9 Major Cloud Storage Security Issues & How To Address Them

Today, more users than ever use a cloud service provider to store their data. Doing so lets you store data off-site, preventing wear and tear to your hardware. Additionally, being able to access your files whenever you need them provides another welcomed convenience.

Unfortunately, cloud software still exposes you to security risks, leading to compromised cloud storage, leaked data, malware infections, and more.

Most cloud infrastructure comes with security measures, and you can upgrade your cloud security. However, these measures don’t work perfectly and can vary across devices and networks.

9 Issues With Cloud Storage Security That You Should Be Aware Of

So today, we list nine major concerns and security threats you should be aware of. To protect your data in the cloud, reach out to a San Francisco provider of managed services today.

Shared servers

Cloud storage doesn’t mean your data floats around in the clouds and no one can access it. Cloud storage providers still hold your sensitive data on servers. Since cloud providers don’t create private servers for every user, space becomes shared among various customers.

While this process eliminates the need for a physical location, users that compromise your server’s security can quickly upload damaging files or programs.

Sensitive data leakage

A data breach can result in leaked business or customer data, creating many problems. Even with the proper measures in place, your storage provider may accidentally reveal this data.

You can find different ways to deal with data breaches and leaked data. For starters, you want to ensure you correctly secure your company’s network. You can also implement multi-factor authentication to prevent access from the wrong people.

Training employees on how to keep their sensitive data safe also goes a long way. However, some employees might not be as tech-savvy or are still adjusting to the public cloud.

An insecure API or interface

For cloud infrastructure, various APIs (application programming interfaces) exist. Generally, these interfaces are accessible for customers to use.

However, a customer needs to secure their interfaces for their cloud solutions. Without secured access, a cybercriminal can find a way to bypass your cloud security and control data.

No backup services

One gripe cloud service providers sometimes receive is that their cloud services don’t include automatic data backups. While not true of every storage provider, many don’t. Before investing in cloud storage, ask a potential cloud provider if they offer this service.

Unsecured devices

With cloud storage and remote work, a new business model has emerged in the workplace. Instead of using a company’s computer, employers now encourage users to bring their own laptops or other devices.

Of course, this can have many benefits across the board. This new BYOD culture’s benefits include making employees feel like they have more control while also saving the company money.

However, devices that access a company’s data can pose a considerable cloud security risk if an employee’s device lacks security. Another security risk lies in Shadow IT, which means a worker uses a device to access your network even though it’s not registered.

Requiring employees to use company hardware and software can lower these top cloud storage security issues.

Unauthorized access

The cloud is accessible from the public internet, which offers many advantages. For starters, you can easily access Google Drive or other applications no matter your location—provided you have internet.

Another advantage stems from the reduced chance of data loss following power outages caused by natural disasters. However, without on-site network infrastructure, unauthorized users can expose cloud credentials.

An unauthorized user can pose many cloud security risks, from small operations to companies using enterprise data. A hacker can even gain direct access without a company or organization realizing it.

Overall data privacy

While physical data centers can require a lot of time and money to run, you will more likely know how protected your data stored is. However, it’s much harder to tell if your account credentials and data stay secure with the cloud.

It doesn’t hurt to take a hybrid approach to storing data and preventing cloud storage security threats. Elect to store your most crucial data on a physical server while keeping less critical data available on the cloud.

Lack of access controls

Businesses and organizations should have control access that allows only certain parties entrance to internal systems. Some cloud systems already have these controls in place, while others require you to set them up.

Other cloud storage security vulnerabilities

Other cloud computing security risks exist, but new company policies can correct some of these issues.

Many factors can lead to hijacked accounts, magnifying these problems when several users connect to a network. For example, many people will reuse weak passwords that can become easily exposed.

Since employees will use this password across multiple devices using the same network, a company should promptly address security concerns. Educating employees always serves as a good start, ensuring they use strong passwords and other measures.

Ways To Minimize Risks With Cloud Services

While many cloud security issues exist, you can learn ways to deal with these issues.

The first step is ensuring you use the right cloud computing services. Unfortunately, not every service is optimized initially, and not every cloud computing provider will be eager to help if an issue occurs.

Organizations can also invest in a private cloud as they tend to have better security. With a private cloud, a single entity controls your network, and others can’t use it.

Although more expensive than a publicly accessed cloud storage service, you can minimize any security threat and prevent data loss.

Lastly, ensure your network and hardware receive help from our Renascence IT Consulting team.

For the Best Cloud Service Provider, Call Renascence IT Consulting

The cloud has many advantages, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t without security risks. The best way to ensure your cloud network stays secured is with help from Renascence IT Consulting. We’re proud to be a premium cloud storage provider.

Securing your computer network at home is easy when San Francisco businesses call us at (510) 552-6896!