There’s no question that cloud computing has revolutionized the way businesses operate today.
By allowing you to store data and applications remotely, a cloud environment enables your business to become more agile and efficient in your everyday operations.
However, before you can embrace the cloud, you need to be aware of some potential cloud computing security risks.
Here are some of the most common cloud security threats to keep in mind.
Security Threats in Cloud Computing: A Closer Look
There are many different kinds of cloud security threats facing businesses today as cyber attackers become more creative in their attacks, including malware, ransomware, phishing attacks, denial of service attacks and more.
Although the cloud is safer than traditional data centers, surveys show that 80% of companies have experienced at least one cloud security incident in the last year.
On top of that, 27% have experienced a public cloud security incident. This figure is up 10% from last year.
The most common cloud computing security threats include unauthorized access, misconfiguration, lack of visibility, insecure interfaces and external data sharing or human error.
Let’s take a closer look at these threats and how you can manage your cloud security issues with the help of a cloud service provider (CSP).
5 Biggest Cloud Security Threats & How MSPs Can Solve Them
1. Unauthorized Access
Unauthorized access is a major cloud security risk today due to the amount of confidential and sensitive information being stored on digital platforms.
Oftentimes, this type of malicious activity is sparked by external sources such as phishing emails or malware used for reconnaissance purposes, as well as weak password protection policies – including the shared use of passwords among multiple employees.
Several preventative measures need to be taken in order to avoid data breaches and protect confidential information, such as:
- Firewall implementation
- Role-based access controls
- Multi-factor authentication
A managed service provider (MSP) provides a comprehensive suite of cloud security services that enable you to get the most out of your cloud infrastructure whilst being secure from malicious cyber threats caused by unauthorized access.
Address security challenges and streamline IT with these resources: |
2. Misconfiguration
Misconfiguration is one of the greatest security threats in cloud computing today.
It occurs when system administrators and users do not follow proper protocols while they are configuring and managing the various components of your cloud infrastructure – leaving you vulnerable to malicious actors gaining access to your cloud.
These errors can range from:
- Leaving ports open
- Failing to update the firmware
- Not encrypting data
- Failing to create sufficient access control policies
All these missteps add up to major vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit – exposing businesses to attacks from outside as well as internal risk.
An MSP can help you configure your cloud environment for maximum security. They will audit your current environment, identify potential weak spots, and suggest remedial measures that businesses can take proactively in order to mitigate any risks associated with misconfiguration.
Image Credit: Pexels
3. Lack of Visibility
Like many businesses operating in the cloud, yours may face lack of visibility when it comes to your data and applications – this can make it hard to identify strange or malicious activity.
Lack of visibility can be caused by a range of factors such as multiple cloud environments, scattered resources, diverse authentication mechanisms and inconsistent security policy implementations.
It is essential that your organization has an organized and visible approach over all aspects of your data to protect against potential vulnerabilities.
This is where an MSP can help by providing 24×7 monitoring and maintenance which keeps an organization’s cloud environment secure and well protected.
By offering automated security policies, effective multifactor authentication, robust backup systems and 24×7 support, trusted MSPs can ensure complete safety for your business operations in the cloud.
4. Human Error
Human error is one of the major cloud computing security threats facing businesses today.
According to findings, 88% of cloud data breaches are a result of human error.
Humans can easily make mistakes or introduce vulnerabilities by misconfiguring tools or not taking proper precautions when using cloud-based services, which is where the need for an expert MSP comes in.
Internal IT departments often lack the knowledge or technical skills to identify potential risks and take steps to protect valuable data against malicious actors.
To better equip your team in using a shared responsibility model, MSPs provide comprehensive security training for cloud-based systems which encompass risk analysis, policy management and more.
In working with a comprehensive provider like NetGain Technologies, you’ll also receive 24×7 live technical support, regular audit reviews and advice on best practices to protect your cloud data.
5. Insecure Interfaces
Source: creativeart
Insecure interfaces and APIs continue to be one of the major security threats in cloud computing.
The cyber threat posed by vulnerable cloud interfaces and APIs can cripple your business operations due to their massive impact on corporate compliance policies, data leakage, and financial fraud — leading to significant losses in terms of its reputation or intellectual property.
With this in mind, it’s imperative that when using cloud technology, you safeguard your business data from potential threats through secure application practices.
These include:
- Authentication and authorization
- Identity and access management
- Certificate authentication
- Firewalls
- And more
How NetGain Can Help
As a trusted managed service provider since 1984, our team of cloud security experts and experienced technicians can help ensure that every aspect of your cloud applications are safe from external threats.
Book a free consultation to learn more about how we can help you implement proper security settings, avoid data loss, and identify new opportunities for cloud security protection today!
Featured Image Credit: Pexels
