What Are the Risks of Cloud Storage?

The security of our data, whether personal or professional, is something most of us take seriously. We recently discussed strategies for data security and highlighted how best to enhance data protection, both now and in the future. However, many of us think we are doing the best we can, without realising the risks we are exposing ourselves to. Cloud storage, for instance, has often been seen as a secure way to keep vital information off-site and inaccessible to thieves. There are still risks associated with cloud storage that are perhaps not discussed often enough.

In this blog, we take a closer look at cloud storage security risks so you can ensure your valuable information is kept as secure as possible.

What is cloud storage?

Cloud storage is a service whereby you store data on remote servers that are accessed online. Rather than hoarding stacks of data in the workplace on physical devices and hard drives, the data sits on these third-party servers and can be accessed from anywhere. The servers are managed and maintained by cloud providers like Google Drive, Dropbox and iCloud.

Seen as cost-effective, easily accessible, collaborative and scalable, it is perhaps sought out mostly for its security. Data is often encrypted, making it much harder for thieves to make use of it. However, it does come with risks.

What cloud storage risks are there?

Although cloud storage is generally safe, it does have some security risks worth being aware of.

Insufficient privacy

When using a cloud storage system, you are theoretically putting your data in the hands of others. This means that there could be rogue employees or hackers able to steal your vital files. This shouldn’t happen if you have adequate privacy controls in place, but if you have opted for a cheap cloud service or one with minimal features, you could be leaving your data exposed.

Look for end-to-end encryption as a feature. This means your files are locked when they are uploaded to the cloud and cannot be accessed by anyone other than you and those on your network.

Account breaches

Your cloud storage will be tied to an account with your chosen provider. If you don’t have the relevant protection in place, such as a strong password or unique username, it can become easier for someone to access your account and steal valuable data. It is even possible for stolen information to be sold, putting you at further risk of additional breaches.

To reduce this risk, you should find out if your cloud storage service provider offers 2FA (two-factor authentication). Enabling 2FA means that even if a criminal has found your account details, they still can’t gain access, as only you or your team will have the security key or one-time password your 2FA tool has produced for this login attempt.

In addition, consider using a password manager to create truly unique passwords for your cloud storage accounts and regularly monitor account activity. If you see unusual logins or activity, report it to your cloud storage provider immediately.

Increased vulnerability

Despite cloud storage being generally secure, using a cloud service can increase the opportunities for your data to be stolen. This is because your “attack surface,” as it is sometimes referred to, is increased. Whereas data held solely on your devices is kept within your own security parameters, transferring it to a third party opens up the risk. Your data is now largely protected by how proficient the cloud storage provider is. If you use your cloud storage for collaborations with third parties, this surface grows even larger.

Minimise third-party integrations, always ensure software updates are completed and enquire about zero-knowledge encryption. This form of encryption means that not even the service provider can access your data, as you are the only one with the encryption keys.

Lack of compliance

There are some industries, such as healthcare and finance, where strict compliance procedures are in place. While these may be met at a more granular level, cloud providers may not have sufficient rules in place to maintain this level of compliance. Therefore, a full understanding of what service is being provided should be investigated before signing up to a cloud storage company.

Accidental data loss

For the most part, cloud storage providers are reliable and trustworthy. The majority have strict procedures in place for how their service operates. Occasionally though accidental deletion, failures with the cloud system or a breach can result in data being completely lost.

Man-in-the-middle attacks

Although rare, it can happen. A man-in-the-middle attack is where your data is stolen or altered when it moves from your device to the cloud service. This is another reason why encryption is essential when looking for a cloud storage provider.

Denial-of-service attacks

These attacks may not always compromise the data itself, but they could prevent you from accessing what you need when you need it. Denial-of-service attacks occur when the hacker overloads cloud servers, causing them to be temporarily shut down.

Location

Depending on where your cloud storage service is located, there may be very different rules relating to data handling than what you find in your country. As a result, files you classify as confidential may be subject to different surveillance laws and therefore be classed as accessible.

How to minimise cloud storage security risks

You can help reduce the possibility of a breach by following some of the advice mentioned above. This is summarised below, with some additional hints and tips worth keeping in mind:

  • Use strong and unique passwords
  • Enable two- or multi-factor authentication for an additional layer of security
  • Restrict access to only those who need it
  • Use secure API keys and rotate them regularly
  • Enable firewalls and/or VPNs
  • Ensure TLS/SSL encryption is used for all data transfers
  • Implement real-time activity logging and monitoring
  • Source intrusion detection and prevention where possible
  • Set up alerts for unauthorised access attempts
  • Restrict third-party access
  • Regularly back up your data
  • Choose a cloud storage provider with ISO 27001 certification and learn more about their data handling policies

At Stockroom London, we are in a position to help. Regularly backing up data is essential, and it’s the backed-up data we can look after.

The 3-2-1 rule offers a robust method to ensure your data is always available. With three copies (two on different media and one stored offsite), you will always have access to the files you need. We provide secure offline storage via LTO tapes – a safe, secure data storage medium that is not only encrypted but built to last. LTO tapes can last up to thirty years, meaning your data can remain where it needs to be for years to come.

At Stockroom London, our data storage facility enables you to transfer data from portable hard drives to LTO tapes and keep it secure free of charge for up to five years. As a result, data stored on the cloud that may otherwise be compromised is still available in its uncorrupted form, ready for you to access and use again. Speak to our team today to learn more about our secure data storage options.