Cloud Security Best Practices for Businesses Moving to Multi-Cloud Environments

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  By Gujju Ticks

  25 August, 2025

Introduction

In today’s digital world, most businesses in India are moving to the cloud. Instead of keeping all their data and applications on physical servers, they now use online cloud services like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud.

But many companies do not want to depend on only one provider. That is why they are choosing multi-cloud environments. Multi-cloud means using two or more cloud providers at the same time. For example, a company may use AWS for storage, Azure for analytics, and Google Cloud for machine learning.

This method gives many benefits—better cost control, more flexibility, and less risk of downtime. But it also brings new cloud security challenges. If not managed properly, data can be exposed, compliance rules may be broken, and hackers may attack.

This blog explains best practices for cloud security when Indian businesses move to a multi-cloud environment.

Why Multi-Cloud Is Popular in India

Indian businesses—whether IT companies in Bengaluru, startups in Ahmedabad, or financial firms in Mumbai—are adopting multi-cloud because:

1. No Vendor Lock-In – Companies are free to choose the best provider for each task.
2. Cost Savings – Businesses can compare prices and use the most affordable option.
3. Better Reliability – If one cloud fails, another keeps running.
4. Compliance with Indian Laws – With the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDP Act), data must be handled securely. Multi-cloud allows companies to choose where to store their data.

Risks of Multi-Cloud

Before learning the best practices, let’s see the risks:

• Wrong Settings (Misconfigurations): If security is not set properly, data can become public.
• Shadow IT: Employees may use cloud apps without approval, creating risks.
• Different Rules on Different Clouds: Each cloud provider has its own security system.
• Insider Threats: Employees or vendors may misuse access.
• Compliance Problems: Not following laws like GDPR, ISO 27001, or DPDP Act can lead to heavy fines.

Best Practices for Cloud Security in Multi-Cloud

1. Follow Zero Trust Security

The old way of trusting everyone inside a network is no longer safe. Zero Trust means “Never trust, always verify.”

• Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) for logins.
• Check every device and user before giving access.
• Give access only to what is required.

2. Centralize Identity and Access Management (IAM)

Managing users separately on AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud is confusing.

• Use a central IAM tool.
• Apply role-based access control (RBAC) so users only see what they need.
• Monitor login activities.

3. Encrypt All Data

Data must be safe when stored, transferred, or used.

• Use end-to-end encryption.
• Control your own encryption keys for higher safety.
• Follow Indian data protection laws strictly.

4. Do Regular Security Audits

Cloud providers protect infrastructure, but customers must protect data and apps.

• Do security testing often.
• Use built-in tools like AWS Config, Azure Security Center, Google Security Command Center.
• Keep audit reports for compliance.

5. Secure APIs and Applications

APIs connect different services. If not protected, hackers can use them.

• Use API gateways with authentication.
• Watch traffic for unusual activity.
• Apply strong firewall rules.

6. Use Cloud-Native Security Tools

Every cloud provider has security tools. For example:

• AWS GuardDuty for threat detection.
• Azure Defender for protecting workloads.
• Google Chronicle for analyzing logs.
  Using them gives real-time alerts and faster response.

7. Backup and Disaster Recovery

Multi-cloud makes backups easier.

• Keep daily backups.
• Test disaster recovery plans regularly.
• Use cloud-to-cloud backups for safety.

8. Train Employees

Most security issues happen due to human mistakes.

• Train staff about phishing emails and scams.
• Update them about latest cybersecurity practices.
• Ensure they follow compliance rules.

9. Manage Costs with Security

Multi-cloud saves money but sometimes businesses overspend.

• Use cost monitoring tools.
• Combine cost control with security monitoring.

10. Take Help from Experts

Not every company has a big IT security team.

• Partner with cloud security experts or Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs).
• They provide 24/7 monitoring and compliance support.

Example: A Startup in Mumbai

A FinTech startup in Mumbai used both AWS and Azure for multi-cloud. At first, they faced:

• RBI compliance problems.
• Data leaks due to wrong S3 settings.

After applying Zero Trust, IAM, and encryption, they achieved:

• 40% lower costs.
• Compliance with RBI and DPDP rules.
• Better customer trust.

The Future of Multi-Cloud in India

With AI, 5G, and stricter data laws, multi-cloud will grow even more in India. Businesses must prepare for:

• AI-driven threat detection to stop attacks faster.
• Automated compliance for easy audits.
• Stronger encryption to fight future quantum computing risks.

Conclusion

For Indian businesses, multi-cloud is the future. It gives flexibility, cost savings, and compliance benefits. But without security, it becomes dangerous.

By following Zero Trust, encryption, IAM, employee training, and regular audits, businesses can protect their data and keep customer trust.

In short: Multi-cloud brings opportunities, but security ensures success.