We're working on improving our security measures in the cloud, incorporating more monitoring, logging, and stricter configurations. However, every enhancement seems to increase costs—more logs lead to higher bills, and additional controls slow down our deployment pipelines. Management is pushing for both strong security and cost-effectiveness, but I'm confused about how other teams are navigating this trade-off. Are you adjusting the scope of your projects to manage costs, and if so, how?
5 Answers
If management wants lean spending along with strong security, let them know upfront the cost implications of implementing new security measures. They usually appreciate when you lay it all out clearly, and it tends to push those items down the backlog quickly!
What tools are you using for logging? I found that Grafana Loki is way more cost-effective compared to Kibana or ElasticSearch, which could help with your budget while still providing the necessary insights.
Start by identifying and documenting your risks. Assess the costs associated with reducing those risks and figure out which ones are critical for compliance versus which can be kept documented as acceptable risks without immediate action.
Everything comes down to trade-offs—you really can't have it all. Trim costs wherever feasible and be ready to adapt when management realizes that their priorities might be a bit off.
It's always a balancing act in engineering. Every choice you make comes with pros and cons. You could go all-in on a SaaS solution, which can rack up costs, or opt for a mix of open-source tools that get you 80% of the way there without blowing your budget.
Exactly! Finding that sweet spot where you get decent security without sacrificing performance or spending too much is key.
I've heard great things about Grafana Loki! It's definitely worth considering if it cuts down on those hefty bills.