Using cloud computing is a great way to improve efficiency and make management easier at work, but it can leave your business open to a variety of cyber security threats if you’re not careful. The good news is that these threats can be countered if you know about them. This being the case, let’s take a look at the top cloud security threats you should know about.
Physical Threats
When it comes to cloud security, most people think of cyber security threats. While there are many cyber threats to be wary of, there are also physical threats that can breach the cloud as well.
Employee Intrusion
Employees getting into areas of the cloud they’re not supposed to be is one of the most common security breaches in cyber security. This is because employees already have access to the cloud, making it easier for them to obtain restricted data.
Creating a hierarchical system within the cloud that restricts access to employees without the proper clearance level is a great way to prevent employee intrusions. Most cloud systems come with the ability to do this as a part of their basic security settings.
Improper Trash Disposal
Improper trash disposal can also leave your cloud vulnerable. Sensitive data such as names, dates, passwords, and account numbers can all get written down or printed out and then carelessly tossed into the trash. This sensitive information can then be obtained by unscrupulous employees and trash collectors and sold off to criminal buyers.
Preventing data leaks via improper waste disposal can be as simple as making sure that your employees have access to a paper shredder. You can also hire a professional waste disposal company if you feel the need to do so.
Social Engineering
A favorite way for data thieves to get access to your cloud is through social engineering. Most of the time, this will take the form of the thief pretending to be someone they’re not, such as a customer, data security expert, or law enforcement official such as an FBI agent.
These kinds of threats can be most prominent during periods of enterprise cloud transformation when the cloud has to be upgraded as the business grows. You should be extra cautious with your security systems during these times or leave your cyber security in the hands of professionals specializing in digital transformation.
Cyber Threats
While physical threats are more common, cyber threats to cloud computing are more dangerous. This is because a cyber security breach that gets into your cloud can harvest all of your data all at once or shut down your entire system.
Cloud Misconfiguration
One of the most common causes of a cyber security breach in cloud computing is that the cloud’s built-in security systems aren’t configured properly. Not only can this make it easier for a cyber attack to get into the cloud, but it can also expose more of the cloud to an attack because important data isn’t properly restricted.
DDoS Attacks
A Direct Denial of Service attack is when a hacker or group of hackers use a script to overload a system’s servers. This can effectively shut down the entire cloud and make it impossible for both employees and customers to use it.
The worst thing about DDoS attacks is that they can be implanted onto the computers and mobile devices of innocent people and attack you from there without leaving a trail back to the real criminal. Fortunately, most hosting providers can help protect your cloud from DDoS attacks.
Malware/Ransomware Infection
Malware and ransomware can get onto a cloud network if you and your employees aren’t careful. This usually happens via phishing in emails which trick people into clicking a link that uploads malware, or when an employee using a computer connected to the cloud clicks a fake advertisement that uploads malware.
Ransomware is a special kind of malware that will lock you out of the cloud or certain areas/files until you pay a ransom. The worst thing about this is that most companies affected choose to pay the ransom since it is the fastest way to get their business running again and prevent a major revenue loss.
Conclusion
Protecting your cloud from security threats isn’t that hard. Making sure that you properly configure your security settings and build a work culture that takes cyber security seriously can prevent many potential threats. Other options include hiring a professional cyber security team or outsourcing your cloud altogether.
Author Bio: Sophia Jennifer
