Security is the Top Factor to Get Right in Cloud Migration

A well-architected cloud migration strategy is critical to a successful cloud migration. I’ve identified 5 key factors, and this article delves into the one at the top: security.  

Sometimes, to start a conversation around an important topic, I like to make an extreme statement.  Once I get your attention, we’ll be able to have a constructive discussion and debate. 

So allow me this one:  In this day and age, if you aren’t willing to make security integral to every part of your business, then you may as well pack it up and go home.  

Your Cloud Migration Strategy Addresses Many Variables 

If you’re developing a cloud migration strategy, you obviously must have something you want to host in the cloud, such as:

• corporate applications
• public-facing services and apps
• mobile apps
• on-prem workstations transitioning to remote work situations 

When you go from one environment to the next, be it on-prem to the cloud, one cloud provider to another cloud provider, adding cloud providers, etc., security must be at the forefront of the migration project. 

And your cloud migration strategy needs to make security part of the ongoing lifecycle management process. In everything you do as a business, security and risk management must be involved in the decision-making process.  

Here are our 4 tips to making sure you factor security into your cloud migration strategy:  

Cloud Migration Strategy for Security Tip #1: Get Leadership Buy-In

Hopefully, if you are reading this, you are a leader or are aspiring to be one. If you are not, and you are being tasked with figuring out your company cloud migration strategy, then you need to start scheduling meetings and talking about security with your leadership team. 

The topic of security is difficult for some. Many may not fully understand why it needs so much focus.  Without the support of leadership, security can easily become the thing that only the IT person focuses on. Security must have involvement from all people within the organization, or it will be dysfunctional. 

It’s not enough for security to be the sole responsibility of your IT people. Leadership buy-in and support is crucial for an organization to maintain a good security posture. Security needs teeth. Your leadership can provide that. If you need help converting your leadership to the ways of being secure, then feel free to get the conversation started by sharing my article, “Cloud Security Culture vs. Compliance.”  

Cloud Migration Strategy for Security Tip #2: Know Your Current Strategy

Fully understanding your current security strategy is Security 101. This knowledge is even more important to have when moving into the cloud. Identify and have on hand any compliance requirements.  Also identify any security risks and requirements with applications you intend to be public facing.  Map these out in graphing software like Microsoft Visio or Lucidchart, and include them with your migration documentation.

Cloud Migration Strategy for Security Tip #3: Know Where You Should Be Going

It would be unwise and embarrassing to move into a cloud solution and find that you’ve made yourself even more vulnerable than before. An integral part of your cloud migration strategy is understanding the security posture and features of where you are going. 

Cloud providers, on the technical level, may approach security differently than you’re used to. Certain data-center security concepts are different when using a cloud provider.  Fortunately, AWS provides the most secure environment. If you couple it with Bloomip Managed Services, you will have a robust and mature security model that meets all your needs.  

Cloud Migration Strategy for Security Tip #4: Get Expert Advice

To have the best chance of success with your cloud migration strategy, talk to people who do this for a living. While this might be your first experience with migration, cloud migration experts have a familiarity with the process, strategy, requirements and possible pitfalls. This amount of expertise is difficult to acquire for most IT leaders and professionals-- requiring years of experience and often costly mistakes.

Your fastest, most cost-effective way is to talk to people who are experienced in cloud migration strategy.  AWS Consulting Partners guide companies to cloud solutions that are proven and secure. 

Other Key Factors for Cloud Migration Strategy

Security is #1, but there are 4 other key factors for a successful cloud migration strategy. 

1. Security 
2. Business Alignment
3. Skills Sets
4. Migration strategy
5. Long-term strategy

Feeling the pressure about developing a cloud migration strategy for your business? Bloomip’s Devoted Experts are ready to understand your goals and requirements. Contact us to start a conversation or visit our AWS Partner Profile.