Cloud is an integral part of the organizational network and infrastructures. They offer significant benefits to organizations and streamline all their operations and functionalities. However, cloud security is emerging as a real challenge and threat for business setups.
Every organization faces cloud vulnerabilities at one point or another. These security loopholes can invite and entertain the hackers while causing a loss to the setup. Cloud penetration testing is the best strategy to look for and fix cloud vulnerabilities. Before that, you must be aware of their types to not overlook them.
Keep scrolling down into the details of this article to get your hands on cloud vulnerabilities organizations should watch out for and learn the strategies to fix them.
Top 6 Cloud Vulnerabilities Organizations Must Know
Cloud services and solutions have become inevitable for business setups in this advanced era. The same is exposed to various threats and vulnerabilities which can compromise network and data security. Learning about the vulnerabilities is the first step towards identifying issues and implementing solutions.
Here are the most notable cloud vulnerabilities organizations must know about to manage them efficiently before it is too late.
1. Insecure APIs
Insecure APIs are the first and foremost cloud vulnerability organizations should never ignore. APIs are application programming interfaces that allow two or more programs to communicate with each other. These are used in cloud services to allow applications to share data with each other.
However, the insecure APIs can expose sensitive information to third parties and lead to data leaks. Detecting such vulnerabilities early on and fixing them is possible through cloud penetration testing. Many organizations hire penetration testing companies in the UAE and let experts fix vulnerabilities and boost API security for smooth data sharing.
2. Cloud Misconfiguration
Cloud misconfiguration is one of the most common cloud vulnerabilities organizations should be aware of. The glitches, errors, or gaps in the cloud adoption process are termed cloud misconfiguration. These glitches and errors can expose the environment to high risks, leading to data leaks and breaches.
Insecure automated backups, default credentials, and unrestricted inbound and outbound ports are the common signs and examples of cloud misconfiguration. Cloud penetration testing is an effective means to explore and fix these vulnerabilities before they cause major data and reputational loss.
3. Poor Visibility of Cloud Infrastructure
Poor visibility of cloud infrastructure is another notable cloud vulnerability for organizations. The infrastructure of an organization expands with reliance on more cloud services. The authorities do not pay equal attention to all the services and activities, which can lead to delays in quick action in case of threat.
The lack of immediate response can lead to data breaches and cause irreparable loss to authorities. It is essential to monitor the whole cloud infrastructure to detect the threats. You can also implement cloud penetration testing to identify and fix vulnerabilities promptly.
4. Weak Credentials
Weak credentials are another common cloud vulnerability organizations need to watch out for. Using simple and the same passwords for all business and personal accounts is nothing less than inviting hackers. Moreover, relying on common passwords or reusing previous ones can also cause vulnerabilities.
Even hackers with basic skills can use automated tools to guess the password and access the account within minutes. You can utilize various types of tests to check the strength of your cloud and other business account passwords. You can also use software to generate complex password keys and implement two-factor authentication to further secure account access.
5. Outdated Software
Outdated software is another significant cloud vulnerability organizations need to pay heed to. Every other organization uses one or more third-party software. These can develop bugs and errors, and the software companies launch updates after fixing these issues. However, many organizations take the updates lightly and do not upgrade to the latest versions.
The security of previous software versions is also poor, as the providers stop working on them. It leaves a vulnerability for opportunist hackers and provides them access. So, you must install software updates as soon as they are launched to boost the functioning and security of your setup.
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6. Weak Access Management
Weak access management is the last cloud vulnerability organizations should watch out for. Business organizations establish proper access controls and manage them efficiently to ensure that only authorized people get access to sensitive data. However, some overlook the protocols and do not manage access regularly.
It can allow hackers, as well as former employees, to get into the system and misuse the data for personal gain. The authorities must inactivate access to unauthorized parties to boost overall security. You can hire penetration testing companies in UAE to explore and fix all cloud vulnerabilities and strengthen cloud security.
Wondering how to identify cloud vulnerabilities?
Knowing the cloud vulnerabilities does not mean you can identify them easily. Contact professional penetration testing companies to launch the test, identify security gaps, and implement necessary measures to boost cloud security.