Most businesses depend on cloud web security to keep their data safe and operations running smoothly. However, there is a growing concern about cloud security hazards that threaten to bring the market to its knees and result in billions in losses. These security threats range from misconfiguration, unauthorized access, hijacking of user accounts, insider threats, applistructure failures, and data breaches.
Here are 5 of the most familiar challenges faced by companies in cloud web security:
1. Data Breaches
Data breaches top the chart of cloud security threats for most people using cloud computing. These breaches may result in permanent brand damage and millions of dollars in losses. You can avoid and deal with data breaches through data encryption, defining data value, and establishing a verified incident response plan. Furthermore, you can develop procedures and policies for data removal, retrieval, and disposal.
2. Misconfiguration
One of the most typical threats to cloud computing is misconfiguration. It happens when assets or information are installed or set up incorrectly, making it easy for hackers to attack your system. Other points of vulnerability include excessive permissions, default credentials, and insecure storage. You can automate change controls to ensure that your system avoids cloud misconfigurations.
3. Hijacking of Accounts
Cloud account hijacking usually targets users with privileges and sensitive information. Account hijacking is the accidental leakage, disclosure, or exposure of an account that is important to the cloud environment’s maintenance, operation, or administration. If not detected, your company might lose essential data and control that might enhance service disruption and data breaches.
You can avoid account hijacking by:
- Separating non production and production areas
- Utilizing IAM and defense-in-depth controls
- Creating strong passwords
4. External Sharing of Data
Although the cloud is by design a platform that makes it simple to share resources, this feature predisposes users to attacks and data breaches. Numerous cloud providers offer their clients an option to share links that provide anyone with access to the shared data and resources. Link-based sharing is challenging to control who accesses the resources and is a significant cause of concern in data protection. The link can be guessed, stolen, or forwarded to criminals as part of a cyberattack.
5. Insider Threats
Although most employers focus on cloud web security threats outside their business, inside threats are equally damaging and more likely to happen than perceived. Inside threats to cloud computing originate from your employees and other supporting staff with no authorization to the cloud. Therefore, inside threats include current and former staff, partners, and contractors. These individuals can cause data breaches, system downtime, data loss, and decreased customer confidence. You can avoid such inconveniences by:
- Restrict access to vital systems
- Conducting routine security awareness and training
- Fixing misconfigured serves
- Revalidating user access for your workforce at planned intervals
- Segmenting multi-tenant infrastructure, networks, and applications from other tenants
Even though the cloud provides businesses and corporations with plenty of advantages, it also comes with security concerns. Since the infrastructure used in the cloud is different from on-premise data centers, typical security strategies cannot work. Therefore, you should adopt cloud-based tools and techniques to ensure that your system is secure and running optimally. For more information regarding cloud security contact Zscaler to get your questions answered.
