Choosing the right technologies for IaC implementation

Why IaC tool selection matters

Selecting the right Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools is a game-changer for businesses embracing automation. The wrong tool can lead to security risks, and integration headaches, all of which can slow down development and cause unnecessary complexity.

Many teams simply go with whatever IaC DevOps tools their cloud provider recommends, but that’s not always the best move. Some tools for Infrastructure as Code are built for multi-cloud flexibility, while others shine in single-cloud setups. The goal? Choosing the best IaC tools that align with your cloud strategy, security policies, and automation needs.

In this guide, we’ll compare the most popular IaC tools, their strengths and weaknesses, and help you pick the right one for your team.

Comparing the best Infrastructure as Code tools

1. Terraform (best for multi-cloud flexibility)

Terraform vs Ansible? Terraform vs CloudFormation? If you're wondering which tool to use, Terraform is a go-to choice for multi-cloud environments. It supports AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, making it a versatile option for scaling infrastructure.

2. AWS CloudFormation (best for AWS-Only environments)

For those deeply invested in AWS IaC best practices, AWS CloudFormation offers native integration with AWS infrastructure as code. It’s great for maintaining consistency across cloud environments.

3. Azure Bicep (best for Azure Infrastructure as Code tools)

Azure Bicep is a simplified alternative to ARM infrastructure as code, making it easier to define and deploy resources on Azure.

4. Pulumi (best for developers who prefer code-based IaC)

If you prefer defining Infrastructure as Code using familiar programming languages, Pulumi is a great alternative. Unlike Terraform and CloudFormation, which use declarative configuration languages, Pulumi supports Python, TypeScript, and Go.

Choosing the right IaC tool for your business

The right IaC tools depend on multiple factors:

• Need multi-cloud support? Choose Terraform or Pulumi.
• Sticking to AWS or Azure? CloudFormation or Bicep might be better.
• Prefer code-based automation? Pulumi is a strong choice.
• Looking for traditional config management? Consider Ansible vs Chef vs Puppet vs Terraform comparisons.

Pro tip: Standardising on a single IaC tool across teams helps prevent inconsistencies and reduces operational complexity.

Security and compliance: protecting your IaC strategy

No matter which Infrastructure as Code platforms you use, security should be a top priority. IaC security tools help prevent misconfigurations that could lead to security risks or downtime.

Security risks can range from minor issues, like granting excessive permissions, to critical vulnerabilities, such as exposing sensitive data or creating entry points for cybercriminals. In many cases, misconfigurations in IaC files provide attackers with the perfect opportunity to exploit weaknesses in a cloud environment.

For example, an improperly configured security group or network access control list (ACL) can leave a cloud service open to attack, allowing malicious actors to gain access to the system. These misconfigurations can also expose sensitive data, making it easy for attackers to steal or alter information. Once an attacker gains access, they can escalate privileges and move laterally within the cloud environment, potentially compromising tools or services that were thought to be secure.

A notable example of this is research from March 2025, where researchers found that 40% of networks allowed unrestricted access to at least one cloud provider, allowing attackers to easily deploy malware and exfiltrate data. 

To prevent such risks, continuous security checks, static code analysis, proper configuration management, and adherence to best practices in IaC are critical. This includes monitoring access controls, ensuring proper authentication, and implementing robust logging and alerting systems to detect any suspicious activity.

Best practices for secure IaC implementation

• Enforce Policy as Code (PaC): Use OPA, AWS Config, or Azure Policy for security enforcement.
• Implement Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): Restrict access to ensure the principle of least privilege is followed. This will limit the number of users who can make changes to the IaC, and therefore limit the possibility of this being abused as part of a cyber attack.
• Create approval policies: Any IaC changes can be configured to need approval from someone other than the person making the change for an extra dose of security.
• Use secrets management: Secure credentials with HashiCorp Vault, AWS Secrets Manager, or Azure Key Vault.
• Automate compliance checks: Scan configurations with Checkov, tfsec, or CloudFormation Guard.

Standardising IaC for a rail company

A major rail company faced IaC adoption challenges due to inconsistent AWS and Azure infrastructure as code practices. Different teams used different tools, causing security gaps and deployment failures.

How Claranet helped:

• Conducted a cloud infrastructure audit.
• Standardised on Terraform for multi-cloud compatibility.
• Implemented automated IaC scanning tools to detect misconfigurations early.

Results? 

• 40% reduction in deployment time.
• Improved security posture across cloud environments.

Choosing the best IaC tools for the future

Selecting an Infrastructure as Code strategy is not just about the tech—it’s a strategic business decision. The right IaC automation tool will help you scale, secure, and simplify your infrastructure.

Need help with IaC implementation? Claranet’s experts can guide you through selecting, deploying, and optimising the best Infrastructure as Code tools for your business.

Next: Read Blog 3 on deploying Infrastructure as Code successfully.