Secure Cloud Adoption: My Multi-Cloud Security Framework
Cloud transformation isn't just about moving workloads—it's about reimagining security architecture for a distributed, dynamic environment. Over the years, I've developed a comprehensive approach to cloud security that ensures consistent controls across AWS, Azure, and hybrid environments.
My methodology addresses the unique challenges of cloud security: shared responsibility models, ephemeral infrastructure, and the need for security that scales with business agility. I've successfully guided organisations through complex multi-cloud transformations whilst maintaining robust security postures and regulatory compliance.
The framework below represents my evolution from traditional perimeter-based security to cloud-native, zero-trust architectures that provide superior protection with enhanced operational efficiency.
My AWS security implementations leverage the full breadth of native security services, creating defence-in-depth architectures that are both robust and cost-effective.
Well-Architected Security Pillar
Implementation of AWS Well-Architected Framework security principles with automated compliance checking and continuous improvement processes.
Native Service Integration
Comprehensive use of GuardDuty, Security Hub, Config, and CloudTrail for unified threat detection and compliance monitoring.
Infrastructure as Code Security
CloudFormation and Terraform templates with embedded security controls and automated security testing in CI/CD pipelines.
My Azure implementations focus on seamless integration with Microsoft's security ecosystem, providing comprehensive protection that extends from cloud to on-premises environments.
Microsoft Defender Integration
Full integration with Microsoft Defender for Cloud, providing unified security management across Azure, AWS, and on-premises environments.
Azure Sentinel SIEM
Cloud-native SIEM implementation with custom analytics rules, automated incident response, and threat hunting capabilities.
Identity & Access Management
Azure AD integration with conditional access policies, privileged identity management, and zero-trust network access controls.
I design security architectures that maintain consistent protection levels across different cloud providers, enabling organisations to leverage the best of each platform without compromising security.
Unified Policy Framework
Cloud-agnostic security policies that translate into platform-specific implementations whilst maintaining consistent security outcomes.
Cross-Cloud Monitoring
Centralised security monitoring that aggregates telemetry from multiple cloud providers into unified dashboards and alerting systems.
Cloud data protection requires sophisticated approaches to encryption, access control, and privacy compliance. My implementations ensure data remains protected throughout its lifecycle in cloud environments.
Encryption Everywhere
Comprehensive encryption strategy covering data at rest, in transit, and in processing with proper key management and rotation.
Privacy by Design
GDPR and privacy regulation compliance built into cloud architectures with data minimisation and purpose limitation controls.
Foundation Phase (Months 1-2)
Cloud Security Assessment
Comprehensive evaluation of current cloud posture, identifying gaps and establishing security baselines across all cloud environments.
Identity & Access Foundation
Implementation of robust IAM frameworks with least privilege principles, MFA enforcement, and privileged access management.
Network Security Architecture
Design and implementation of secure network topologies with micro-segmentation and zero-trust principles.
Enhancement Phase (Months 3-4)
Advanced Threat Protection
Deployment of cloud-native security services for threat detection, behavioural analytics, and automated incident response.
Data Protection Implementation
Comprehensive data classification, encryption, and DLP solutions tailored to cloud environments and regulatory requirements.
Compliance Automation
Automated compliance monitoring and reporting for relevant frameworks (SOC 2, ISO 27001, PCI DSS, GDPR).
Vendor Risk Management Excellence
At Tia Cloud UK, I developed third-party risk governance frameworks implementing consistent vendor evaluation practices, whilst embedding PCI DSS and ISO 27001-aligned controls into supplier contracts for enhanced continuous assurance.
Compliance Integration Success
Collaborated with IT and security teams to integrate compliance monitoring into supplier frameworks, reducing QSA delays by 20% through improved audit-ready evidence collection.
PCI DSS v4.0 Leadership
Led PCI DSS v4.0 vendor gap assessments, prioritising remediation by transaction volume and data sensitivity, whilst implementing segmentation and scope-reduction strategies that lowered compliance costs and exposure surface.
Cross-Industry Experience
Delivered PCI DSS, IT Audit, and GRC programs across fintech, cloud, and regulated sectors, with proven experience in NIST CSF, GDPR, and COBIT adoption across diverse environments.