The number of cloud migrations is growing every year, and the performance and functionality of such solutions are improving, but the security issue is still quite acute. We will tell you how the security of cloud technologies is ensured and what problems you may encounter during their operation.
Information leak
Cloud infrastructure is exposed to the same threats as traditional physical infrastructure. And most often, companies are faced with the loss or leakage of confidential information. The problem usually arises through the employees’ fault, but do not forget about possible attacks by intruders. Cloud hosting providers are often subject to hacker attacks, which can seriously threaten data security. Information about the disclosure of trade secrets or intellectual property objects is often publicized. For the company, this can be a serious blow that will damage its reputation and provoke a decrease in the number of customers. In addition, do not forget about possible penalties for disclosing confidential data: these are various fines and lawsuits from affected parties. In this case, it is quite difficult to secure yourself, but there are several rules for choosing a cloud provider. First, choose large and well-known suppliers. Refuse the services of “beginners,” even if their prices seem very attractive. Second, check with your ISP if they use multi-factor authentication and encryption in the cloud. This will increase the security of cloud storage and help prevent data leakage.
Hacking interfaces and APIs
Most cloud providers provide a user-friendly user interface that helps you manage the resources and make several settings yourself. However, the security of your infrastructure can directly depend on how well the access control mechanisms are developed. For example, it’s very common to interact with a third party using APIs that can compromise storage security. This is because to enter the system; you will need to provide additional information, including a login/password. If the interface is not fully thought out from a security point of view, then it can become a weak point of the entire system. Therefore, the provider must use special tools to protect the entrance and monitor the system. In this matter, preventing possible hacks is of the greatest importance.
System Vulnerability
In recent years, multi-tenant cloud environments have become popular, that is, public services used by several users simultaneously. However, the security of cloud services in such environments is often insufficient. Fortunately, you can solve the problem by choosing the right way to manage IT. Constant monitoring of the system and ensuring the applications’ security will also help reduce risks. It is recommended to regularly scan the system to identify vulnerabilities and carry out the necessary work to improve safety. The speed of response to messages about possible threats is also important.
Authentication bypass
The problem of data leakage is often the result of neglect of the authentication mechanisms used. This includes weak passwords, untrusted certificates, unverified encryption keys, etc. Another possible issue is permissions and permissions management. That is, many users receive much more authority than is required. And this leads to potential leaks and can cause compromised data.
Cyber attacks
Large cloud providers are often the target of cyberattacks. Attackers know that valuable information can be stored in the infrastructure, so they try to access it. At the same time, detecting such a threat is not so easy. Advanced security methods are used to protect the information in the cloud. But it is also recommended to train employees to expand the tools used and prevent an attack in the early stages.