What countermeasure for protecting cloud operations against external attackers is NOT recommended?

The choice of detailed and extensive background checks as a countermeasure for protecting cloud operations against external attackers is not recommended primarily because it focuses on internal threats rather than external risks. While background checks are valuable for personnel who access cloud services and data, they do not directly mitigate the risks posed by external attackers.

Cloud security practices prioritize technical measures that respond effectively to external threats. Hardening devices and systems helps ensure that they are resistant to exploitation, while continual monitoring allows for the detection of unusual or suspicious activities that may indicate an external breach. Regular configuration and change management activities ensure that any vulnerabilities are promptly addressed and that systems are consistently maintained in a secure state.

In contrast, background checks, while important for insider threat management by assessing the trustworthiness of individuals, do not have the same preventive or responsive impact on the types of external attacks that cloud environments typically face, such as DDoS attacks, phishing, or exploitation of vulnerable applications. Therefore, the focus on technical countermeasures is more aligned with defending against external attackers.