Hybrid cloud storage

What is hybrid cloud storage?

Hybrid cloud storage is a data management approach that combines local or private storage with cloud-based, public storage services. Integrating the two storage systems allows users to separate their data into different environments, depending on policy, requirements, or workload needs.

How does hybrid cloud storage work?

Hybrid cloud storage involves an organization using both private and public cloud-based storage infrastructure at the same time. These systems are linked together through management software, APIs, or cloud gateways, which allows information to be shared, synced, and moved quickly. Where sensitive data, active workloads, and backups and archives are typically stored in hybrid cloud storage.

Organizations choose where types of data are stored. For example, the most sensitive files may be kept on on-premises devices, other data sent to the cloud, and some data, like active workloads, stored across both environments.

Some implementations may use automated tiering, a process that monitors how frequently data is accessed and automatically moves it between environments accordingly. Security controls like encryption and access controls can be used to help prevent leaks, losses, and unauthorized access.

Why is hybrid cloud storage important?

Scalability: Businesses can easily expand their storage capabilities without having to invest in new infrastructure.
Compliance: A hybrid model makes it easier for organizations to abide by regulations regarding data privacy, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), by storing sensitive data privately.
Resilience: Having some data on the cloud (including backups) can help with disaster recovery and enable continuity during unexpected outages.
Cost-effective: It can be more affordable to operate on a hybrid model rather than investing in large amounts of on-premises hardware.

Risks and privacy concerns

Despite its advantages, hybrid cloud storage comes with potential risks:

Misconfiguration may inadvertently expose sensitive data.
Spreading data around different systems reduces visibility.
If data isn’t secure (encrypted) during transfer, it may be intercepted.
Compliance gaps can appear across public and private environments.
The use of third-party cloud services can expand a business’s attack surface.

Common use cases of hybrid cloud storage

Hybrid cloud storage is used across industries where data volume, compliance requirements, or performance needs vary across different types of information.

Healthcare, finance, and other highly regulated industries.
Organizations with remote and hybrid workforces.
Businesses relying on legacy infrastructure.
Backup and disaster recovery systems.
Analytics and burst workloads.

FAQ

What is the difference between hybrid cloud storage and cloud storage?

Hybrid cloud storage refers to a data management model that combines both on-premises (private) storage with cloud-based (public) storage. Cloud storage is storage hosted remotely on cloud infrastructure.

Is hybrid cloud storage secure?

If organizations retain direct control over their most sensitive data by keeping it on private infrastructure, it can be. However, the added complexity of managing two environments introduces its own security risks.

When should a business use hybrid cloud storage?

Businesses may wish to opt for hybrid cloud storage if they need to maintain some of their most sensitive data on local infrastructure for security or compliance reasons but still want to enjoy the flexible and scalable benefits of the cloud.

How does hybrid cloud storage support backup and disaster recovery?

Hybrid cloud storage improves disaster recovery by allowing organizations to store at least some of their data on cloud servers, enabling rapid recovery and restoration in the case of local losses or unexpected on-premises incidents.

What security controls protect hybrid cloud storage?

Hybrid cloud storage security controls typically include encryption for data at rest and in transit, identity and access management (IAM) systems to prevent unauthorized access, and network monitoring tools, like security information and event management (SIEM) solutions.