No matter where you host your data, you will face security risks. Cloud computing decreases your penetrability, but it also increases your attack surface. Therefore it’s important to understand cloud security threats before you migrate so you can mitigate the risks.
Although most business owners know cloud environments have a larger attack surface, many underestimate it. According to Forrester, most enterprises discover post-migration that their cloud’s attack surface is 30% larger than initially anticipated.
This shows the difficulty of accurately predicting how large your cloud infrastructure’s attack surface will be. It makes more sense to focus on the most prominent security threats in cloud computing and what you can do about them. This way, you’ll be ready to face them wherever they appear.
The 8 Top Cloud Security Threats
1. Human Error
Human error is the biggest cybersecurity threat in general. Researchers from Stanford University discovered that 88% of known data breaches were caused by human error in some capacity. The cloud’s ease of use and remote accessibility increases this risk.
Cyber awareness training is the best way to mitigate this issue. You should also ensure implementing a regular re-training schedule as technology updates and new threats emerge.
2. Insecure APIs
APIs are used to transmit data between your computers and cloud servers. Hackers can intercept this transmission to collect data en route. You’re also heavily reliant on your cloud service provider to ensure secure transmission.
Asking a potential provider about API security helps, but data encryption will stop an interceptor from stealing information.
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3. Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) Attacks
DDoS attackers commonly target public cloud servers. That’s because they can impact many different companies from one entry point. Some hackers get an account in a public cloud specifically for this purpose.
Data backups are an essential line of defence. In the event of an attack, you’ll still have an extra copy of your cloud-based data.
4. Unauthorized Access
Cloud storage is usually located outside of your internal network. This is great for remote accessibility, but it also makes it easier for a hacker to gain access. Once they’re in, they can linger in cloud networks and continuously collect data unnoticed.
However, with the right access controls, this is much less of an issue. You can easily prevent unauthorized access using access management best practices such as multi-factor authentication (MFA) and strong passwords.
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5. Cloud Misconfiguration
Misconfigurations make it too easy to be exploited. Hackers know which vulnerabilities to target if you don’t know how to patch them. Misconfigurations can also lead to accidental data loss from technical failures.
If you don’t have in-house experts, cloud consultants can help prevent this. It’s important to do research and ask questions to make sure everything is set up right from day one. You should also regularly review your cloud configurations to verify that there are no new errors.
6. Zero-Day Exploits
Zero-day exploits are cyberattacks that target unpatched weaknesses in large, public operating systems or software tools. Public clouds are popular targets. Because of their sheer scale, there is more likely to be a hidden vulnerability, and there’s a lot of data.
Regular updates decrease the chance of this type of attack. Updated software is less likely to have old, exploitable vulnerabilities. In most cases, developers are aware of the exploitable vulnerability and will release a patch for it in an upcoming update.
Source: GeeksforGeeks
7. Advanced Persistent Threats (APT)
An APT is when a cybercriminal lingers on a network without being detected. Hackers who implement this type of attack leverage the cloud to enter many networks at once. Once they’re in, they’ll travel between networks searching for the most valuable information.
Data encryption at rest is a great defence against APTs. If one enters the cloud network, they won’t be able to read your data when they pass by it. You may also include additional access controls on your network to prevent them from entering the cloud.
8. Insider Threats
Insider threats are exactly what they sound like. Someone from within your organization can compromise your cloud environment intentionally or not. If someone on your team has malicious intent, mitigating to the cloud makes it more difficult to catch them in the act.
Work with a cloud service provider who monitors their system. This way, you can rest assured that someone is keeping an eye on your cloud data when it’s outside your network.
Get a Little Extra Help While Facing Cloud Computing Security Threats
Sunco Communication and Installation is well-equipped to help you navigate cloud security challenges. We employ expert cloud consultants who will offer advice and support so you can decrease your risk without losing any of the benefits of cloud computing.
If you need more than just cloud computing help, Sunco is also well-versed in other forms of IT management. We also offer:
- IT Support
- Network Management
- Managed IT Services
- Cybersecurity
- Helpdesk Services
Contact us to learn more about how we can help you.
