Cloud computing means providing computer services such as servers, databases, software, storage, analytics, etc to businesses and individuals. Cloud Security Challenges And Solutions provides a flexible resource, innovation, and management, it does come with security challenges.
Although cloud computing has evolved and is secure still some threats still get updated and pave the way for hackers or other malicious individuals to breach security, compromise data, and steal valuable information.
This can pose a serious threat to businesses and applications, so one must always be aware of the possible threat their database might have. That’s why this article will help you identify top cloud computing security challenges and their solutions.
What is Cloud Security?
Cloud security means a set of measures that are specifically designed to protect cloud-based infrastructures such as applications and data. Cloud computing security architecture aims to set control over resources and data so that they can be prevented from external attacks and any malicious disruption.
Moreover, it also prevents unauthorized access and extends the compliance of organizations and individuals with cloud policies. Still, several challenges are associated with cloud security which we will discuss in the next section.
Top 10 Cloud Security Risks
- Cloud Misconfiguration
One of the major threats to cloud security is a misconfigured system that can potentially provide an entry point to the attacker. This allows the attacker to see within the network and he can literally access any sensitive information without authorization. There are multiple reasons why misconfiguration occurs within the system including, a lack of awareness of security threats during configuration, unfitting automation of templates, and human errors.
To address this issue, you must ensure that the configuration is correct and data is protected. Cloud storage services that provide security features such as encryption and access control can be helpful in this regard. Also, make sure the password and authentication measures are in place to secure cloud computing infrastructure.
- Account Hacking
Another major threat to cloud security is account hacking. If you are using applications and services that are dependent on cloud computing, you are at a high risk of account hacking. Therefore considering best password and authentication practices is important.
You can protect your data by using storage passwords, two-factor authentication, and security questions. Another important step is to monitor your account activity and take steps any time you sense something suspicious. Also, updating the security is key to be safe.
- Data privacy and Confidentiality
Organizations move their data to the cloud to get access from anywhere. While it makes data management convenient, it also comes with some serious risks. As cloud-based storage is often exposed to public networks, the chances of data access by attackers increase.
Although many organizations such as the EU General Data Protection Regulation, Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard, and US Health Insurance Interoperability and Accessibility Act require companies to protect customer data, the systems can fail.
Some organizations also have very sensitive data that will be harmful to the business if exposed. So, if a company moves its data to cloud-based computing and has no expertise in managing the configuration, they are at high risk of data breach.
That’s why companies must take help from expert IT service providers to ensure their customer data is safe.
- Lack of Visibility
Cloud computing has made data management and storage easier but remote servicers often lack visibility. Sometimes the companies do not know when their system is under attack. This happens when a business does not do any regular security audits so unauthorized personnel can access the system without getting caught.
To avoid these risks, companies must do regular security audits to make sure the threats can be detected before they become more harmful. Also, strong authentication, detection of data breaches, response to data breaches, and data loss prevention must be taken into account.
- Credential Theft and Social Engineering
Social engineering is one of the major public cloud security challenges. Attackers mostly use cloud applications as a component of social engineering attacks. As cloud-based document sharing and email are very common in businesses. It makes it easy for the attackers to get access to the services such as ( G-suit, OneDrive, and Google Drive). All they need is to trick employees into giving access to sensitive information.
It is a more common practice among cybercriminals to compromise employee credentials which leads to the exposure of an organization’s database.
Adopting a proactive approach to credential theft, limiting sensitive information to only a few important members of the team, and educating employees against credential thefts a key to keeping the data safe.
- External Data Sharing
External data sharing is another leading security threat in cloud computing. When the data is shared with third-party providers there are chances of critical loss of information leading to theft and fraud. To address this issue companies must take measures such as encryption and data management practices.
- API Insecurity
The application programming interface is the front door of your cloud services and it is also the most vulnerable point to hackers. The API is the only point where your IP address is publicly available. Organizations often need to share the API credentials with third parties making it more exposed to new security threats. Also, if hackers gain a token used by one customer to access cloud services they can use the same token to manipulate the data of another customer.
Having best practices such as strong authentication and API access control mechanisms can be helpful. Also having layers of cybersecurity adds further protection to cloud security.
- Malware
Malware is still a key to data breach so it must never be out of your risk list. Command and Control (C2) or backdoor is the most common tool for attackers to compromise the cloud infrastructure. Hackers gain access to the cloud data using a link and further download malware, bypass the detection, and install it directly. This allows hackers to eavesdrop and steal data.
To tackle these threats, the staff must be trained in better browsing and downloading practices. Also, install firewalls keep them updated, and monitor all accounts access regularly.
- Inside Threats
Insider threats must be dealt with seriously because often employees, interns, staff, and other associates get increased access to the company’s database with malicious intentions. However, sometimes it is just an oversight when an insider exposes the data to the public repository.
Restrict access to critical data only to trusted users and IP addresses. Furthermore, regularly monitoring logins, updating data management tools, and auditing the employee access to data must be done to avoid any mishappening.
- Shared Technology
There are three types of cloud services, SaaS, IaaS, and PaaS. These services provide scalable and easy access to software and hardware, but they also pose some damage. Organizations might share these services with others, but they are always vulnerable to attack. An attacker can use one of these open access to get in your data.
Types of Advanced Cloud Security Solutions
Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM)
CSPM are effective solutions that continuously manage cloud security threats. They do so by detecting, logging, and reporting any security issue in the cloud infrastructure. Moreover, they also remediate the threats in some cases.
CSMP tackles misconfiguration, resource issues, improper security settings, and compliance violations. They mainly focus on four areas including, asset inventory and classification, monitoring and analysis, cost and resources organization, identity and security compliance.
Cloud Acess Security Broker (CASB)
CASB is an enforcement mediator deployed between the providers and consumers of cloud services. CASB aims to implement security policies when users access cloud resources. CASB regulates the following security policies.
- Device Analysis
- Single sign-on
- Tokenization
- Malware detection
- Authentication
- Authorization
- Login alerts
Cloud Workload Protection Platform (CWPP)
Workload-centric security is very important when the application and resources are running on one or more virtual machines or containers. It protects the workload across multiple servers and multiple data centers by considering it a single unit. The following are the abilities of CWPP.
- Host-based segmentation
- Application control
- Vulnerability management
- Monitoring of system integrity
- Visibility of workload security
- Control of workload security from a single console
Cloud-Native Application Protection Platform
CNAPP is somewhat new in the game and it combines the CSPM and CWPP solutions. It not only offers workload security across multiple serves and data centers but also detects threats, and misconfiguration, and remediates them. It also investigates and responds to any defect within the networks.
Best Practices For Cloud Security
Before considering cloud-based services for your organization’s data management, you must understand that there is a shared responsibility of all the involved parties to make sure the data of businesses and users are safe. Also, perform regular checks and access any kind of suspicious activity beforehand.
Securing user endpoints through internet security tools, a combination of firewalls, antivirus, breach detection tools, and device security is another practice that can protect cloud services.
Lastly, in case having backups and recovery options in place means a great deal if anything does happen to your system. Using backup strategies, archiving, and recovery can retain copies of the data in case of a disaster.
Final Analysis
Cloud computing can be a blessing in the world of immense data flow and storage. It also plays a part in sustainable ICT by eliminating the need for physical hardware. However, all the data on cloud servers does come with many security threats. So one must have a proper knowledge of cloud risks and controls before migrating the data to cloud-based services.
Now that we have identified how attacks from inside and outside can breach and steal your data, move within the cloud infrastructure, and install malware in your networks. therefore it is vital to take necessary measures to protect the data of your business and customers.
