Security and cost efficiency are often seen as opposing forces in cloud environments. However, as discussed on The Collective Podcast, a well-secured Azure setup can actually drive significant savings if you know where to look. Azure consultants Bob Bracke and Jorik Van Damme explain in detail in our podcast on Azure what to look out for.
The Cost of Insecurity
Many organizations let their Azure environments grow organically, leading to “scattered resources…an application here, a virtual machine there, often with a public IP address attached to it,” as Bob puts it. This lack of oversight not only creates vulnerabilities but also results in wasted spend on unused or misconfigured resources. One solution is to use the Azure workbooks (here is an example of a FinOps workbook: Deploy FinOps workbooks – Cloud Computing | Microsoft Learn).
Finding Hidden Savings Through Security
Jorik shares a striking example from the podcast: “We did an assessment with a customer, and discovered that they had a full on application gateway costing over $600 a month just sitting there not having a single listener on it”. Regular security assessments often uncover such orphaned resources, enabling companies to cut unnecessary costs.
Governance as a Financial Strategy
Implementing governance through Azure policies and FinOps workbooks not only boosts security but also provides clarity on resource utilization. “It might not directly increase the security of the environment, but it can remove blind spots and it can reduce the cost which can open up budgets,” Bob explains.
Quick Wins for Cost and Security
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Audit your Azure environment for unused resources and decommission them.
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Enforce policies to prevent the creation of public IPs and other risky configurations.
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Use centralized logging and monitoring to spot anomalies and inefficiencies.
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Prefer platform-as-a-service (PaaS) offerings, which reduce both operational overhead and security responsibilities.
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In environments where IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service) resources such as Virtual Machines are prevalent, use Azure Saving Plans and Reservations to reduce costs drastically.
Ready to Transform Your Azure Strategy?
Unlock the full potential of your Azure environment by combining robust security practices with smart cost optimization. Listen to the full podcast episode for expert insights and real-world examples you can apply today.
If you’re looking for personalized guidance, don’t wait—reach out to The Collective for a tailored assessment. Let our experts help you identify hidden savings, strengthen your security posture, and maximize your cloud investment.