Why Security and Cost go Hand-in-Hand in the Enterprise Cloud

Applying security principles to address cloud cost challenges is the need of the hour. This first part in the series on security and cost optimisation in the enterprise cloud explains that these are not isolated concerns but are truly interconnected in a well-managed cloud environment

- Arun Karthik Dharmalingam

As an enterprise cloud security architect and cloud cost consultant, I have had the opportunity to explore the intersection of cloud security and cost optimisation. Initially, I approached these areas separately, but I soon realised the synergies between them. In this article, I will explore the challenges of complex cloud cost optimisation and the benefits of adopting a combined approach. This approach proves effective, especially in scenarios where no single solution exists and there are limitations in control and visibility.

Enterprises have prioritised cloud migration in the past decade. However, they have often underestimated the challenges that arise when it comes to effectively managing security and cost post-transition. The distributed and dynamic nature of the cloud presents unique and unforeseen hurdles for enterprises in their pursuit of implementing robust security controls and optimised cost management.

To better comprehend an enterprise cloud environment, enterprises commonly utilise one or more cloud service providers, manage multiple cloud accounts, and leverage multiple regions, availability zones, and hybrid on-premises extensions to provision their infrastructure. Within this intricate environment, multiple teams, applications, and users with varying skillsets and business objectives interact with the cloud, utilising different methods. Additionally, the dynamic nature of cloud environments enables changes to be made by anyone, from anywhere, through various means of interaction with the cloud.