Can the Cloud Be Hacked? Cloud Computing Security Issues and Challenges

Typically, hackers can gain access to your data or systems through vulnerabilities in the cloud infrastructure or user error of some type (whether malicious or non-intentional). Other cloud attack techniques include launching attacks against other businesses using the same cloud provider.
 

Despite numerous assurances from cloud providers that their products and cloud-based solutions are secure, many people are still concerned about what could happen if their information was stolen or accessed by hackers. 

There are three key security issues with cloud computing, which coincide with the cybersecurity “CIA” triad: confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Confidentiality ensures that sensitive data can only be accessed by authorized individuals, and integrity is the assurance that any data or information cannot be altered or deleted without authorization. Availability ensures that data is available when it’s needed.
 

Many factors contribute to the challenges of cloud computing security, and most are equally relevant for on-premise infrastructure. 


For cloud specifically, enterprise cloud providers have scores of customers, so they need to have enough servers to meet the skyrocketing demand. This growth makes it difficult to secure all the servers and data against attack. 

Second, the cloud is global, which means people can access data from anywhere in the world at any time. 

Last, and certainly not least, is third-party risk management. One of the primary concerns with cloud security is that businesses are increasingly sharing resources with other organizations. Even if your company’s security is robust, what about the companies you do business with? This increases the potential for a security incident if one of those businesses’ resources is compromised.

Comparing the benefits and drawbacks of private vs. public cloud security is beyond the scope of this article, but here’s what you need to know about cloud computing security issues and challenges. Just because your cloud is private, you must resist falling into a sense of complacency in which you believe all your firewalls and network security solutions are providing complete protection. 

No matter which cloud-based solution you’ve deployed, threats that rely on social engineering (like malware and ransomware) can bypass all security measures. Today, employees are working more remotely than ever. No matter where they’re located, they can easily download or click a malicious link that can provide attackers with the ammunition they need to compromise your systems.

So, can a cloud be hacked? One final thing to mention is that many companies lack the expertise and resources to manage private cloud security.

Ultimately, we’re not suggesting one cloud type – private vs public cloud security is better than the other. You need to weigh out the benefits and drawbacks of each and match them to your organizational requirements. While security is critical, you should also take financial and operational considerations into account.

3. Practice good basic security hygiene

Backups and patch management may sound boring, but sometimes these simple processes can make a world of difference for your company’s security posture. Backups (cloud or otherwise) offer a layer of protection from ransomware and other malware that can prevent you from accessing your files. With a good backup, you can restore your data and minimize the damage.

Patching your hardware and software is an incredibly effective method of preventing attacks. When your software and hardware are up to date, the vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit are addressed. Unpatched vulnerabilities are one of most prominent attack methods, so patching keeps you one step ahead. 

4. Use encryption and multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible 

5. Manage those passwords 

Use strong passwords (the longer and more complicated, the better) and ensure they are changed at least once per year. Use a password manager to manage your passwords; while they are a single point of failure, they provide more security than having employees write their passwords on sticky notes or physically “hiding” them.