To securely route internet traffic through an on-premises connection, utilizing Cloud Interconnect along with an on-premises firewall is essential.
Cloud Interconnect allows for a dedicated and private connection between Google Cloud and the on-premises environment, which helps ensure that data transfer is more secure and reliable compared to standard internet connections. This setup dramatically reduces exposure to potential threats present in public networks. When paired with an on-premises firewall, you establish an additional layer of security. The firewall can help monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules, further protecting your data and resources from unauthorized access.
While other configurations, such as Cloud VPN, can provide secure connectivity, they typically involve a different methodology, focusing primarily on encrypted tunnels over the internet, rather than ensuring a private link like Cloud Interconnect. Similarly, direct peering may improve performance but does not inherently secure internet traffic in the same way as combining Cloud Interconnect with a firewall does.
Thus, the configuration that securely routes internet traffic through an on-premises connection by leveraging both the private nature of Cloud Interconnect and the protective capabilities of an on-premises firewall is indeed the most effective approach.