Do Not Ignore These Cloud Data Security Threats
Cloud data security threats when data is on the cloud are ever-evolving and enterprises need to be alert always to counteract and defend themselves against the cyber attacks. These threats can cause significant issues to the enterprise with outages, poor performance, and disastrous impacts when they materialize. Hence it is better than the enterprises are always prepared rather than face general disruptions to their business and technology.
Here are the cloud data security threats that enterprises need to be aware of:
Data Breach Incidences
Data breaches are the order of the day and this plight continues to hog the limelight in spite of the repeated attempts by the enterprises to thwart it. Cloud computing has widened the scope for its spread leading to a highly amplified and dispersed attack surface. The cloud data security threats and data breaches are now a regular feature given the nature of cloud deployments across multiple locations. With the increase in cloud adoption and access through mobile devices, security threats is going to increase and cloud security professionals can expect far more data breaches and loss of organizational data. Moreover, other features like increased mobility, BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) work culture, rise of the use of mobiles etc., have all led to a spurt in data breach cases. Any data breach or suspected breach of the systems and security controls may require immediate and mandatory reporting to the relevant agencies depending on the data classification type and its effects. The data classification type may include healthcare information covered under HIPAA, personally identifiable information under PII and payment card information or transaction covered under PCI DSS.
Loss of Crucial Data
Data loss is a little different from data breach. Any loss of information, its deletion, corruption, overwriting or integrity related to the information storing/processing/transmitting within cloud environments results in the loss of data. These data losses within the cloud environment should be avoided since they can present a significant challenge to the enterprise.
Insiders with Corrupt Mentality
There are three main components that are essential and form the key assets of any organization. They are people, processes, and technology. When processes can be secured from the risks of data threats, managing people remains the foremost focus of attention. They are the single largest challenge and the threat may be in the form of a disgruntled, rogue or vulnerable employee or partner exposing the sensitive data intentionally/unintentionally. The employees or contractors of an enterprise have authorized access to the system, network, and data; and thus, may access it in a manner that negatively affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the enterprise’s information systems.
Misusing Cloud-Based Services
Cloud computing has scalability and flexibility advantage. It provides an opportunity for all the businesses to have obtainable and affordable computing resources at their will and their budget. But the challenge for many organizations would be to stop the cyber attacks. The scalability and flexibility mean that the attackers have access to the sensitive information, host illegal software for widespread distribution and implement all other types of cloud data security threats. Though cloud offers a plethora of benefits, it is not always used in the manner for which it is intended to.
Inadequate Due Diligence
Cloud technology has given an impetus for the enterprises to utilize technology-based solutions and architecture. But many of them do not give appropriate thought to the security architecture and this result in many of the apps and services being vulnerably laid down in from of these security threats. If proper planning of security is taken at the initial design stage itself, then security will not be a difficult challenge to implement.
Another One Is the Shared Technology Vulnerabilities
The enterprises share infrastructure, platforms and applications among their partners and other providers if they are to efficiently and effectively deliver their services. This although is necessary to carry out business, it poses sufficient risks resulting in potential cyber security threats.
When the security threats can be identified then it becomes easier to mitigate the risks associated with it. CASB solutions can come to rescue of the enterprises by helping them avert the chances of cloud data breaches and attacks. Thus CASB solutions work as a guard against such cloud data security threats.