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| Cloud Security |
1) Malware Injections
Malware injections are scripts of malicious code that hackers inject into a cloud computing service. Once this code is in place and running within the cloud server, the hackers can then access data that is uploaded onto the server. Since this malware may often go unnoticed for an extended period of time, malware injections are a serious threat to the security of a cloud computing service.
2) Employee Errors
Simple human error remains one of the biggest threats to all IT systems. Cloud-based solutions are particularly vulnerable to employee errors, though, since they present a lot of room for mistakes. If an employee logs into a cloud solution from a device that is not properly secured such as their personal phone or computer, they could compromise the security of the entire system.
3) Denial of Service Attacks
Denial of service attacks differ from most other cyber-attacks in that they are not designed to steal data. Rather, denial of service attacks are designed to make your servers and website in-operational by overloading them with requests. All servers can be subject to denial of service attacks, including cloud computing servers.
4) Failure to Recognise Security Responsibilities
When you make use of a cloud service provider, much of your system’s security will be the responsibility of your provider. However, there are certain security responsibilities that fall to the client rather than the cloud service provider. These responsibilities include things such as password protection, multi-factor authentication, and access restrictions. Failing to realise and act on these security responsibilities can create major weaknesses for organisations that leave the security of their system entirely up to their cloud service provider.
5) Data Breaches
Storing data on the cloud rather than storing it on an on-site server certainly makes that data more convenient to access for you and your employees. Unfortunately, storing data on the cloud also makes it easier for hackers to access as well. Without the right security measures in place, data breaches are a serious concern for organisations storing data on the cloud.
6) Insecure APIs
One big benefit of cloud-based solutions is the ability to customise your cloud experience using Application Programming Interfaces (APIs). While these APIs can be very useful for helping organisations design a cloud computing solution that is ideal for their needs, APIs can also present a security threat. If APIs are not properly secured, they can provide an access point for data breaches and other cyber attacks.
7) System Vulnerabilities
A high-quality cloud service provider will work to identify and patch any vulnerabilities in their system. However, these vulnerabilities still sometimes fly under the radar. If a system vulnerability is discovered by hackers before it is discovered by the owner of the system, a lot of damage can be done.
8) Insider Threats
Giving your employees convenient, remote access to the organisation’s data by storing that data on the cloud can improve the efficiency of your organisation, but it can also open you up to insider threats. Data that is more easily accessed by employees can be more easily stolen or misused by employees as well. This is why being careful about who you give access to your data and what data you give them access to is especially important when you are using a cloud-based solution.
9) Ransomware Attacks
Ransomware attacks have become one of the most lucrative business models for modern cyber-criminals. These attacks lock up an organisation’s data, making that data inaccessible even if it stored on the cloud. The good news is that the impact of ransomware attacks can be mitigated through frequent and thorough data backups.
10) Phishing Attacks
Since accessing data on the cloud simply requires the right log-in information, that information is a high-value target for hackers. One common way hackers acquire log-in information is through phishing attacks. Given the enormous amount of access that the right log-in information affords on a cloud-based system, training your employees to recognize phishing scams becomes especially important.
Conclusion
Storing your data on the cloud offers a number of noteworthy advantages. With the right approach, cloud computing can also be quite secure. However, it’s certainly important to recognize the threats that exist and prepare for them ahead of time.
