As businesses increasingly store and process sensitive data in the cloud, they become vulnerable to a variety of security threats that can jeopardize their sensitive data, intellectual property, and overall operations. Here are some notable types of security threats that organizations confront today, backed by data and reputable sources.
Types of security threats faced by enterprises
Malware Attacks: Malicious software designed to exploit vulnerabilities and compromise the security of cloud systems and applications.After the US Department of Homeland Security named Emotet the most dangerous and destructive malware used to steal financial data, it gained notoriety in 2018.
Ransomware Attacks: Sophisticated ransomware attacks encrypt critical data, demanding hefty ransoms for its release.The Conti Ransomware Attack of April 2022 pushed Costa Rica when multiple cyber-attacks shut down its economy – affecting several branches of government and the general public.
Insider Threats: Internal actors with privileged access can intentionally or unintentionally compromise security.
Phishing and Social Engineering: Attackers employ deceptive tactics to trick employees into revealing sensitive information.
Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) Attacks: Malicious actors flood networks or websites, causing service disruptions. In February 2020, AWS announced that it had terminated a significant DDoS attack. This attack generated 2.3 terabits of traffic per second (Tbps) at the peak of its activity.
Account Hijacking: Unauthorized access to user accounts, resulting in data theft, unauthorized transactions, or malicious activities.
Public vs Private Cloud – Security Advantages, Disadvantages, and Risks
| Public Cloud | Private Cloud | |
|---|---|---|
| Security Benefits | Expert security teams and resources | Enhanced control and customization |
| Advanced threat detection systems | Isolated infrastructure | |
| Regular security updates and patches | Stronger data privacy and compliance | |
| Built-in redundancy and disaster recovery capabilities | ||
| Disadvantages | Shared infrastructure and resources | Higher initial setup and maintenance costs |
| Limited control over security measures | Requires specialized IT expertise | |
| Potential for data breaches and unauthorized access | Scalability challenges | |
| Compliance challenges | ||
| Risks | Data leakage or loss | Internal threats and insider attacks |
| Data sovereignty and legal concerns | External attacks and hacking attempts | |
| Lack of transparency and visibility | Data replication and synchronization issues | |
| Dependence on cloud service provider's security measures |
Which is More Secure? Private or Public Cloud?
Determining which is more secure, private or public cloud, is a complex matter with no definitive answer. The choice between private and public clouds depends on specific needs, risk tolerance, and data sensitivity. Many organizations opt for hybrid cloud approaches, combining the strengths of both models.
Mitra can give expert suggestions based on specific use cases and needs of clients for Hybrid cloud solutions . By leveraging a hybrid cloud model, businesses can enjoy the flexibility to deploy workloads in the most suitable environment. Critical and sensitive data can be kept in the private cloud, while non-sensitive data or peak workloads can be offloaded to the public cloud.
This approach allows businesses to optimize security, performance, and cost-efficiency based on their unique needs.
Conclusion
In the dynamic landscape of cloud computing, ensuring robust security measures is paramount for every organization. Understanding the advantages, disadvantages, and risks associated with both private and public clouds is crucial in making informed decisions.
Mitra’s cloud experts are well-equipped to understand your business needs and help devise a cloud solution that aligns with your security goals. Together, we can navigate the cloud securely and drive business success in this digital era. Book a call now!
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