure is divided into isolated virtual segments (VPC’s and VNets). Each business application/service is running within its own subnets protected by firewalls and security policies.
• Firewall and intrusion detection/prevention systems: With a defense in depth approach using NSG’s firewalls, we enforce traffic rules, block unauthorized access, ensure perimeter defense. Additionally, the intrusion detection and prevention systems actively monitor traffic for suspicious activities.
• Encryption: Encryption standards protect data both at rest and in transit. We used native tools to manage keys and secure compliance with regulations.
• Native security tools: Utilized services like AWS security HUB and MS defender for cloud which offer centralized views of security for alerts, recommendations, threats, and configurations drifts. 

Compliance and configuration management

Staying compliant with Industry standards requires proactive measures, such as: 

• Continuous compliance: We use tools to monitor adherence to standards like PCI-DSS, HIPAA, and SOC 2.  Non-compliant items are detected early, and corrective actions are taken on time.
• Effective placement: All cloud assets are identified and classified based on the roles and services they provide to decide their placement.

Identity and access management (IAM)

Managing identity and access is very crucial to our security principle. While AWS and Azure provide tools to cater, we enforce our tailored policies to protect user IDs and resources effectively.

• Zero trust architecture: Following this model of zero trust for everyone both inside and outside the network. Multi-factor authentication and conditional access policies are heavily utilized to ensure only authorized users and services have access to only approved areas.
• Role-based access control: Following the principle of least privilege, we have implemented strict role-based access control (RBAC) policies to govern access across cloud resources. 

DevSecOps security built into deployment

We have embedded security practices into our CI/CD pipelines to ensure they are integrated into the deployment process from the start.

• Security as code: These are incorporated policies and practices in the infrastructure as code templates to promote secure infrastructure deployment and changes.
• Automated scanning: Vulnerability scanning tools were integrated within the pipelines to identify risks without slowing deployment cycles. 

Managing a multi-cloud security strategy comes with unique challenges:

• Platform fragmentation: Using multiple platforms can lead to fragmented views, requiring careful integration to ensure unified oversight.
• Balancing speed and security: Aligning security measures with agile processes ensures rapid deployment without compromising security.
• Cross-functional collaboration: Sustained communication between security, engineering, and operations has been essential for aligning goals.

Looking ahead, we aim to enhance our cloud security practices further with:

• Advanced automation: Investing in AI/ML - powered tools for smarter threat detection and response.
• Red/blue team exercises: Expanding these exercises to test defense against evolving threats.
• Promoting a security-first culture: Encouraging all teams to share responsibility for maintaining security.

Cloud infrastructure is the backbone for modern business which requires proactive and well-rounded security strategy. By adopting a robust multi cloud approach, integrating DevSecOps principles, and leveraging automation, we can protect our cloud environments and meet compliance standard requirements more effectively.  Moving forward we will continue to adapt, refine, and strengthen our defenses against emerging threats, ensuring resilience and well protected cloud.