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Cloud storage has become increasingly popular in recent years, as more and more businesses and individuals move to the cloud for their data storage needs. Cloud has changed the way businesses save, use, and exchange data, workloads, and software. However, with this increase in popularity has come an increase in security threats.

As cloud solutions and their user base expand, the threat potential, too, rises. Here are six of the biggest threats to cloud storage security:

1. Misconfiguration

Misconfigured security settings in cloud services are one of the main causes of cloud data breaches. Often, security posture management solutions for cloud-based infrastructure prove insufficient for companies. Additionally, companies that use cloud-based infrastructure lack total access and control over their infrastructure, necessitating reliance on security measures offered by their cloud service provider (CSP) to design and safeguard their cloud installations.

The most frequent mistake is a lack of validation as most organizations do not create and deploy tools to find misconfigurations as they occur. It is recommended to ensure that rights and services are correctly configured and deployed. The person might be an external security auditor or an internal staff member.

2. Data Sharing

Most cloud services allow you to send an email or a URL invitation to others to view or use a resource. While seamless sharing of data is a benefit, it also poses a security concern. It's tough to limit access to a shared resource when you utilize link-based sharing. The shared URL can be transmitted, stolen as part of a hack, or guessed by a cybercriminal, allowing for unauthorized access.

3. API

Within the cloud infrastructure, the primary tool for running applications is the Application User Interface (API). Internal use by personnel and external use by customers via mobile or web applications are part of this process. Because every data transfer enables the service and, in turn, provides analytics, the external side is crucial. However, they pose a substantial cloud storage security concern as developers sometimes build insecure APIs without authentication. This workaround opens these interfaces entirely to the internet, allowing anyone to access corporate systems and data.

4. Malware

Malware is a major concern in the cloud space, and security teams need numerous layers of protection to identify it. Malware in the cloud can take the form of DoS, hyper jacking, and hypervisor infections, among others. Once it infiltrates an organization's IT access points, it spreads swiftly, opening the door to even more attacks. A malware infection can steal, encrypt, or erase your data, modify or hijack your computer, and spy on your activities.

5. Data Loss

One of the most common cloud storage security issues is data loss. Data loss can occur due to human error, malicious attacks, or natural disasters. It can also occur when a cloud service provider (CSP) loses your data or deletes it accidentally. To protect your data from being lost, you should regularly back it up and encrypt it. You should also consider using a cloud-based backup solution that offers data protection and disaster recovery features.

6. Insider Threats

One of the most serious cloud storage security threats is the insider threat. An insider threat can be a current or former employee, contractor, or business partner who has unauthorized access to your data. Insider threats can also be malicious or accidental. Malicious insiders may leak your data intentionally for financial gain or to damage your reputation. Accidental insiders may unintentionally expose your data by sharing it with unauthorized people or by losing their laptop or mobile device.

To protect your data from insider threats, you should limit access to only those who need it and monitor user activity for signs of suspicious behaviour. You should also encrypt your data and require two-factor authentication for all users.

Conclusion

Cloud storage security is a complex issue that requires a multi-layered approach to safeguard your data. You should consider using a combination of encryption, user access controls, activity monitoring, and disaster recovery solutions to protect your data from the most common cloud storage security threats.

Packetlabs is now offering cloud-based penetration testing. To learn more, contact our team!