Digitalization has changed the way businesses work today. Companies operate on the cloud for more flexibility and better accessibility. As per Forbes reports, about 94% of all companies are now using the cloud.
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However, it is to be noted that cloud migrations increase the chances of security issues. Cloud misconfigurations can escalate into major disruptions. It also increases the risk of cyber threats.
So, what is cloud security misconfiguration? How can they cause data breaches? Read on to find out.
What is Cloud Misconfiguration
Modern businesses operate across multiple cloud environments. It becomes quite complex to configure the settings, grant permissions, add security measures and user controls, and restrict unauthorized access.
Errors in setting up cloud resources can lead to cloud misconfigurations. These may be due to poorly chosen security controls, improper setups, failed deployments, bugs, manual errors, or skill gaps.
Poorly configured cloud exposes your business network to unauthorized users. It also leads to data breaches, ransomware, data leaks, information loss, and other malicious attacks. These can lead to severe financial losses and damage your business reputation, too.
Common Cloud Security Misconfigurations Leading to Data Breaches
Data breaches are one of the most severe threats faced by businesses. About 82% of data breaches are related to cloud-stored information. Thus, cloud misconfigurations can compromise business information security.
Here are the common cloud security misconfigurations that often lead to data breaches:
Default Application Settings
Businesses use common cloud resources like AWS, Azure Cloud, or Google Cloud. These platforms have default settings for better public accessibility. These overly permissive accesses expose critical network services to the masses. So, attackers can exploit these gaps and collect sensitive business information that leads to data breaches.
Unrestricted Account Permissions
Often, businesses enable user authentication but do not add restrictions to these accounts. Once logged in, they can enjoy access to business resources. These excessive privileges can be misused by attackers. With stolen credentials, they can log in to the network and access critical business data, causing cloud security issues.
Missed Updates and Patches
Software vendors keep developing important patches and updates to address newly discovered threats. Any issues in automated updates or patch management can create problems as the security gaps remain unaddressed. Also, cybercriminals can exploit these known vulnerabilities and invade the system to access confidential information.
Compromised Policies and Rules
Cloud service providers have defined rules and policies for cloud security and data protection. Neglecting these can have severe consequences. For instance, disabling server-side encryption, password protection, automatic updates, periodic scans, and other important features can amplify security risks.
Ineffective Monitoring and Control
Another major issue in improper cloud setup is the lack of strong control and monitoring measures. Disabled logs can mask unauthorized actions, and these may go unnoticed. Without real-time monitoring and regular reports, it becomes difficult to track suspicious activities. Also, these create security blind spots, often exposing the business network to explorers.
Protect Your Business Data from Cloud Misconfigurations
Businesses must pay attention to cloud security misconfigurations as they can easily affect the data architecture. Data breaches can cost you heavily. It also tarnishes your image and affects your credibility. So, secure your defenses by implementing strict controls and preventive measures.
Businesses need to pay more attention to the importance of creating awareness about cloud misconfigurations. Educating your workforce about proper configuration methods and safety practices can encourage a strong security culture within your organization.
Cybersecurity training programs from Education Nest can help you here. They are comprehensively designed for the corporate space and can be customized as per your requirements.
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