The cloud should be a secure place for business data, but cloud misconfigurations and lax security practices often leave the door wide open for cybercriminals. This article explores how to close those gaps.
Why cloud security continues to fail
A recent report by the cloud security firm Tenable highlights an alarming trend: 74% of companies surveyed had storage settings configured incorrectly. In effect, these businesses accidentally left their digital doors unlocked.
While the cloud security solutions available today are more effective than ever, the teams managing the cloud infrastructure often lack the specific training to configure them correctly. As a result, businesses aren’t as secure as they think and often fail to fully maximize the cloud’s security features.
The toxic cloud triad of risk
The study points to three specific factors that, when combined, create a high risk of a cyberattack. Experts call this the “toxic cloud triad”:
- Overprivileged accounts: Giving software or users more access rights than they actually need
- Public exposure: Leaving sensitive parts of the network openly accessible to the internet
- Critical vulnerabilities: Failing to patch known weaknesses within software systems
The overlooked danger of ghost keys
A significant yet often overlooked contributor to this heightened risk stems from the mismanagement of access keys, which are digital credentials designed for specific tasks. Alarmingly, the report found that 84% of organizations retain unused, high-level access keys, often referred to as “ghost keys.”
These dormant credentials present a critical vulnerability; if discovered by cybercriminals, they offer effortless entry into a system. Such an oversight can lead to security incidents — for example, the MGM Resorts data breach in September 2023.
The hidden risks in cloud infrastructure
Many modern businesses use a technology called “containers” to run their applications — think of these like digital packages that bundle software and its dependencies. They often use a system called Kubernetes to manage these containers.
The study reveals that 78% of organizations have left the control panel (i.e., API servers) for these systems accessible to the public internet. Even worse, many allow unrestricted user control. This is the digital equivalent of leaving your server room unlocked and unmonitored.
How to strengthen cloud security
You don’t need a technical background to improve your company’s security. By implementing stricter governance and fostering better security habits, you can transition your business from a reactive security stance to a proactive one. Follow this structured approach to get started:
Implement strict access controls
Controlling who can access your data is crucial. Regularly audit your digital keys, deleting any that are no longer necessary without delay.
Moreover, you can rotate these keys frequently to prevent old credentials from being exploited by cybercriminals. Think of it this way: if a key is stolen but you’ve already changed the lock, the cybercriminal can’t get in.
Enforce the principle of least privilege
This fundamental security rule dictates that employees and software should be granted only the exact level of access they need to perform their tasks, and nothing more. Use role-based access controls to enforce this; for example, a marketing employee shouldn’t be able to modify financial records.
Require independent audits
Testing your defenses before a cybercriminal does is paramount. However, relying solely on your internal IT team to evaluate their own work can be problematic. Internal teams often assess themselves too leniently or overlook issues, especially if performance incentives are linked to audit results. Instead, engage a third-party security firm to independent audits and penetration testing.
Automate your defense
Manual monitoring alone can’t keep pace with modern threats. Deploy automated tools that monitor your system 24/7 and can detect and neutralize threats in real time, eliminating opportunities for cybercriminals to launch attacks.
Prioritize software updates
Cybercriminals often exploit outdated software to gain access to systems. That’s why when a software provider releases a security update or patch, install it immediately to close known loopholes.
Invest in cybersecurity awareness training
Most cloud security breaches stem from human error. After all, technology cannot compensate for a lack of awareness. Provide ongoing cybersecurity awareness training for all employees to keep them updated on the current cyberthreats and apply security best practices to strengthen your company’s cyber defenses.
Get in touch with our IT experts today for more cloud security tips and robust protection for your business.
