5 Little-Known Cloud Security Stories that Every Tech Security Director Should Know

The reason most tech security directors overlook certain cloud security stories is because they are often overshadowed by the more prominent and well-known threats. However, these lesser-known stories can still have a significant impact on an organization's cloud security. In this blog post, we're going to walk you through 5 little-known cloud security stories that every tech security director should know.

Introduction

The cloud has become an integral part of the modern tech landscape, offering numerous benefits such as scalability and cost-efficiency. However, it also presents unique security challenges that need to be addressed. While many tech security directors are well-aware of the common cloud security threats, there are some lesser-known stories that deserve their attention. By understanding and proactively addressing these stories, tech security directors can strengthen their organization's cloud security posture.

We're going to explore the following five little-known cloud security stories:

• Cloud Misconfigurations
• Insider Threats
• Third-Party Risks
• Shadow IT
• Zero-Trust Framework

By delving into these stories, tech security directors can gain valuable insights and implement effective strategies to enhance their organization's cloud security.

Cloud Misconfigurations

Misconfigurations remain a prevalent risk to cloud security. In fact, according to a study by DivvyCloud, 80% of all data breaches in the cloud are due to misconfigurations. This statistic highlights the importance of properly configuring cloud resources to ensure data confidentiality and protect against potential risks.

One common mistake is failing to regularly audit and review cloud configurations. By neglecting this crucial step, organizations are leaving themselves vulnerable to attacks. To address this, tech security directors should implement a regular auditing process to identify and rectify misconfigurations promptly.

For example, consider a company that suffered a data breach due to a misconfigured S3 bucket. This incident compromised customer data and severely damaged the company's reputation. The takeaway here is to regularly review and update cloud configurations to minimize the risk of data breaches.

Insider Threats

Insider threats pose a significant risk to cloud security. Often, employees with malicious intent can exploit their authorized access to compromise sensitive data. In fact, according to a report by Verizon, insider threats accounted for 30% of data breaches in 2020.

To address this risk, tech security directors should implement robust access controls and monitoring systems. Regularly reviewing user access permissions and monitoring unusual or suspicious activities can help detect and prevent insider threats effectively.

A real-life example of the consequences of insider threats is evident when an employee with access to critical cloud resources sold sensitive customer data to a competitor. This incident had severe repercussions on both the company's reputation and finances. The important takeaway here is to establish comprehensive access controls and implement monitoring mechanisms to mitigate the risks associated with insider threats.

Third-Party Risks

Working with third-party vendors introduces additional vulnerabilities and potential data breaches. According to a study by Ponemon Institute, 56% of organizations experienced a third-party data breach in 2020. This statistic underscores the importance of conducting thorough due diligence assessments and implementing strong contractual agreements.

A common mistake in managing third-party risks is failing to ensure vendors adhere to robust security protocols. To mitigate this, tech security directors should regularly assess and monitor third-party vendors' security practices and enforce strict contractual obligations.

A concrete example of a third-party risk is when a company's cloud security was compromised due to a third-party vendor's weak authentication system, leading to unauthorized access. The takeaway from this story is to prioritize security assessments and maintain clear expectations with third-party vendors to minimize associated cloud security risks.

Shadow IT

Shadow IT refers to employees using unauthorized cloud services, which can undermine an organization's cloud security efforts. According to Gartner, by 2023, one-third of successful attacks on cloud-based platforms will be due to shadow IT.

To address this risk, tech security directors should establish a comprehensive cloud usage policy and educate employees on the risks of unauthorized cloud service usage. Providing secure alternatives and implementing regular communication can help minimize the adoption of shadow IT.

An illustrative example of the consequences of shadow IT arises when an employee uses a personal cloud storage service to store sensitive customer data, resulting in a security breach. The key takeaway here is to regularly communicate and enforce policies surrounding authorized cloud services to minimize the risks of shadow IT.

Zero-Trust Framework

Traditional perimeter-based security measures are insufficient to protect against evolving cloud threats. This is where adopting a zero-trust framework becomes crucial. According to the 2020 State of Zero Trust Security Survey, 78% of organizations have either implemented or planned to adopt a zero-trust security model.

A zero-trust framework ensures granular access control and vigilance throughout the cloud environment. By consistently verifying and authenticating users, devices, and applications, tech security directors can strengthen their organization's cloud security posture.

A practical example of a zero-trust framework's effectiveness is when a company prevented a data breach by implementing a zero-trust model that effectively identified and stopped unauthorized access attempts. The takeaway from this story is to embrace a zero-trust framework to protect against ever-evolving cloud threats.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while tech security directors are familiar with the common cloud security threats, it is crucial to also pay attention to lesser-known cloud security stories. Cloud misconfigurations, insider threats, third-party risks, shadow IT, and a zero-trust framework are all important areas that tech security directors need to address to enhance their organization's cloud security posture. By understanding these stories' implications, tech security directors can proactively protect their organization's sensitive data and maintain a secure cloud environment.