A storage system management application contains control logic configured to enable the storage system management application to fully orchestrate setup of a containerized cloud communication system within embedded operating system, with minimal interaction from an end user. Upon receipt of an instruction to initiate cloud access, the storage system management application enrolls a cloud tethering subsystem and establishes a secure communication channel to the cloud tethering subsystem. The storage system management application also creates a cloud protection environment within the operating system for use by the cloud tethering subsystem, and registers the storage system to the cloud tethering subsystem. The storage system management application also creates external network interfaces on the cloud tethering subsystem and configures one or more private cloud provider endpoints on the cloud tethering subsystem.