No doubt, cloud technology is a boon for present-day businesses. Organizations have well understood and embraced the advantages of cloud-based infrastructure services. But without proper knowledge, this boon can turn into a bane. IT teams are struggling with fast and unchecked cloud adoption. A recent survey revealed that about 61% of businesses have suffered efficiency losses because of something called cloud sprawl.

In case you are unfamiliar with the term, here is a simple definition: cloud sprawl is a condition where excess workloads run in an organization without the company knowing about them. If IT departments fail to keep track of cloud operations, cloud sprawl can occur. Unsanctioned applications used by employees can also put an organization in a difficult spot. So, how can you manage the cloud and keep it under control at the same time? Keep reading to find out.

Technical Strategies to Manage the Risk of Cloud Sprawl

Organizations need a technical strategy to keep cloud sprawl security issues under control.

1. Integrate your security tools. Security tools must function as a single, integrated system connected to the entire network. “Entire network” also includes cloud elements the organization may not know about.
2. Use native cloud controls. For the fastest and most effective results, opt for native cloud controls to manage and secure cloud resources.
3. Deploy cloud connectors. Security solutions can be deployed quickly and easily with connectors designed specifically for the cloud environment.
4. Monitor every interaction. Every workflow, device, transaction, or application must interact with cloud applications and infrastructure so it can be analyzed, processed, secured, and monitored.
5. Use CASB. Cloud Access Security Brokers (CASB) give even Shadow IT proper visibility, compliance, threat protection, and data security for any cloud-based service.

It should also be a prerequisite for security leaders to start by educating corporate executives, line-of-business leaders, and users. The security team should build better awareness of the risks associated with cloud sprawl. You can find more cloud security insights on our blog.

Centralized Cloud Management: A Critical Necessity

A central cloud security management system is critically needed these days. It plays a sustainable role in streamlining security operations across multiple clouds. For deploying and orchestrating security policies across a multi-cloud environment, the system must include a common framework.

Final Thoughts

Any organization can fall victim to the significant risks of cloud sprawl if proactive measures are not implemented in time. A centralized cloud security management system helps avoid issues like Shadow IT and misconfigurations. If you are still struggling to manage your organization’s cloud activities, you can always approach CloudStakes Technology to reduce your workload. As an eminent cloud service provider in India, we aim to help businesses simplify their cloud operations. Stay with us and never worry about cloud sprawl again. Explore more cloud management guides on our blog.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is cloud sprawl?
Cloud sprawl is the uncontrolled growth of cloud resources, such as workloads, storage, and applications, without the knowledge or approval of the IT department.

2. What causes cloud sprawl?
It is mainly caused by fast cloud adoption, a lack of visibility into cloud operations, no central governance, and employees using unsanctioned apps (Shadow IT).

3. What are the risks of cloud sprawl?
The main risks are security gaps, misconfigurations, data leaks, compliance issues, higher cloud costs, and reduced operational efficiency.

4. What is Shadow IT, and how is it related to cloud sprawl?
Shadow IT means apps and services used by employees without IT approval. It adds unknown workloads to your environment, which directly feeds cloud sprawl.

5. How can businesses prevent cloud sprawl?
Use integrated security tools, native cloud controls, CASB, and a centralized cloud management system. Also educate leaders and employees on cloud risks.

6. What is a CASB, and why is it important?
A Cloud Access Security Broker sits between users and cloud services. It provides visibility, compliance, threat protection, and data security, even for unsanctioned apps.

7. Why is centralized cloud management important?
It lets you deploy and enforce security policies consistently across multiple clouds from one framework, which reduces blind spots and manual effort.