Cloud Computing Service Providers and Cloud Partners – Essential Considerations to Ensure Comprehensive Security
When choosing a cloud computing service provider and cloud partner, the stakes are high. Data security, compliance, and alignment with your business goals all hinge on making informed decisions. In this article, we highlight the most critical factors to evaluate, from understanding the shared responsibility model to ensuring the chosen cloud provider’s practices align with your organization’s needs.
Evaluating Cloud Service Providers: Crucial Insights for Informed Decisions
All major cloud providers adhere to stringent security certifications and allow the implementation of robust cybersecurity measures. However the specific approaches to these measures can vary.
“It’s good to understand these nuances to make an informed decision.”
Data Sovereignty and Security
The location where your data is stored and processed is one of the most significant considerations. For example, businesses may choose Google’s expanding network of data centers across the Nordic region, including the current site in Hamina, Finland, as well as the forthcoming regions in Oslo and Stockholm, to keep their data within specific regional boundaries.
In recent years, Finland’s central government has eased these requirements, recognizing that properly configured cloud environments are inherently secure. However, for classified or highly sensitive data, strict geographic controls often still apply. This makes data sovereignty—ensuring data does not leave a designated jurisdiction—a matter of compliance rather than purely a cybersecurity issue.
Compliance
Specific industry verticals—whether finance, healthcare, or other regulated sectors—must carefully assess how compliance applies to cloud services. Even minor differences can have significant implications. It's essential to clarify these requirements in advance to mitigate risks and ensure compliance.
Network Security in the Cloud
While all three major cloud providers use consistent terminology for network elements and layers, their implementations differ in several key areas. For instance, Google approaches network isolation and global availability differently than AWS and Azure. They handle subnet connectivity and firewalling at distinct levels.
For most organizations, the finer technical details of network architecture are secondary. Instead, the focus tends to be on data center locations, connectivity, and internet routing. Only a small subset of customers prioritize internal network structure details when selecting a cloud provider.
Understanding the Shared Responsibility Model in Cloud Security
To build secure cloud environments, it's crucial to understand the shared responsibility model between the cloud provider and your organization. This model clearly defines what is the provider’s responsibility and what falls under your organization’s scope.
In traditional data centers, organizations oversee everything themselves—from access networks and power to physical security and facility management. In the cloud, these foundational elements become the provider’s responsibility. However, everything above that layer—such as data encryption, user management, and network isolation—rests with your organization. A lack of clarity here can lead to critical errors, such as poor encryption practices or inadequate architectural decisions, which can compromise the entire system.
Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility within the organization, but ultimate accountability varies depending on the organization's size and structure. It may rest with IT governance, project leads, or, in larger organizations, a dedicated cybersecurity professional.
What Should You Expect from Your Cloud Partner?
At Cloud2, we firmly believe that cloud security should be deeply integrated into both governance and technical implementation. A strong cloud partner ensures that security policies are not just abstract guidelines but are embedded into the technical architecture of your cloud environment. To us, cloud governance goes beyond just writing rules—it must be directly tied to the landing zone, where governance documentation translates into enforceable technical solutions.
The Mindset Shift
Adopting this approach often requires a mindset shift. Moving from traditional, manual processes to a more automated, code-driven environment is a significant cultural change. Developers may face challenges with new coding practices, IT professionals may struggle with infrastructure automation, and adapting to modern security practices can feel overwhelming. A good cloud partner understands these challenges and supports the transition with expertise.
A Holistic View of Cloud Security
We also believe that cloud security must be viewed holistically. Frameworks like the Well-Architected Framework help organizations identify gaps in their understanding of cloud security. These frameworks guide clients toward critical security concepts that are essential for building secure and scalable cloud environments.
Understanding the Business Context
A great cloud partner goes beyond the technical aspects and takes the time to understand the customer’s business. By recognizing the key drivers of the customer’s cloud journey and operational needs, they can prioritize and safeguard the most critical assets and data throughout the cloud migration and ongoing operations.
Industry expertise is also crucial. Does the provider understand your industry’s regulatory and security requirements? Can they proactively highlight compliance considerations that may affect your cloud strategy? Asking for industry-specific references can help evaluate the provider’s ability to meet sector-specific demands.
Security Certifications
All major cloud platforms offer certifications that professionals can earn, including those focused on security. Asking your provider about their team’s certifications can offer insights into their commitment to security and technical expertise. A well-certified team signals a provider that takes security seriously and has the ability to navigate complex security challenges.
Final considerations
Often, a company’s existing technology choices and culture—especially a strong Microsoft affiliation—guide the decision toward a cloud platform. In the Nordics, Microsoft-centric businesses often automatically choose Azure, relying on familiar technologies for both security measures and operational monitoring. Even though AWS and GCP are increasingly integrated with Microsoft’s Defender for Cloud, companies tend to stick with what they know.
A key factor in cloud platform selection is compatibility with existing systems. Fortunately, AWS and GCP offer significant commonality with Microsoft technologies, allowing businesses to leverage their existing investments while still benefiting from the strengths of these leading cloud providers.
When selecting a cloud partner, the foundation lies in their operational practices, version control, traceability, and security culture. If the provider hasn’t mastered these fundamentals, they likely won't be able to guide the customer effectively on security. Cloud security starts with a solid foundation, and holistic solutions are crucial. Point solutions won’t suffice if security culture isn’t embedded within the organization.
Despite certifications like ISO 27001 and other security frameworks, breaches still occur. The key is ensuring that security is integrated into the provider’s daily operations. When a provider can demonstrate security frameworks in action, they are more likely to prevent breaches. During the selection process, a thorough assessment of the provider’s security posture and compliance practices is essential. This review will give you insight into their commitments, methods, and organizational culture. With a careful selection process, you can secure your business’s future in the cloud.