What countermeasure for protecting cloud operations against internal threats is NOT recommended?

Hardened perimeter devices are typically associated with protecting external boundaries of a network and are not as effective in addressing internal threats. Internal threats often arise from employees or individuals with legitimate access to a cloud environment, which means their focus should shift away from perimeter defenses. Internal attacks require different strategies that involve monitoring user behavior, access controls, and employing measures aimed directly at user actions and access levels.

In contrast, extensive training programs for employees, aggressive background checks, and skills and knowledge testing are recommended practices for mitigating internal threats. These approaches help ensure that employees are aware of security policies, possess the skills needed to follow them, and undergo thorough vetting to minimize risks posed by malicious or negligent insiders.