Public cloud providers have really begun to step up their game when it comes to security. Each provider offers a tool kit of cloud-native services to ensure that you’re able to adequately safeguard your applications and data that reside in their infrastructure. But as the industry begins to leverage services and storage from multiple cloud providers, building secure network connectivity that can transcend proprietary cloud networking constructs and work across multiple clouds can become increasingly challenging. 

In this article, we investigate the crucial factors and security considerations that NetOps should account for as they navigate the evolving digital transformation landscape.

1. Secure Multi-Cloud Networking Fabric: NetOps should prioritize a cloud-agnostic solution capable of securely integrating all environments, including public and private clouds, and edge locations.

2. Application-Centric Networking: A solution that emphasizes service networking over traditional networking is crucial. This approach enables secure discovery and delivery of application services across any environment, circumventing the need for extraneous network connectivity or firewall rule configurations.

3. Decentralized Network and Application: Network layer security is vital, but the evolving threat landscape necessitates robust application layer security. Implement a solution that embeds security directly at the application delivery points. This technique significantly reduces the attack surface and bolsters overall security by providing targeted protection for each application.
   
   Application layer attacks such as Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), SQL Injection, Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF), XML External Entity (XXE) Injection, Path Traversal Attacks, and API Abuse/Misuse, often bypass network firewalls and target the user interaction level, making them more challenging to detect and mitigate.

4. Comprehensive Network Visibility: Select for a solution that provides a panoramic view of network and application performance and security across your multi-cloud fabric, providing real-time insights, proactive monitoring, and the capability to respond rapidly to security events.

5. Collaborative Framework: Choose a solution that encourages seamless collaboration among NetOps, SecOps, and DevOps teams, fostering a unified approach through centralized policy management and visibility.

Adhering to these principles, NetOps can effectively navigate the complexities of multi-cloud networking, ensuring comprehensive security from the network layer to the application layer, and maintaining end-to-end visibility. With a strategic approach and robust architecture, the full potential of a multi-cloud strategy can be harnessed, driving successful digital transformation. This guide is intended as an indispensable reference to assist you on your journey toward a secure and successful multi-cloud venture.

For more information on how F5 can help, visit f5.com/multi-cloud