Top 7 Cloud Security Threats to Be Aware of in 2023

7 Major Cloud Security Threats

When it comes to cloud security risks there are many, here we will discuss the biggest threats you need to be aware of.

# Threat 1: Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)

VPNs have offered a great remote working solution over the years. But this technology makes sense when a small subset of employees works at a remote location.

Now as data resides in the cloud and most of the users are free to connect from anywhere, this puts strain on VPNs that were designed to support only limited users or employees. In this scenario, you will slow down your network traffic by backhauling traffic to your headquarters. This will also eliminate the productivity gains of using cloud apps.

Apart from this, VPNs can also introduce risks by connecting users back to your parameter as this way, they will be punching through your firewall. This can affect your entire system.

Although most organizations are aware of the risks associated with VPNs, leaving them is similar to leaving their legacy security tools like data loss prevention (DLP). So organizations must focus more on a modern approach to DLP and remote access in comparison to relying on the status quo and introducing unnecessary risks.

# Threat 2: System Misconfigurations

In a recent study, misconfiguration of cloud security settings was found to be a prime cause of cloud security vulnerabilities. Well, when it comes to the reasons for the same, there are many, as misconfigurations can take place at

• Infrastructure level with Network Access Control List (NACL) or security groups.
• Application level when the key is exposed in the etcd file during the deployment of an application at the Kubernetes level.
• In another case, when an Identity and Access Management (IAM) user was given a lot of privileges, the exposure of keys can raise major cloud security risks thus leading to misconfigurations.

Apart from this, enterprises with multi-cloud deployments are unaware of the right tactics to protect cloud infrastructure. In this scenario, a misconfiguration or safety negligence gives an easy opportunity for the attackers to have access to cloud-based resources.

# Threat 3: Non-Zero Security Permissions

Non-zero security permissions provide open access to all, this can easily backfire at any stage. You gave permission to users thinking that they will use this access for the benefit of the company. To a certain extent it is true, but what will be the scenario when the user’s account gets hacked?

Well, in most cases, you aren’t prepared for this. As a result, there can be a critical data breach in which all the crucial data and systems will be in the hands of a hacker. This also includes confidential information. As a result, you will be at high risk.

# Threat 4: Data Loss

Cloud vendors see collaboration and shareability as prime benefits but there are many instances when cloud environments make it too easy for users to share data. It doesn’t matter whether this sharing of data is with internal employees or external third parties, this can prove to be a real threat.

Apart from this, organizations move data to cloud storage without performing a regular backup. This can be due to large data that can consume both time and money or there may be some other reasons. Whatever it is, this can prove to be a great threat to the organizations that run systems in the cloud as this can not only lead to data loss but an increased risk of ransomware too. 

Moreover, when it comes to recovering lost data it consumes a lot of resources all at once. There are even some instances when this recovery process proves to be futile. The situation becomes worse when hackers encrypt cloud storage and demand a huge payment in exchange for data. In this scenario recreation of data or conversion remains the only solution.

# Threat 5: Lack of Edge/Perimeter Security

Although the term edge/perimeter security seems new to you, it is in trend these days and there are many reasons for the same. The primary among them is the advent of technology like AI, Blockchain, IoT, and so on. The thing is, when there are edges that are required to be a part of the network, decentralization is one of the best ways to optimize edge and perimeter security.

It ensures the security of the corporate resources that are located outside of the centralized data center. This will secure both users and apps that function at the edge of your organization’s network.

# Threat 6: CI/CD & Supply Chain Attacks

Continuous integration and development (CI/CD) environments are one of the regular targets for attackers. Whether it’s dependency confusion in npm and python packages or vulnerable and dangling maintainers, these all come on top when it comes to attacking an organization. And this is not so difficult as we have a live example of the first protestware that deployed these tactics and showed the world how easy it is. 

Apart from this, attackers can easily exploit these packages in the same way for crypto-mining purposes. Needless to say, cybercrime has increased a lot during economic downturns, and attackers prefer mining in the cloud. With this slowdown in the economy and the rise in cybercrime lucrativeness, one can expect an exponential rise in CI/CD and supply chain attacks.

# Threat 7: API Vulnerabilities

Cloud apps mainly interact with each other through Application Programming Interfaces (APIs). But if we see history, most companies haven’t remained successful in securing their APIs. Even some giants like Nissan have faced security issues when an API flaw has allowed hackers to remotely control some crucial features of Nissan LEAF.

Undoubtedly developers pay heavy attention while creating APIs but when these are created with inadequate authentication, the possibility of security vulnerabilities always remains there. This allows anyone to access corporate data.

Malicious actors are always on the verge to exploit insecure APIs by launching both code injections and denial-of-service (DoS) attacks. This allows them to have easy access to an organization’s data. So reviewing logs from the APIs you are using and implementing centralized cloud monitoring has become a necessity.

Also Read: An Ultimate Guide To Cloud Based Mobile App Development

Final Words

As your company continues the transition to the cloud space, you are required to pay attention to threats. This will not only help you protect your confidential data from being vulnerable to attacks but will also help you gain the trust of investors and users. Well, one of the easiest solutions to do so is to hire an experienced company that offers secure cloud computing services.

With a team of certified professionals, Apptunix has offered reliable and secure cloud solutions to local as well as global organizations. Whether it’s about providing access to the cloud data in real-time or offering scalable cloud-based app solutions, Apptunix has earned a solid reputation for the same.