Why cloud pen testing is essential for business security in 2024

In this blog, we explore why cloud pen testing is crucial for your business and what benefits it has for your security.

Rajveer Parmar, Application Security Consultant of Cognisys

Rajveer Parmar

5th September 2024

As businesses embrace digital transformation, cloud computing has become the backbone of modern infrastructure. However, the transition to cloud computing introduces a fresh array of security challenges. This article delves into the importance of cloud penetration testing (pen testing) for contemporary business security and how it can protect your business from potential threats.

Cloud infrastructure refers to the collection of hardware and software that powers cloud computing. It allows businesses to store, manage, and process data online rather than on local servers or personal computers. Businesses are moving to the cloud to benefit from its flexibility, cost-efficiency, and the ability to scale quickly to meet business demands. The cloud enables businesses to deploy applications and services globally.

Why is cloud security critical for businesses?

While the cloud offers numerous benefits, it also introduces new security challenges. The open nature of cloud environments and the complexity of managing them create new security challenges. A single misconfiguration or lapse in security can expose sensitive data, disrupt operations, and damage a business’s reputation.

Protecting cloud infrastructure is critical because it houses the business’s most valuable assets—customer data, intellectual property, and operational systems. A breach in the cloud can have far-reaching consequences, affecting not just the business but also the customers and partners. Ensuring the security of your cloud environment is essential not only from a technical standpoint but also from a business perspective.

What is cloud pen testing?

Cloud pen testing involves simulating cyber attacks on a business’s cloud environment to identify and address vulnerabilities before threat actors can exploit them. It’s a proactive approach to cloud security to uncover weaknesses in cloud configurations, applications, and access controls.

Why is cloud pen testing essential for modern businesses?

Cloud pen testing is essential for modern businesses because it provides an in-depth assessment of cloud security. As cloud environments are dynamic and often complex, looking beyond traditional security measures is required. Pen testing gives a business a clear understanding of security standards for the cloud infrastructure, allowing businesses to take corrective actions to fortify it.

Penetration tester working on a cloud security review

Typical vulnerabilities found in cloud environments

Cloud environments are susceptible to a range of vulnerabilities. Some of the most common include:

Misconfigurations

Misconfigured cloud settings, such as open storage buckets or overly permissive access controls, can expose sensitive data to unauthorised users. For instance, in 2023, Microsoft accidentally exposed customers’ contact information, including emails and phone numbers, through a misconfigured storage bucket. Similarly, a recent breach in 2024 revealed that 3TB of sensitive airport data from Colombia and Peru, including employee PII and operational details, were publicly accessible due to poor S3 bucket configuration.

Insufficient Identity and Access Management (IAM)

Weak IAM policies, such as poor password practices or lack of multi-factor authentication, can lead to unauthorised access and potential data breaches. According to a 2024 cloud security report, human error is still the leading cause of cloud data breaches, with 22% of respondents identifying it as their top concern. This statistic underscores the importance of robust IAM practices to prevent accidental exposure of sensitive data.

Insecure APIs

APIs serve as the foundation of cloud services. However, insecure APIs can act as a gateway for threat actors to exploit vulnerabilities and gain access to cloud resources. For instance, in 2024, a breach of Spoutible, a social media platform, occurred due to an API exploit that exposed over 200,000 user records. This incident highlights how even small misconfigurations can lead to significant data exposure. Identifying and resolving these weaknesses is essential for upholding the security and integrity of the cloud infrastructure.

The benefits of cloud pen testing

Cloud pen testing offers numerous benefits that can enhance your businesses security posture:

Identifying security gaps

Pen testing helps uncover hidden vulnerabilities that threat actors could exploit, allowing your business to address them proactively.

Improving compliance

Many regulatory frameworks require businesses to assess their security measures regularly. Cloud pen testing helps ensure compliance with GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS standards.

Enhancing overall security posture

Regularly testing your cloud environment can help you stay ahead of emerging threats and ensure your cloud infrastructure remains secure.

Cyber security team member taking a call from a client regarding ISO 42001 certification

How does cloud pen testing help with compliance?

Adhering to regulatory requirements is a crucial element of contemporary business operations. The following frameworks can benefit from cloud pen testing:

GDPR

The General Data Protection Regulation mandates stringent data protection measures. Cloud pen testing ensures that personal data stored in the cloud is secure and that any vulnerabilities are promptly addressed.

HIPAA

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act requires healthcare businesses to safeguard patient data. Cloud pen testing helps identify and mitigate risks that could lead to unauthorised access to sensitive health information.

PCI DSS

Businesses that process credit card information are required to maintain a secure environment as per the standard. Conducting cloud penetration testing ensures your cloud infrastructure complies with these rigorous security requirements.

Why cloud pen testing is essential for your security plan

Cloud pen testing provides the insights needed to secure your cloud environment against evolving threats and ensures that you meet regulatory requirements. By integrating cloud pen testing into your security processes, you can protect your business’s critical assets and maintain customer confidence.

Contact us today to learn more about our expert cloud penetration testing services and find out which approach is right for you.

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