Author: Paula Vignola, PMP

Session Recap: “On the Highway to Cloud Security Hell?” with Klaus Haller

On June 12, 2025, PMI Switzerland Chapter hosted an insightful evening session at HWZ Zürich titled “On the Highway to Cloud Security Hell?” The event, led by cloud security expert Klaus Haller (Linkedin Profile), took a closer look at the fast-moving world of cloud transformation and the often-overlooked risks that come with it.

Klaus opened the discussion by challenging a common belief. Many companies jump into the cloud expecting to reduce costs and improve agility, yet few are fully prepared for the new types of risk they face. The session quickly moved beyond the usual buzzwords to focus on practical challenges, such as the issue of machine-to-machine authentication. This area, frequently ignored, can become a major vulnerability, especially in complex hybrid or multi-cloud environments where identity management is fragmented and difficult to control.

Using real-world examples, including the Microsoft Storm-0558 breach, Klaus illustrated how a single misconfiguration or blind spot can lead to significant consequences, both operational and reputational. His message was clear. Cloud security is not just a technical challenge, it is also a cultural and organizational one. Companies need to foster better collaboration between teams and encourage leadership to take an active role in managing risk.

Participants walked away with several practical insights, including how to:

• Identify and manage workload identity risks across IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS
• Navigate the complexity of hybrid and multi-cloud environments
• Communicate more effectively with engineering teams using a shared understanding of risk and resilience

The session also reflected broader industry trends. Klaus highlighted how AI-driven automation, zero trust principles, and API-first security models are changing the way organizations approach cloud protection. As more companies move to the cloud, the attack surface expands, making proactive governance and identity protection more important than ever.

The key takeaway was simple. Cloud security is not a final destination. It is a continuous journey that requires visibility, control, and a clear sense of direction to avoid ending up in “cloud security hell.”

We look forward to welcoming you at future PMI Switzerland Chapter events, where we’ll continue to explore what it means to lead with purpose and clarity in the evolving landscape. From technical risks to cultural shifts, these conversations help us stay prepared, informed, and connected in a rapidly changing digital world.

References:

https://pmi-switzerland.ch/publications/blog/on-the-highway-to-cloud-security-hell

https://pmi-switzerland.ch/events/pmi-evening-event/2025-06-12-highway-to-cloud-security

https://ch.linkedin.com/in/klaushaller