
Overcoming the Data Security Challenges in the Cloud
Recent predictions have suggested that global cloud market
will grow to more than $190 billion by the end of 2020. With continuous upsurge in the cloud technology,
most businesses have joined the running bandwagon of cloud. From storage to
data analytics, cloud is bringing down IT costs while providing businesses more
agility, scalability and faster time-to-market. However, this increasing cloud
adoption calls for strong mitigation of security breaches and risks hovering
over the cloud.
Here are some security
concerns threatening cloud applications and possible tips to counter attack
those risks:
#Lack of Data Encryption
is Putting Data at Risk:
Cloud computing enables organization/customer to store data
in third-party data centers. Leaving this sensitive and confidential data
unencrypted on the cloud makes it vulnerable to online eavesdropping and
Man-in-the-Middle attacks. The consequences of these breaches can cost big-
from legal fines to loss of customer trust and reputation.
How to Address It
The best approach for avoiding such scenario is to encrypt organization/customer
data with appropriate encryption techniques like Secure Socket Layer (SSL). Cloud
service providers can also implement a reliable Virtual Private Network tunnel that
can provide an encrypted connection to remote off-site employees to maintain
smooth communication while maintaining data safety in the organization.
#APIs Threats:
Cloud service providers offer APIs to help IT teams with
cloud monitoring, management and orchestration. Now, the security and
confidentiality of information depends on the security of API. Weak APIs and
interfaces add another layer in the security risks related to accountability,
integrity and availability of data.
How to Deal with It
An effective approach to mitigate the risks associated with
APIs is- blacklisting risky content and applying schema validation to all
incoming data. A thoroughly done penetration testing, API security
implementation and separating API development are key factors to consider for
protection against rising APIs threats.
#Compliance
Violations:
Organizations abide by certain regulatory and compliance
requirements such as HIPAA guidelines for healthcare information and FERPA for
student records. Under these mandates, it is essential for businesses to remain
compliant but trends like Bring Your Own Cloud (BYOC), Bring Your Own Device
(BYOD) violate these tenets and put the organization in a state of
non-compliance.
What to Do
IT teams must ensure strict compliance with regulatory norms
by implementing strong protective measures such as perimeter firewalls, intrusion
detection and event logging systems. By identifying foreseeable threats, companies
can remain vigilant and can protect themselves against any anticipated
cyber-threat.
#Authentication
Breaches:
Data breaches in cloud applications result from lax
authentication, poor key management and weak passwords. Generally, developers
leave cryptographic keys within open source codes which a cyber-criminal can
easily access through numerous portals. In addition, lack of multifactor
authentication and failure in identity management are other factors that lead
businesses to authentication breaches.
How to Prevent This
Businesses can protect against authentication breaches by
mechanisms- Two-factor authentication, limiting the number of password trials
and locking the user who have exceeded certain number of login attempts. Also,
businesses must plan to federate identity management with cloud providers
instead of centralizing it into a single repository.
Related Article: Why AWS is the most Preferred Cloud Ecosystem
#Vicious Use of Cloud
Services:
Cloud services can be abused to commit nefarious
cyber-crimes such as- launching an attack by cracking encryption key, DoS/DDoS
attacks, malicious content and phishing emails.
How to Avoid This
Businesses need to make sure that their cloud service
providers recognize cloud service abuses and DoS attacks proactively. Also, IT
teams can scrutinize network traffic and can make use of flow analytics to
minimize DoS attacks.
Rounding It Off: