Since its inception, cloud computing has significantly developed, offering unmatched IT security among many niches and industries. Unlike on-premise computing, cloud computing is usually more secure. However, cloud-based systems aren’t always completely secure. Cybercriminals are always looking for new, sophisticated means to exploit vulnerabilities and obtain unauthorized access to sensitive information.
Understanding the security threats your business is likely to face as it embraces cloud computing can help you find and implement more effective measures to mitigate these risks. Explained below are the top four security risks for cloud computing.
1. Data breaches
Data breaches are a top concern for most businesses operating in the cloud. A 2023 cloud security study discovered that over one-third of businesses have faced a data breach in their cloud environment the past year, a four-point rise on the 35% reported in 2022. Data breaches occur when unauthorized persons access sensitive data, including:
- Financial records
- Personal data
- Trade secrets
- Intellectual property
Cloud misconfigurations, such as exposed access keys and unrestricted outbound access, expose your cloud system to the risk of being infiltrated, leading to data theft. To strengthen your cloud data security, consider:
- Enabling firewall for your cloud server: Firewalls act as barriers between your cloud server and the outside world. Configuring firewalls properly helps protect your server from several types of cyber attacks. The good is that servers like Linux come with in-built firewalls which you should properly configure to only allow the necessary traffic
- Encryption in transit and at rest data
- Limiting resource access
- Implementing continuous real-time data threat monitoring
- Applying extensive cloud security solutions and more
2. Insider threats
Insider threats in cloud computing happen through persons within an organization with authorized access to cloud services. These individuals can be former or current employees, business partners, or contractors who exploit their access rights to hurt a company.
If successful, insider threats can have devastating effects on your business’s financial stability, reputation, operations, and more. Implementing the principle of least privilege access control and conducting regular security awareness training can help protect your cloud environment from insider threats.
3. Data loss
Data loss is another top security risk businesses are likely to experience for moving to the cloud. It can be caused by:
- Human error: Data can be lost through misconfigured settings, unintentional deletion of files, or mistakes in data backup
- System failures: When systems malfunction or fail, there’s a risk of permanent data loss, particularly in the absence of adequate data backup measures
- Cyber threats: Malware, phishing, and other cyber threats can lead to data loss
- Natural disasters: Storms, floods, and other unpredictable natural events are a leading cause of data loss
You can prevent data loss in cloud computing by:
- Ensuring regular data backup
- Developing a disaster recovery strategy
- Training employees on data security
- Encrypting data
4. Lack of visibility
Full visibility is key to understanding what’s happening in the cloud environment and monitoring access, traffic, access, and other events. Lack of visibility is the restricted visibility and control your company may have over its cloud resources and environment.
The incapability to see what’s going on in your cloud environment influences your business’s ability to detect and respond to threats. Implementing cloud-based information and event management solutions can give you complete visibility into your cloud environment. This makes it easier to identify and address possible vulnerabilities and security threats.
Endnote
While cloud computing is more secure than on-premise computing, it’s prone to security risks such as data breaches, insider threats, limited visibility, and more. These risks can lead to a company’s financial instability, reputational damage, operational issues, and more. Understanding the top security risks and how to prevent them can ensure secure cloud environments.