When migrating to a cloud-based data storage solution, many businesses believe their company’s private information is now more secure. But that isn’t always the case. Your company can still be at risk for data breaches, even if your data is stored in the cloud. Here are some cloud security risks that companies need to be aware of.
1. Poor Configuration
How we do business has changed drastically in the last few decades, and especially in the last few years due to much more work from home and hybrid work situations as a result of the pandemic. New technology used to perform day-to-day tasks has been at the a huge part of the process. However, as this advanced technology has become increasingly integral to operating, it has created new security risks. One of the most significant risks facing businesses today is the poor configuration of cloud-based applications. When these applications are not properly configured, they can provide hackers with a backdoor into a company’s network. As a result, it is essential to entrust an IT solutions provider who can ensure that your cloud-based applications are properly configured and secured.
2. Insufficient Access Control
Cloud security is a top priority for businesses of all sizes. However, many companies are still vulnerable to data breaches due to insufficient access control. One of the biggest threats to cloud security is unauthorized access. That can happen when employees do not have the proper permissions to access data or when hackers gain access to company accounts. Implementing threat monitoring and strict access control measures is essential to protect against this threat. It is important to make sure your employees also have strong passwords and limit access to only those who need it. Doing so can help ensure that only authorized users have access to your company data and that any suspicious activity is quickly detected and dealt with.
3. Malicious Insiders
Technology has changed the landscape of security risks for companies. Ten years ago, the average company had to worry about securing their perimeter against physical threats and ensuring their data was safe from external cyber-attacks. Today, companies must contend with a 10X higher number of cybersecurity threats, most of which come from malicious insiders.
Insider threat actors can be current or former employees, contractors, or business partners who have authorized access to a company’s systems and data. They can cause serious damage to a company by stealing sensitive information, destroying critical data, or sabotaging systems. In many cases, insiders have the same level of access to systems and data as legitimate users, making it difficult for traditional security measures to detect and prevent their activity. Companies must take a proactive approach to security to protect themselves from insider threats. They need to implement comprehensive security controls, and threat monitoring capabilities, and train their employees in cybersecurity best practices.
4. Data Leakage
Data leakage occurs when sensitive information is accidentally or deliberately released from a company’s cloud storage. This can happen if employees are not properly trained on how to use the cloud service or if there are gaps in cybersecurity protocols. Cybercriminals can also exploit vulnerabilities to gain access to stored data. Once they have your data, they can sell it on the black market or use the data to commit fraud or identity theft. Ensure you have controls to monitor and prevent data leakage. Penetration testing can help to identify vulnerabilities that could lead to data leakage, and companies should also implement security controls such as data encryption and user access management. Penetration testing (also called pen testing) is a type of security test that simulates an attack on your IT infrastructure to find vulnerabilities that hackers could exploit.
5. Denial of Service Attacks
One type of attack that poses a serious threat to companies using the cloud is a denial of service (DoS) attack. A denial of service attack (DoS attack) is an attempt to make a system unavailable by flooding it with requests or overwhelming it with traffic. This attack occurs when hackers flood servers with requests to overload them and prevent legitimate users from accessing the site or service. In many cases, DoS attacks can bring an entire system to a standstill, causing significant business disruptions. In some cases, attackers may also delete or encrypt data to extort ransom payments from victims. Even if companies have robust security measures, they can still be impacted by a DoS attack if their service provider is not properly protected.
Conclusion
Companies need to be aware of the risks associated with cloud computing and take steps to mitigate them. By working with a reputable and experienced cloud service provider, companies can ensure that their data is properly protected against DoS attacks and other threats.
Need cloud storage solutions, more tips, or cybersecurity solutions for your business? Contact a 10X team member by calling 704-931-1056 or email: Sales@10xcg.com.