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Data security

Data Security Challenges in Cloud Computing

Businesses of all sizes are migrating to the cloud to take advantage of the increased data availability, substantial cost savings, and data redundancy that cloud computing offers versus a traditional data center-based physical infrastructure.

By removing data stores from storage closets, opting for the cloud can help data be managed and safeguarded per best practices and legal requirements.

For businesses, choosing the best cloud service and putting in place their own security measures present many difficulties. Since there are now more cloud platforms available, it’s critical to make sure the service you select supports data integrity, privacy, and availability.

When moving to the cloud or changing your cloud storage plan, keep the following factors in mind.

Top Data Security Challenges in Cloud Computing

Business apps can these days grow to sky-high levels and handle complex use cases thanks to the boundless potential of cloud services. However, the level of threats that data on the cloud poses also rises.

We’ll then look at some of the greatest hurdles to protecting your cloud data.

Insecure Access Control Points

Cloud services are by their very nature available from any location and on any device. The widespread usage of components like API endpoints, which can be accessed from anywhere, poses a serious threat to the cloud’s security standing.

By making API endpoints vulnerable, a cybercriminal can access data and possibly change it, jeopardizing its integrity.

Here are two often-used ways to secure yourself:

  • Penetration testing which simulates an external assault on a set of API endpoints to breach security and gain access to the company’s confidential data.
  • Audits of general system security

Some challenges are connected. And to that point, insecure API leads to misconfigured cloud storage.

‍Misconfigured Cloud Storage

Misconfigured storage is a follow-up to an API (Application Programming Interface) cloud security issue. In most cases, security risks arise in cloud computing due to human error and audit done in haste. Cloud misconfiguration is actually a setting for servers (used for computational or storage purposes) that leaves them susceptible to hacks.

The most often seen forms of misconfiguration are:

  • Default server settings for cloud security, including typical access control and data accessibility;
  • Inadequate access control: When an individual with limited access accidentally gains access to confidential information;
  • Mismanaged data access – leaving sensitive data without security measures for accessing it.

Here are some tips on avoiding such a scenario:

  • When setting up a specific cloud server, double-check the settings for cloud security. Even though this seems like an obvious tip, people tend to gloss over it in favor of supposedly more pressing matters like putting goods in storage without thoroughly dealing with cybersecurity.
  • Check security settings using specialized tools. Third-party tools from trusted providers can be used to periodically monitor the condition of security settings and spot potential issues before they become serious.
Data Security

Data Loss

Since it is simple to lose track of how much data you are storing, constant monitoring is necessary to ensure data security.

Data loss may occur in some situations where users don’t have adequate controls. In the cloud, data loss does not always equate to data being forever lost. The user just might not have access to this sensitive information for a variety of reasons. Lack of data backups, automatic data loss controls, and even audits and risk assessments can all result in data loss in the cloud.

Data Breaches

A data breach poses a cause-and-effect risk to data security. If a data breach occurs, it signifies that the business failed to address some cloud security issues, which then had a causal effect.

An incident where information is accessed and retrieved without authority is called a data breach. Typically, this incident causes a data leak.

Although classified info can be made available to the public, it is typically sold illegally or kept hostage by cybercriminals.

The event itself is a stain on a company’s reputation, even though the severity of the effects depends on the particular company’s crisis management capabilities.

Final Word

Proper data security in the cloud has typically proven difficult and ineffective. However, there are ways to simplify your approach to cloud security, particularly if you select a reliable managed service provider.

Businesses will continue to move to cloud infrastructure as remote working becomes more common. Because of this, it is more important than ever for enterprises to have a solid, trustworthy, and comprehensive cloud security policy in place to host a safe and secure cloud infrastructure. Having a plan in place can help businesses in avoiding overspending or underspending on cloud security measures.

cloud security

Cloud Security: How to Mitigate Threats to Your Cloud

Cloud computing has become a staple in every industry:

Be it remote or at the office, people (including you) use the cloud to communicate, share data, collaborate, complete tasks, and, basically, do their jobs.

But how secure is your cloud network?

In this article, we explore some of the most common threats. But also the strategies and techniques you can use to mitigate them.

So if you’re looking to bolster the security of your cloud-based infrastructure, you’ll find useful information in this article.

Let’s begin.

What is cloud security?

Cloud security refers to a set of measures designed to protect cloud-based infrastructure, applications, communication channels, and data.

These solutions protect company’s data in cloud environments from malware, hackers, and unauthorized user access or use.

Why is cloud security important?

Cloud computing security is critical for any company. It helps you to keep your cloud app security safe from cybercriminals, attacks, and other missuse.

Maintaining a solid cloud security assists you in reaping the benefits of cloud computing, which are now widely recognized as essential in any business. 

Here’s why cloud security is crucial for your organization:

cloud data protection

#1 Lower operational and administrative costs

These services help you to save money on ongoing administrative and operational costs.

A cloud service provider (CSP) handles your security needs, eliminating the need for in-house teams to perform manual security updates and configurations. 

You will also have more robust security because the CSP will have expert staff on hand to handle any security issues you may have.

#2 Improved overall reliability

You need a secure method of gaining immediate access to your data. 

Cloud security managed services ensure that authorized users have easy access to your data and applications. 

You’ll always have a dependable way to access your cloud applications and data, allowing you to respond quickly to any potential security issues.

#3 Centralized security approach

Cloud security centrally manages all your applications, devices, and cloud data protection. 

A centralized control point makes it easier for cloud-native security companies to perform tasks like: 

  • Implementing disaster recovery plans 
  • Streamlining network event monitoring 
  • Improving web-based filtering

4 Common Cloud Security Threats

Let’s go over 4 common threats you need to be aware of.

#1 Breach of data

According to a recent study, nearly 80% of survayed companies had experienced at least one cloud data security breach in the previous 18 months.

In fact, 43% of them reported 10 or more breaches for the same period. 

Security misconfiguration, lack of visibility over access-settings and activities, as well as identity and access management (IAM) permission errors were among the top concerns expressed by the survey’s 300 CISOs.

#2 Employee threats

These are cloud security threats posed by employees in your organization. 

More precisely, those with valid access to your cloud network security, such as employees, contractors, business associates, and even executives. 

This article states that insider threats cause 60% of data breaches.

#3 Data sharing

Cloud platforms make it extremely simple for users to share files and folders containing sensitive data. 

Many CISOs are concerned about such an open approach to file sharing because links to shared files and folders can easily be stolen or sent to the wrong recipient. 

#4 Security misconfiguration

According to research, 67% of respondents cited misconfiguration as the top concern about cloud server security. 

This is not surprising given the number of data breaches caused by incorrectly configured secure cloud storage containers.

Misconfiguration example is not changing default settings and leaving default passwords unchanged. 

cloud security managed services

How to Mitigate Cloud Security Threats?

So how can you mitigate threats to your cloud infrastructure?

Here are four strategies you can deploy right now:

#1 Multi-Factor authentication 

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is extremely useful in protecting user accounts on the cloud. 

Traditional authentication systems rely solely on something the user knows, such as a username and password. 

By contrast, MFA adds another layer of security by requiring the user to provide additional information.

Usually, a security code is sent to the user’s mobile phone, which they must enter to log in.

#2 Data encryption

Data encryption seems obvious, however, it is surprising how few businesses actually encrypt their data. 

A simple but effective way to protect your sensitive data in the cloud is to ensure that all sensitive data is protected by data cloud encryption. 

#3 Sensitive data classification

If you want to keep your sensitive data secure, you must first understand what sensitive data you have and where it is kept. 

A data classification tool may be provided by your cloud service provider.

The tool allows you to create, configure, and publish “sensitivity labels” or use the “auto labeling” feature.

#4 File sharing restriction

Preventing users to share links to folders containing multiple files, as some of these files may contain sensitive data. 

If someone requires access to a folder containing multiple files, they must make a request to the administrator or other appropriate personnel. 

You can also make sure that all user-created links are set to expire after one week.

cloud security services

Get Help from a Trusted IT Specialist

You shouldn’t need to stress out about guarding your critical business data against these and other threats.  

That’s the job of IT professionals.

At Demakis Technologies, we have the strategic knowledge, skills, experience, and tech to protect your company’s critical data on the cloud, including cloud cybersecurity.

CONTACT US to get a peace of mind that lets you invest your time and energy into what really matters – growing your company.