Overview
The cloud security landscape is facing a seismic shift. With Google’s recent acquisition of Wiz, one of the industry’s most prominent cloud security providers, many in the industry are considering the implications of cloud providers also serving as vendors. Organisations operating in multi-cloud and hybrid environments must carefully evaluate how these shifts impact their security strategies.
The best security strategy is built on independence, transparency, and aligned priorities. When a cloud provider also becomes a security vendor, competing priorities may arise, creating challenges in balancing security needs with broader business strategies.
Here are four key considerations for organisations evaluating their cloud security options.
Security Must Be a Check, Not a Rubber Stamp
Cloud security providers should function as independent safeguards, prioritising security posture above all other business and architecture considerations. The effectiveness of cloud security must not be compromised to align with a cloud provider’s primary revenue streams. When a single entity manages both cloud services and security, critical checks and balances may be reduced. Independent assessments are essential to ensure security remains a top priority unaffected by other business considerations.
When Priorities Shift, Will Your Security Still Matter?
Security vendors often promise broad multi-cloud support, but shifting business priorities can influence investment decisions. It is crucial to assess whether security investments will continue to be optimised across all major cloud providers. Security decisions must be driven by risk and organisational needs, not by a vendor’s corporate objectives.
Avoid Vendor Lock-in because Security Should Be Portable
Cloud environments are dynamic, and organisations need flexibility. Yet, cloud providers often design their security solutions to tether customers to their ecosystems, making the transition costly or cumbersome. True security partners ensure portability, allowing organisations to scale or shift providers without compromising protection. A security vendor that benefits from locking customers into a single platform should raise red flags.
Cloud Security Must Extend Beyond the Cloud
Modern cyber threats extend beyond traditional cloud environments. Organisations require comprehensive security strategies that address the full scope of their digital footprint, including hybrid infrastructure and operational technology. A forward-thinking security approach should encompass the entire attack surface rather than focusing solely on cloud-based risks.
Independence is Non-Negotiable for the Future of Cloud Security
As the industry evolves, organisations should consider whether their security partners are aligned with their best interests. When evaluating cloud security providers, key factors to prioritise include:
- Cloud-agnostic, with no ownership ties to any cloud provider
- Focused solely on security, not on selling infrastructure
- Proven leaders in security research and innovation
- Equipped to protect multi-cloud and hybrid environments
- Transparent about product roadmaps and priorities
- Committed to long-term flexibility and control
Cloud security is a critical investment, and organisations should prioritise solutions that align with their specific needs. In an evolving landscape, impartiality, transparency, and a security-first approach are more important than ever.
