Lack of multi-factor authentication for privileged users: This is one of the most common ways that cloud security can be breached. Access to privileged users must be protected at all costs in any cloud environment. Multi-factor authentication is a basic measure to ensure the network’s security. Without MFA, it is very easy for attackers to compromise the accounts of privileged users. These accounts render the cloud infrastructure vulnerable to brute-force attacks as well. If compromised, they can cost an organization the loss of data which is exclusively managed by the privileged users.

Incomplete data deletion: Deleting data from the systems is something that should be done with a lot of care, but mostly it becomes one activity to which the user does not pay attention. Data deletion is a potential threat because users lack the visibility to know where the data is stored in the cloud. This means that one can never be too sure that the data has been securely deleted. This threat is heightened when the data is stored on different storage devices within the cloud infrastructure.

In addition, every cloud service provider has its own procedures for data deletion. This implies that the data remnants could fall into the wrong hands, and the organization cannot make sure that they don’t. This poses a huge security and privacy risk, making the integrity and safety of the data vulnerable.

3. Insecure APIs: Application User Interfaces are widely used for streamlining cloud computing. They enhance the convenience and boost efficiency, also making it easy for data to be shared between applications. If left insecure, they can be a source of multiple cloud vulnerabilities and serve as an easy opening through which cyber attackers can attack.

4. Loss or theft of Intellectual Property (IP): Intellectual Property is one of the most valuable assets of an organization. It is also vulnerable to security threats, especially if data storage happens online. When cloud services are breached, attackers can gain access to confidential information stored in them. Frequent backups are an efficient way of mitigating the loss of intellectual property. Data loss prevention software can also be used for this purpose. Data encryption is another method of preventing the loss of intellectual property.

5. Compliance violations: Organizations need to have uncompromising rules to determine who can access which category of data and what they can do with it.

Even though cloud infrastructure has ease of access, it also poses a security risk, and it can be difficult to maintain track of who accesses the information stored in the cloud. Overlooking compliance regulations can cost them a lot, and they need to ensure that the data storage and access control details are strictly managed and controlled. Adopting the public cloud makes compliance more difficult and doesn’t necessarily guarantee regulatory compliance.

6. Less control over end-user actions: Companies lose control over their data assets when they are unaware of how their employees use cloud services. They ultimately become more vulnerable to breaches and insider security threats. Insiders are clever as they know they need not break through VPNs or firewalls to gain access to sensitive data. They can directly access the data in the cloud without much hassle. This can lead to the loss of IP and confidential information, which has clear implications for the organizations. Dealing with the loss of control over end-user actions requires a great degree of surveillance, escalation, control, investigation and incident response. All these steps must be integrated into the organization’s data security plan.

7. Contractual breaches: Contracts in cloud computing restrict the authorization to access the data and the terms of its usage. When employees move the restricted data into the cloud without authorization, the business contracts may be breached, and legal action could ensue.

8. Depending only on Service Provider Security : Cloud service providers provide basic security but that’s not enough for a strong cloud security for customer’s hosted servers & applications. Organizations must deploy third party specialized security software & technologies for the enhanced security.

  Conclusion Organizations operating in the cloud infrastructure are taking preventive measures but, at the same time, a great risk if they are unable to mitigate the risks that come with it. Businesses must have stringent security policies that can be integrated into the IT processes that are used to build applications. Adopting cloud computing has transformed the way organizations as well as hackers work. Their ways have become more evolved and sophisticated, and there is a gamut of opportunities along with a new set of security risks. Addressing cloud concerns regularly is important while adopting the right tools, including specialized third party tools for security to ease operational work.   About SNS Secure Network Solutions (SNS) provides a quantifiable, risk-based approach to building a global structure of cybersecurity infrastructure based on internationally recognized frameworks and practices. We have been providing cyber security services and catering to clients across industries for the last 22 years. Write to us at [email protected] or visit us at www.snsin.com.