This deployment strategy combines both cloud-based and on-premises deployment models. The CSPM tool can be hosted in the cloud, but the data collected by the tool can be stored and processed on the organization’s servers. This deployment strategy offers the benefits of both cloud-based and on-premises deployment, including flexibility, scalability, control, and customization. This strategy may also involve a combination of agent-based, API-based, and/or proxy-based deployments. For example, you might use agent-based deployment for workloads running in your own data center, API-based deployment for workloads running in a public cloud environment, and proxy-based deployment for workloads running in a private cloud environment. The deployment strategy that’s chosen will depend on a variety of factors, such as your organization’s cloud environment, security requirements, and resources.
Now, let’s understand the pros and cons of this feature.
Pros
Here are its pros:
- Flexibility: The hybrid deployment model offers flexibility by allowing organizations to monitor and secure resources across different environments, including on-premises and public cloud. It accommodates organizations with diverse infrastructure setups, such as those transitioning from on-premises to the cloud, or those with specific security or compliance requirements that necessitate certain components to be managed internally.
- Control: Hybrid deployment provides organizations with a level of control over their security infrastructure. They can maintain control over sensitive data or critical systems by keeping certain components on-premises while still benefiting from the scalability and agility of cloud-based monitoring and analysis.
- Data privacy and compliance: In some cases, certain data or regulatory requirements may necessitate keeping specific resources or information on-premises. This model allows organizations to maintain compliance and data privacy by keeping sensitive data in their private infrastructure while utilizing cloud-based monitoring for non-sensitive components.
- Customization: Hybrid deployment allows organizations to customize and tailor the CSPM tool to their specific needs. They can integrate the tool with their existing security infrastructure, policies, and processes, leveraging their on-premises capabilities while benefiting from cloud-based features and scalability.
Cons
Here are its cons:
- Increased complexity: Hybrid deployments can introduce complexity due to the integration of on-premises and cloud components. It requires additional planning, configuration, and management efforts to ensure seamless operation and data flow between different environments. It may require expertise in managing both on-premises and cloud-based infrastructure.
- Integration challenges: Integrating and synchronizing data and controls between on-premises and cloud environments can be challenging. Organizations need to ensure smooth integration between the hybrid components to avoid data discrepancies, delays, or disruptions in security monitoring and response.
- Resource allocation: Hybrid deployments require allocating resources for managing both on-premises infrastructure and cloud-based components. This includes ensuring appropriate staffing, expertise, and maintenance for both environments. Organizations need to consider the cost and effort associated with managing hybrid deployments effectively.
- Dependencies: Hybrid deployments may introduce dependencies on both on-premises infrastructure and cloud service providers. Any issues or outages in either environment can impact the overall security monitoring and response capabilities.
Important note
It is important for organizations to carefully assess their specific requirements, security needs, resource availability, and expertise before opting for a hybrid deployment model. The benefits of flexibility, control, and customization should be weighed against the complexity and additional management efforts associated with a hybrid approach.