How to Protect Yourself from Cloud Attacks

Cloud computing has transformed organizations, with the majority of enterprises now dependent on technology. It offers them a cost-efficient and easy storage solution that the computer needs, especially when you are running a business. The security of the database or cloud security is very crucial, which is why it requires a medium to give a safe and sound storage backup.

Cloud computing enables the entire company to be more scalable as the market is further expected to grow with cloud computing. It enhances productivity along with a faster turnaround time. However, despite its numerous benefits, security is the biggest concern. Learning about these cloud attacks helps develop a secure cloud for organizations. By being cautious, cybersecurity can combat the threats from hackers.

So, what are the common cloud attacks that an organization may come across?

1. Insecure APIs

Cloud APIs is a software interface that is designed to link cloud computing services together. It allows the sharing of data and functions between two programs. The security of APIs is necessary because companies have large servers that use multiple software, which makes the data sharing a bit risky. If APIs stay insecure, they can be easily exposed to an attacker and become vulnerable.

If attackers get access to an open API, they can easily access the data in the cloud. They can also manipulate the backend of the API that developers often miss.

2. Data Access Management

It is vital to keep track of people who have access to the data. You must establish access control to manage the potential risks the system may come across. It is important to be proactive and make use of security measures to ensure the safety of your data. You can also implement Single Sign On (SSO) authentication to make sure your data is safe.

3. Secure Password

You must know that the files are encrypted and zipped with passwords, so choose your passwords wisely. Most of the time, the passwords are easy to crack which makes cloud attacks easier. In order to avoid that, create a complex and robust password with alphabets, numeric, and alphanumeric symbols. Come up with complex passwords that a hacker cannot crack. However, the best approach for the future is to use fingerprints, SMS passwords, and more.

4. End-User Actions

You know it becomes easier for the hacker to steal all the data and information of the company if companies lose control of their employees’ access. It can lead to threats and breaches, giving hackers a big room to hack the system. Even if you deploy DDoS attacks or gain access in any way, it will not make any difference as it will only provide ease to the hacker.

What you need to do is control the actions of the end-users. It can be complex to perform this action but it is a necessary step that must be taken to monitor, investigate, and track your employees’ actions to prevent cloud attacks.

5. Data Backup

Cloud doesn’t necessarily lose its data to hackers and malware functions. The loss of its data is predictable because the cloud keeps maturing from time to time. Whatever may be the reason for the data loss, you must be on the safe side and have a secure backup plan. You must remember that securing your data is not just about keeping your data safe but securing your business as well.

This is why you need a robust backup plan or a security platform. IT managers must also divide their data and applications across multiple zones for protection and follow a daily data backup plan.

Prevention from Cloud Computing Attacks

1. Security Tools

You can use security tools to check the infrastructure’s configurations. This way you can identify the configuration security and vulnerabilities of the system, giving you a clear picture of where your cloud security stands. However, in the beginning, it is easier to check the configuration of the cloud storage but after some time, you may need automated tools for this purpose.

2. Data Loss Prevention

In order to prevent unauthorized transfer and the removal of valuable information, you can use Data Loss Prevention (DLP) software which keeps your data secure.

3. Employee Education

Employees are the most integral part of your company and they must be on the same page when it comes to cloud security. For that, you must educate your employees about cloud security, safe cloud computing practices, and others. The safety practices of your employees will enhance your cloud security twofold. With the correct awareness, they can determine phishing emails and other suspicious activities that take place.

4. Secure APIs

Secure APIs is the accurate way to go about cloud security. Cloud infrastructure developers need to create secure APIs for clients. It may get difficult for the public application. So, you can use templates and other scripts can provide security.

5. Cloud Access Limitation

You must try to limit access to the cloud computing process as it can make you vulnerable to data leakage and insider threats. Moreover, when it comes to cybersecurity, employees’ backgrounds must be checked in order to ensure the safety of your company’s data.

6. Security Software

This may sound like a cliché but it is extremely important to have security software to prevent your cloud from threats and phishing emails that trick employees into leaking out the company’s accounts’ credentials.

7. Limited Access to Cloud Infrastructure

Businesses must limit, monitor, and revoke access to cloud infrastructure without breaching employees’ privacy. It is important to ensure that all login activities by systems are properly monitored and in case of any unusual activity, the cybersecurity department is notified of any unauthorized access to the system.

The Bottom Line

Cloud computing is a must-have for any organization since it has revolutionized the way organizations are run today. Security, on the other hand, can never be sacrificed at the expense of convenience. Companies should apply for security policies, hire a skilled cybersecurity staff, and install security software packages to avoid this.