Is a data breach in the cloud possible? Can hackers and cybercriminals get into your cloud storage? If they can, how could they do that? To know more, read for details below.
Data Breach in the Cloud
The cloud is a volatile area that is often attacked by hackers, next to the personal computer. The security of cloud storage is an important issue with Cloud service providers. Who explains that they have been implementing a variety of security measures to protect sensitive data from being breached.
While this is true, there are still threats and possible data breaches in the cloud. So how do all these threats and attacks happen?
Data Breaches through Internet-facing APIs
Cloud service providers offer a variety of APIs for developers to use in their applications. These APIs can be used to access and upload any data stored in the cloud storage. Hackers and cybercriminals often target these APIs and use them to get into cloud storage.
The biggest example of such an attack is when Amazon suffered a massive outage that took down many popular websites such as Reddit, Foursquare, and others. The reason for this outage was due to unsecured APIs of Amazon Web Services (AWS) that allowed hackers to get access to information stored on the underlying servers and databases of AWS.
Data Breaches through Phishing Attacks
Cloud service providers also offer their users a variety of tools and features such as file sharing, file-versioning, and more. As for this case, phishing attacks can be done by hackers to get access to your account and get your files stored on the cloud storage.
Data Breaches through Malware
Data breaches in the cloud can also be done through malware. Just like any other computer or mobile device, malware can get into your cloud storage once you download it from an infected source or click on malicious links sent by hackers. Malware may also be placed on the server itself by attackers who are attempting to steal your files or data stored on it.
Data Breach in iCloud
There are various ways that data breaches in iCloud happen. One of which is having weak passwords which are easy to guess by attackers. Another way is when you use vulnerable software which has security holes that are also exploited by hackers.
Other ways include using devices with out-of-date or unsupported software, using jailbroken iPhones, or connecting your iPhone to an unknown PC. Lastly, there are issues related to Apple’s iCloud system itself.
Data Breach in Other Cloud Services
There are also data breaches in other cloud services such as Dropbox, Google Drive, and others. Just like the case of iCloud, various ways can happen. For example, hackers can get access into the personal computer of the account holder and then get the credentials that are used to access the cloud storage.
Another way is when you download malware unknowingly that installs spyware or keyloggers that record your every move on the computer. Lastly, there are issues related to the software itself wherein some software may have security holes that are exploited by attackers.
So, you should be more careful about where you store your data and what you share with strangers or people who you don’t know well.
