2024’s exclusive guide for UK businesses migrating to Cloud Computing environments.
Cloud computing offers significant advantages for businesses, but it’s not without its risks. Security-related vulnerabilities in Cloud environments can pose severe threats to your data and operations.
At Aerial Direct, we’ve been at the forefront of telecoms and IT services for over 35 years, our experience supports more than 85,000 businesses across the UK. We understand how important security is in today’s digital world.
With security in mind, we will cover the top 10 common cloud vulnerabilities that will impact your business if you do not protect yourself from them. Our team are on hand to support your business and has pulled together tips and insights into mitigating the most common vulnerabilities.
Understanding Cloud Vulnerabilities
Before we dive into specific vulnerabilities, it’s essential to understand the key definitions associated with Cloud security:
Risks: The potential for threats to exploit vulnerabilities, will lead to negative outcomes or impact on your business.
Threats: Actions or behaviours that pose a danger to your Cloud environment, such as a Distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack or human error.
Vulnerabilities: Weaknesses or flaws in your Cloud security, like misconfigured firewalls or unpatched, out-of-date software.
By taking a proactive approach to addressing vulnerabilities, you will significantly reduce the risk of security breaches and protect your Cloud environment.
Here are the top 10 Cloud Computing Vulnerabilities to avoid:
1. Misconfiguration
Misconfigurations are a leading cause of Cloud vulnerabilities. Cloud platforms offer a vast range of configuration options and mistakes can leave your data exposed. To mitigate this risk, our Aerial Direct IT professionals suggest the following:
- Adopt a ‘least privilege’ or ‘zero trust’ approach to restrict access to only those who need it. This includes making sure your team are fully and frequently trained to help reduce human error.
- Use Cloud service policies to ensure resources are private or secure by default.
- Regularly audit your Cloud configurations to log, identify and correct errors.
- Implement encryption for data at rest and in transit.
2. Access Control
Weak access controls can allow unauthorised users to take control of your Cloud environments & data. To strengthen access control, there are some simple processes you can put in place:
- Use a strong password (ideally over 14 characters) with multi-factor authentication.
- Avoid remembering credentials on devices for extended periods.
- Require regular re-authentication for users.
- Employ Cloud-native access controls instead of third-party tools such as 2FA or Authentication apps.
3. Shadow IT
Shadow IT refers to unauthorised Cloud accounts or applications created by your employees. These often lack proper security measures. Tackle shadow IT by making sure you:
- Standardise your Cloud practices and guidelines.
- Encourage transparency and adherence to company policies.
- Monitor activity for unauthorised Cloud deployments.
4. Insecure APIs
APIs are vital for information feeds but can be insecure if not properly checked before they are implemented. To ensure your APIs are secure:
- Implement strong authentication and data encryption.
- Regularly monitor and log API activity.
- Conduct security reviews and penetration testing.
5. Regulations
Cloud providers and businesses who use them share responsibility for Cloud security and the data they hold. Regulatory violations occur when sensitive data is compromised – this could include personal data relating to your customers or even transactional–based data. To avoid violations and possible fines, consider:
- Ensuring your business is up to date with compliance with regulations including GDPR.
- Secure and encrypt customer data to prevent unauthorised access, we recommend regular audits to ensure access levels are as they should be.
- Implement robust data management practices throughout your company and not just your Cloud environment.
6. Cloud Outages
Cloud outages are infrequent but can happen due to infrastructure/hardware failures, DDoS attacks, or configuration issues. You can reduce the risks to your business from Cloud outages by:
- Build in high-availability and disaster recovery plans which include multi–location Cloud storage.
- Regularly test your backup and recovery plans.
- Have a structured support process with your MSP built around your standard working hours.
7. Data Management
Data management is critical for Cloud security. If you do not have adequate processes in place, you expose your business data to vulnerabilities, legal challenges and financial penalties. Make sure your organisation:
- Encrypt sensitive data and log access activity.
- Implement robust data lifecycle management practices.
- Ensure secure data destruction at the end of its valuable life.
8. Standardisation
Inconsistent Cloud practices can lead to security oversights and one of the largest vulnerabilities in this area is human error. Standardise your Cloud processes by:
- Developing and communicating clear guidelines and best practices.
- Implementing a consistent approach to Cloud adoption.
9. Monitoring
Real–time monitoring of your Cloud infrastructure allows you to manage and secure your Cloud environment effectively. Improve monitoring via:
- Native or third-party activity tracking or monitoring tools.
- Reviewing logs and configuration changes.
- Monitoring application performance and user experience.
- Enabling your MSP to maintain your Cloud environment.
10. Technology Ecosystem
A rapidly changing technology ecosystem can introduce vulnerabilities. Make sure you keep your ecosystem under control by:
- Working with reputable hardware and software vendors.
- Ensuring open-source software is thoroughly vetted and secure.
- Staying up to date with the latest security patches and updates.
Migrating data storage from your on-premises servers to a Cloud environment can be a challenging process and you need to take time to evaluate the vulnerabilities. However, you can work with an IT Managed Services Provider, such as Aerial Direct, as a simple way to make sure you are staying on top of all these potential issues.
We understand that Cloud security is a top priority for businesses, and we have taken time to make sure that our Virtual Private Cloud offering is ‘Secure by Default’. Our UK-based team of telecoms and IT service delivery specialists are dedicated to helping you migrate and secure your Cloud environment. This is especially the case when you’re facing misconfigurations, poor access control, or other vulnerabilities. With over 14,500 positive Trustpilot reviews, 85,000 UK-based companies and a 35-year track record, we’re here to support your business’s Cloud infrastructure needs.