Cloud Security – Types, Common Threats & Tips to Mitigate

Introduction

Standing in today’s time, it won’t be wrong to say that businesses are floating on cloud 9. Businesses of all sizes are switching from on-premise to cloud for enhanced convenience in resource sharing and boosting productivity. Cloud migration is crucial for enabling unlimited access to applications, ensuring prompt & secure data sharing, and promoting seamless collaboration among teams. All these factors make cloud migration the need of the hour. However, despite the unlimited convenience, the cloud comes with its share of crises. The prime among these is cloud security concerns that deter businesses from switching to the cloud. But mindfulness about cloud security practices would go a long way in safeguarding cloud resources from prying lenses.

Dire need for cloud security- Overview and Types

In recent years, cloud computing has witnessed exponential growth, fast becoming the backbone of modern digital infrastructure. With the rapid proliferation of remote work arrangements, there is now an increased reliance on cloud-based services and applications. This increasing pattern in cloud migration has heightened the need for secure access controls and data protection mechanisms. Plus, the rise of hybrid and multi-cloud environments has introduced complexities in managing security across different platforms - necessitating comprehensive strategies for visibility and control.
Additionally, the evolving nature of sophisticated breaches underscores the criticality of implementing proactive security measures such as - encryption, threat detection, and incident response protocols.
Put simply, as organisations continue to leverage cloud technologies to drive innovation and agility, prioritising cloud security is paramount. There is a dire need for powerful security measures to mitigate risks, protect assets, and instil trust among customers and stakeholders.

Types of cloud security:

Cloud security is paramount and requires a combination of threat identification and crisis mitigation strategies. Let’s decode them in brief one by one:

• IAM, also known as Identity and Access Management, ensures that only the authorised user has access privileges. The process encompasses password and multi-factor authentication management.
• Network and cloud security are all about levelling up security but with limited data visibility and access by using techniques like encryption and VPNs.
• Installing automated monitoring systems and manual inspection are priority security measures in boosting cloud security.
• Implementation of disaster management tools during a crisis to keep data safe with planned backup strategies.
• Legal compliance is all about complying with the legislative policies to protect:
1. User privacy under GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) 2. Financial data under SOX (Sarbanes-Oxley Act) 3. Government resources under ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations)

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Common Threats to Cloud

2024 is marked by a surge in highly evolved threats that are challenging the very foundations of cloud security infrastructure. Listing below some of the following:

1. Misconfiguration in cloud architecture:

Misconfiguration poses a significant risk within cloud architecture, often overlooked by organisations in their mitigation efforts. This is because of the lack of complete access and control over security. Most organisations have to rely on their Cloud Service Providers (CSPs) for configuring and securing their cloud deployment. As a result, the larger share of control rests with the CSPs. Plus the complexities of multi-cloud deployment expose misconfiguration to threat actors.


2. Data breach:

This is the second biggest security risk with cloud deployment. Since the cloud is easily accessible from the public internet, the lack of configured security or compromised credentials often leads to potential breaches.
Another factor that could put cloud data at risk is the convenience of link sharing through access to ‘Anyone’ option. It is suggested to provide restricted access (while sharing a cloud doc) to other recipients except for the intended recipients.


3. Poor API Security:

For maximum customer convenience, CSPs offer a number of Application Program Interfaces (APIs). However, the same interfaces may lead to potential security challenges if not properly secured.


4. Account Hijacking and ATO:

The convenience of cloud-based resource accessibility is counterbalanced by an increase in incidents of account hijacking. This is due to the use of weak passwords, and the reusing of old passwords. Poor passwords enable an attacker to easily gain access to employee credentials for hijacking data and finally account takeover (ATO).

Best Practices to Implement Cloud Security

To combat the rising security risks, experts recommend the following measures:

Proper configuration of network hardware

For data security risks, ensure proper configuration of network hardware and install the latest security patch. One must also apply robust encryption of data in transit and at rest.


Installation of latest security patches

Taking cue from the point above, it’s to underline that you should always update your cloud infrastructure with the latest security patches. The latest versions carry corrected patches of the software flaws detected in the previous versions.


Data Encryption

Implement advanced encryption measures to safeguard data from unauthorised access. The encryption guard transforms the data into an impenetrable code that can only be decoded by authorised users.


Access Control

This step is extremely crucial to ensure data security in cloud computing. Place restrictions in types of data to be accessed, people who can access it, the different accounts, as well as applications.


Automation tools to manage multi-cloud complexities

To manage multi-cloud complexities, companies can implement automation tools while enabling smooth interaction between diverse cloud platforms using consistent APIs and interfaces.


Regular assessment of security infrastructure

To combat expensive and time-consuming migration challenges, regular assessment of the security infrastructure is highly recommended.


Cloud security training for employees

Cloud computing companies must also consider launching security training for employees to strengthen in-house security.

Conclusion

As organisations increasingly rely on cloud services to streamline operations and data sharing, the need to protect this data from unauthorised breaches becomes paramount. Effective data security measures not only safeguard confidential information but also uphold trust and credibility with customers and stakeholders. Ultimately, prioritising data security in the cloud is essential for maintaining business continuity, compliance with regulations, and safeguarding against evolving cyber threats.