Technology Vulnerabilities In The Cloud 2 ✓ Solved

Technology vulnerabilities in the cloud 2 Technology vulnerabilities

Cloud computing is a technology for virtualization that uses data pooling. Cloud is an updating technology that incorporates concurrent, distributed, or grid computing with conventional computing technologies. It is a modern trend of the Internet that enables a wide variety of consumers to manage by distributing services over the Internet at once. The data owner can store data in the cloud remotely and enjoy cloud services such as on-demand self-service, resource pooling, and fast resource elasticity. Vulnerability is a significant risk factor for manipulating the threat that harms the device in cloud computing.

Unauthorized control system entry, network protocol vulnerabilities, data recuperation insecurity, and billing and calculation avoidance are some of the many vulnerabilities in cloud computing. Misconfigured cloud computing is a prominent vulnerability that adversely impacts numerous organizations today. Cloud computing serves as a rich pool of sensitive information that attracts cybercriminals. According to a Symantec report, nearly 70 million documents were compromised or leaked in 2018 due to improperly configured cloud storage buckets. Such misconfigurations continue to impose significant costs on businesses.

Another critical vulnerability in cloud computing is unstable APIs. Cloud infrastructure processes are designed to streamline application user interfaces (APIs), yet if these APIs are left vulnerable, they create open communication lines for attackers to manipulate cloud services. Studies estimate that attackers frequently exploit APIs as a threat vector to access business application data. In recent research, it was revealed that two-thirds of businesses have made their APIs publicly accessible to external developers and business partners. This increasing reliance on APIs allows attackers to leverage unsafe APIs for malicious operations, such as insufficient authentication practices.

Many developers operate under the misconception that attackers will not scrutinize backend APIs, leading to a lack of proper authorization controls. Inadequate authorization can make backend data compromises trivial for attackers. Such vulnerabilities can result in significant loss or theft of intellectual property (IP), a crucial asset for organizations. Given that 21 percent of files submitted to cloud-based file-sharing platforms contain confidential information, including IP records, the risk of data breaches in cloud resources is substantial. If misused, these resources can grant criminals access to sensitive information.

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The shift to cloud computing has revolutionized IT infrastructure, offering scalability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. However, as organizations increasingly depend on cloud services, the risk of vulnerabilities also escalates. In this essay, we will delve into the prominent technology vulnerabilities in the cloud, examining misconfigurations, API weaknesses, and intellectual property threats while underscoring the importance of robust security measures.

Misconfigurations in Cloud Environments

Misconfiguration of cloud services poses one of the most significant threats to cloud security. As highlighted in the research by Suryateja (2018), misconfigured cloud computing has caused severe security incidents, with sensitive information exposed due to incorrect settings. Such misconfigurations can result from a lack of adequate knowledge and expertise among employees managing cloud resources. For instance, a common issue arises when companies fail to restrict access rights to cloud storage and databases, inadvertently allowing unauthorized users to access sensitive data.

The impact of these misconfigurations can be monumental. The 2018 Symantec report revealing the compromise of nearly 70 million documents signifies the need for organizations to prioritize cloud configuration management. Companies must implement stringent protocols for verifying and regularly auditing their cloud settings to minimize the risk of data breaches.

API Vulnerabilities

APIs serve as essential components in cloud computing, enabling seamless communication between applications. Nonetheless, insecure APIs represent a significant security vulnerability. As noted by Hashizume et al. (2013), many organizations expose their APIs to external developers without implementing necessary security measures. This exposure can result in attackers leveraging various attack vectors, including insufficient authentication and lack of proper authorization controls.

For example, many companies do not anticipate that malicious actors will target backend APIs. As a result, developers may neglect to implement robust authentication mechanisms, opening the door for unauthorized access. The potential consequences of these oversights are far-reaching. Attackers could exploit unsecured APIs to manipulate cloud services, extract sensitive information, or even launch larger-scale cyberattacks.

Intellectual Property Threats

Protecting intellectual property is crucial for any organization, especially in an increasingly interconnected digital landscape. As noted by Chou (2013), IP theft is a significant concern, and many companies store sensitive intellectual property in the cloud. With approximately 21 percent of files contained in cloud storage platforms holding confidential information, the risk of IP theft becomes alarmingly high.

To safeguard their intellectual property, organizations must adopt comprehensive data protection strategies. Implementing encryption for sensitive files stored in the cloud can mitigate the risk of unauthorized access. Additionally, organizations should establish clear policies governing access to confidential information and regularly conduct training to ensure employees are aware of the risks and best practices for safeguarding data.

The Need for Strong Security Measures

The vulnerabilities associated with cloud computing underscore the necessity for organizations to adopt rigorous security protocols. Regular audits, employee training, and robust incident response plans are critical components of effective cloud security management. Furthermore, leveraging advanced security technologies, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, can enhance organizations' ability to detect and respond to potential threats in real time.

In summary, while cloud computing delivers numerous benefits to organizations, it also presents significant security vulnerabilities. Misconfigurations, insecure APIs, and threats to intellectual property can jeopardize the sensitive data that organizations hold. By implementing comprehensive security measures, organizations can better protect their assets and navigate the complexities of cloud computing securely.

References

• Chou, T. S. (2013). Security threats on cloud computing vulnerabilities. International Journal of Computer Science & Information Technology, 5(3), 79.
• Dahbur, K., Mohammad, B., & Tarakji, A. B. (2011). A survey of risks, threats, and vulnerabilities in cloud computing. In Proceedings of the 2011 International conference on intelligent semantic Web-services and applications (pp. 1-6).
• Grobauer, B., Walloschek, T., & Stocker, E. (2010). Understanding cloud computing vulnerabilities. IEEE Security & Privacy, 9(2), 50-57.
• Hashizume, K., Rosado, D. G., Fernández-Medina, E., & Fernandez, E. B. (2013). An analysis of security issues for cloud computing. Journal of internet services and applications, 4(1), 1-13.
• Suryateja, P. S. (2018). Threats and vulnerabilities of cloud computing: a review. International Journal of Computer Sciences and Engineering, 6(3).