The Importance of Cybersecurity in the Shift to Hybrid Architecture
As security technology and devices evolve, so do the approaches needed to protect them. Traditionally, on-premises solutions have been the gold standard for organizations seeking complete control over critical data. However, video cameras now produce not just footage, but an array of metadata, artificial intelligence (AI) generated analytics, and inter-device communications, and cloud storage has a lot of advantages for these kinds of data. Now that the scope of data that security systems capture has broadened, so have the potential vulnerabilities.
Because of this, organizations are increasingly adopting hybrid architectures, which combine the control of on-premises systems with the all-important flexibility and scalability of cloud-based solutions. This shift calls for a new perspective on cybersecurity—one that recognizes both the advantages of cloud integration and the critical need for robust data protection across interconnected environments. As the architecture of security systems changes, so too must the cybersecurity strategies to secure them, ensuring that the systems remain resilient against evolving threats.
The Shift to Hybrid Architecture
With the huge volume of data generated by modern security systems, organizations are gravitating toward hybrid architecture as the preferred solution for data storage. Hybrid architecture blends on-premises infrastructure with cloud-based storage, offering a balance of performance, cost-effectiveness, and scalability, making it particularly suited for video management systems.
A primary driver of this shift is bandwidth management. Video files, especially from multiple security cameras, are incredibly large. With a cloud-only solution, transferring vast amounts of video data to the cloud for storage and then retrieving it for analysis can consume substantial bandwidth. This not only slows down processes and leads to escalating costs due to egress and ingress fees. Many organizations simply cannot afford to operate on a cloud-only model due to the sheer volume of data their devices generate.
In contrast, hybrid architecture allows the bulk of video data to be stored on-premises, reducing the load on cloud storage systems. Cloud storage is then used as a redundant solution, ensuring data is backed up without the need for excessive bandwidth usage. For metadata, or smaller files generated by video analytics and other security insights, cloud storage remains a viable option because it requires far less space and bandwidth.
However, despite the efficiency of using hybrid storage, organizations need to be aware of the associated cybersecurity risks. Storing metadata in the cloud, while operationally efficient, introduces vulnerabilities. Even though the cloud handles much smaller datasets compared to video files, it still represents an extension of the attack surface beyond the organization’s direct control. This dependency on third-party cloud providers increases the potential for cyberattacks, as the security measures of the cloud service provider directly impact the security of the data stored there.
Communication: The Key to Cybersecurity in Hybrid Systems
The extension of the attack surface beyond an organization’s internal control makes communication with cloud providers critical. This means that security policies need to align across both on-premises systems and cloud environments. For example, encryption methods for data in transit—from on-premises storage to the cloud—must be synchronized to ensure secure transfers. Inadequate encryption could expose sensitive information to potential breaches.
Identity and access management (IAM) also becomes more complex in hybrid environments. Many organizations already have established IAM systems in place for on-premises systems, and it’s essential to maintain these practices in the cloud to avoid creating additional, unsecured accounts. The challenge lies in ensuring consistent management of access controls across both environments, particularly in avoiding orphaned accounts that may pose vulnerabilities if left active after an employee departs. Some organizations will want to continue to use the same IAM systems that they have on premises with their cloud solutions—if a cloud solution requires a unique account, that opens them up to security risk.
Moreover, organizations must communicate clearly with their cloud providers regarding potential breaches or service interruptions. Understanding a provider’s response protocols in case of an attack or connectivity issue—typically outlined in a service-level agreement (SLA) and data processing agreement (DPA)—is crucial. It’s also important to be aware of your vendor’s certifications, what they are capable of, and how they are able to protect your data. Knowing where your data is, how it’s protected, and what will happen in case of an emergency forms the backbone of a secure hybrid architecture.
Creating a Secure Infrastructure: Be Prepared
Effective communication is essential, but it is only part of the solution. Organizations must also actively prepare and reinforce their defenses to protect their data, no matter how confident they are in their security measures. This process begins with continuous monitoring, often in collaboration with storage providers; a hybrid solution means more data is moving in and out of the network so identifying strange activity immediately is essential. Clear responsibilities should be delineated, and logs should be regularly updated to track any suspicious activity.
A comprehensive business continuity and incident response plan is also critical. When the worst happens—be it a cyberattack, natural disaster, or unexpected outage—having a well-prepared strategy ensures minimal disruption. While cloud storage offers a safety net by allowing data to be accessed from alternative locations, organizations still need plans in place for situations where cloud access is compromised, such as during widespread connectivity issues.
Penetration testing is another vital component of any robust security plan. While many cloud providers offer their own security assessments, organizations should conduct their own penetration tests to identify vulnerabilities specific to their systems. Red team exercises that simulate real-world attacks can provide invaluable insights, revealing weaknesses that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Performing regular security audits and vulnerability assessments allows organizations to not only address potential risks but also establish contingency plans. By identifying weak points before they can be exploited, organizations can ensure that key stakeholders are informed and prepared to act swiftly in the event of an incident.
Safety Lies in the Details
Technology has advanced significantly, offering powerful tools and solutions to protect organizations. However, these innovations also introduce new complexities. While hybrid architectures provide a flexible and cost-effective solution for managing data generated by security systems, they also require careful planning, ongoing monitoring, and a steadfast commitment to good cyber hygiene both on premise and in the cloud. By focusing on the fundamentals—clear communication, establishing security baselines, continuous monitoring, and proactive testing—organizations can protect their valuable data while staying ahead of potential threats.
As the saying goes, there is no such thing as being too safe. The best way to mitigate risks is through preparation, ensuring that every detail is accounted for. While perfection may be unattainable, a secure infrastructure built on diligence and foresight will keep your organization as safe as possible no matter where your data is stored or what cloud services your organization chooses.
