According to a recent study conducted by Thales, one of the leading security companies, the frequency of cyberattacks on the cloud is on the rise. The study, which surveyed nearly 3,000 IT and security professionals across 18 countries, highlights the alarming reality of cloud breaches, with almost two in five businesses experiencing a data breach in their cloud environments last year. The findings also emphasize the significant role of human error in these attacks, accounting for over half of the reported incidents.
Thales’ study sheds light on the increasing trend of cyberattacks targeting cloud environments, with 39% of businesses reporting data breaches in their cloud systems. Among the contributing factors, human error emerged as the leading cause, responsible for 55% of the reported attacks.
Notably, the study reveals a growing concern regarding the sensitivity of cloud data, as 75% of businesses now consider at least 40% of their cloud-stored data to be sensitive. This represents a significant increase from the previous year’s figure of 49%.
Encryption, a critical aspect of securing online data and communications, garnered attention in the study. While many cloud providers claim to offer industry-standard encryption or higher, the reality is that only an estimated 45% of cloud data is currently encrypted. Additionally, few businesses have full control over their encryption keys, and the dispersal of data across multiple locations complicates the encryption process.
The adoption of multi-cloud environments and hybrid storage solutions combining cloud and on-premises storage further adds to the complexity. The disparity between different cloud services makes it challenging for businesses to maintain consistent security measures.
The study highlights the increasing complexity of managing cloud data, as 55% of participants perceive it as more challenging than managing on-premises data, up from 46% the previous year.
Looking ahead, the study underscores the need for businesses to prioritize foundational security measures. Despite some improvement compared to the previous year, only 65% of businesses use multi-factor authentication on their cloud accounts. Encryption and multi-factor authentication are essential security measures that businesses should implement to protect their online environments.
As hybrid approaches and subscription-based cloud services become more prevalent, securing online environments will continue to grow in importance.
Thales’ study reveals a concerning surge in cyberattacks on cloud environments, with human error playing a significant role in these incidents. The study emphasizes the need for businesses to prioritize security measures, such as encryption and multi-factor authentication, to protect sensitive data stored in the cloud. As the adoption of multicloud and hybrid storage solutions increases, businesses must address the complexities of managing and securing their cloud data. With the growing significance of online environments, ensuring robust security measures will be crucial for safeguarding business data.
