Man on laptop sitting on a cloud

cloud computing misconfiguration

More and more small to mid-sized business owners have realized the benefits of moving their I.T. networks to the cloud lately, especially with the landscape of the workplace evolving at such a break-neck pace since the onset of The Pandemic. The benefits of cloud migrations include lowered I.T. costs, increased productivity, the ability to access work files from anywhere on any device, reduced complexity of your network, efficient disaster recovery, greater flexibility, agility, and automated backups.

A common question we hear all the time is, “But, how safe is it to store company data in the cloud?” The truth is when done correctly, commercial cloud services from an experienced cloud services provider equip your I.T. network with dynamic cloud security that keeps your data properly safeguarded. Unfortunately, moving to the cloud can also be VERY dangerous if cloud security is configured incorrectly!

 

The Biggest Problem Companies Face When Going Cloud-Based Is Misconfigured Cloud Environments.

 

Common Cloud Misconfigurations And Their Dangers:

Cloud misconfigurations are the leading cause of data breaches in the cloud.

68% of cloud-based businesses today say the misconfiguration of their cloud environment is one of the biggest reasons they experience cloud security threats. And 75% of business leaders are worried about how safe their information really is in the cloud. That is why it is crucial for all business owners and executives to be aware of the most common misconfigurations as well as the dangers they pose so you (with the help of an experienced, trustworthy cloud services provider) can avoid these dangers, take full advantage of the cloud, and move your business forward with confidence. Some common cloud misconfigurations include:

  • Automated Backups: Misconfigured automated backups leave your data not just in danger from outside threats but from INSIDE threats, too. When misconfigured, your company data is left accessible to employees it should not be accessible to. This includes employees looking to steal and sell information to cybercriminals! We know you want to trust your employees, but the fact remains they are the BIGGEST threat to your network for multiple reasons and securities need to be configured correctly to restrict access to only what is absolutely necessary. Related blog: Why Your Antivirus Is Useless Against The #1 Security Threat To Your Business
  • Outbound Traffic: While it’s understandable to configure inbound traffic access to your network, outbound access is commonly overlooked or misconfigured. When left incorrectly restricted, your employees are allowed to access applications and servers that are not necessary for work (and can be dangerous). Configuring your cloud environment to restrict outbound traffic to only the applications and servers needed closes the gaps hackers can easily exploit when it is misconfigured.
  • Storage Access: This type of misconfiguration happens when access to stored information and items is done incorrectly. This can potentially allow public access to your stored information. Storage access settings must ONLY grant access to trusted users. This may sound straightforward but is easily misconfigured because even within the organization, only certain users need to be granted access to certain stored items. This can be easily mishandled when done without proper experience.

These cloud misconfigurations leave you completely exposed to cyber-attacks because they lead to vulnerable gaps in your cloud environment. Safeguarding your data simply comes down to properly setting up your office in the cloud. Some common dangers these misconfigurations open your network up to include ransomware, malware, viruses, phishing email attacks, and spear-phishing email attacks. These threats can cost you not only time but lots of money AND your hard-earned reputation.

 

In 2018 and 2019, cloud misconfiguration breaches cost companies almost $5 trillion. – trendmicro.com

 

Why do so many cloud computing misconfigurations happen? Quite simply they happen due to inexperience and human error. If the settings put in place to keep your data stored in the cloud safely are inadequate, the lack of strong security measures allows attackers to easily exploit these vulnerabilities and gain access. That’s why we assess every cloud client’s network to understand their existing network and how it works BEFORE determining the safeties that need to be put in place to make sure no gaps can be found in their cloud environment. This ensures their cloud network is always safe and remains an asset for them, never a danger. Related: Top 5 Essential Cybersecurity Awareness Tips For Employees To Protect Your Network From Disaster  

There are three main cloud computing types: private cloud, public cloud, and a hybrid option that combines private and public. The option you go with depends on your company’s individual needs. If you’re thinking, “I can’t move to the cloud because there is no online version of the application I depend on.” You don’t need to worry! An experienced cloud services provider can make your desktop applications cloud-based. For example, we use our Atmostier Cloud Service to do so for our clients and then host their applications on our servers so they can access them from anywhere. Related: Could Moving To The Cloud Be A Game-Changer For Your Business?

 

“Cloud computing brings many benefits to businesses of all sizes, like increased uptime and work from anywhere convenience.  However, the increase of cyber-attacks on cloud solutions shows that the cloud is not an easy button. Misconfigured cloud solutions leave businesses with gaps in their cybersecurity that can lead to data breaches and information theft. Get expert cloud services help to ensure your cloud applications are configured properly and you have a working backup and recovery solution.”Neal Juern, CEO, Juern Technology

 

Migrating to the cloud comes with MANY benefits, however, we DO NOT suggest you move any part of your office to the cloud until you AT LEAST consult with a trustworthy managed cloud services provider first. A consultation will help to carefully assess what you currently have and to make sure all crucial security and compliance requirements are being met during migration and beyond. This is the only way to avoid the dangers misconfigurations expose your IT network to, leaving your data (and even your company’s future) at risk of falling victim to slimy cybercriminals. When done correctly, cloud computing will give you the technology that actually keeps up with your growing company, allowing you to continue to scale and adapt your business safely.

Ready To Take Your Business To The Next Level With Cloud Computing?

If you need help assessing your network environment before moving to the cloud, or if your process of moving all or part of your business to the cloud has already begun but need some help configuring your cloud migration correctly, we’re offering prospective new clients in the San Antonio and Austin areas with 40 computers or more a Cloud Readiness Assessment. This assessment will allow you to move your business forward with confidence knowing your cloud solutions are configured correctly and your data is properly safeguarded. Give us a call at (210) 245-6900 or click here https://www.juerntech.com/lovethecloud/ to request a FREE, no-obligation Cloud Readiness Assessment for your business today!