TL;DR - Stay ahead of cloud security threats in 2024 by monitoring key risks like data exposure, misconfigurations, IAM challenges, and supply chain attacks. Implement proactive security strategies to safeguard your cloud assets.
As cloud technology continues to evolve, so do the threats that target it. Staying ahead of these threats is crucial for maintaining a secure cloud environment. In 2024, security professionals must be vigilant and proactive to safeguard their cloud assets. This blog highlights the key cloud security threats to monitor in the upcoming year.
Cloud Adoption and Multi-Cloud Usage
Cloud adoption continues to rise, with more organizations expanding their cloud footprints. According to recent data, 57% of companies now use more than one cloud platform. This trend towards multi-cloud environments increases the complexity of cloud security, requiring teams to have expertise across multiple platforms and their interfaces.
Increase in API Calls and Managed Services
The number of API calls has surged, with AWS seeing a 15% increase, Azure a 20% increase, and GCP a staggering 45% increase. While these APIs enhance cloud capabilities, they also expand the attack surface. Managed services have also grown, introducing new security challenges that need to be addressed.
Notable Cloud Security Threats in 2024
Data Exposure
Data exposure remains a critical concern. Our data shows that 47% of companies have at least one database or storage bucket publicly exposed to the internet. Alarmingly, an attacker can discover and access an exposed bucket with a guessable name in less than 13 hours. Ensuring that sensitive data is properly secured and not publicly accessible is paramount.
Misconfigurations
Misconfigurations are a common source of vulnerabilities in cloud environments. These errors can lead to unintended exposure of sensitive data or services. Regular audits and automated tools can help detect and remediate misconfigurations before they are exploited.
Identity and Access Management (IAM) Risks
IAM continues to be a challenging aspect of cloud security. In complex cloud environments, managing permissions and access controls is crucial. Robust IAM policies and practices, including the principle of least privilege, are essential for minimizing risks.
Supply Chain Attacks
Supply chain attacks have become more prevalent, targeting cloud services and the software they depend on. Protecting against these attacks requires a comprehensive approach, including vetting third-party providers and implementing strict access controls.
Strategies for Effective Cloud Security
To effectively manage cloud security threats, organizations should:
- Enhance Visibility and Monitoring: Utilize advanced monitoring tools to gain visibility into cloud environments and detect threats in real time.
- Leverage Automation and AI: Implement automation and AI-driven solutions to identify and respond to threats swiftly.
- Foster Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing: Engage with the security community to share insights and best practices, strengthening collective defenses.
.svg){kind=small}
