Measures to Prevent Cloud Vulnerabilities: Data Leakage Prevention and Incident Response

With the increasing popularity of cloud services, more and more companies and individuals are storing and managing data in the cloud.

However, despite its convenience, the risk of data leakage in the cloud environment is a serious issue.

This article explains the threat of data leakage in the cloud, measures to prevent it, and how to respond in the event of data leakage.

Cloud Data Leakage Threats
1. What is Cloud Security?
2. Why Cloud Environments are Targeted
Measures to Prevent Data Leakage
1. Access Permission Management
2. Importance of Data Encryption
3. Multi-Factor Authentication Implementation
4. Backup Strategy Construction
Response in the Event of Data Leakage
1. Early Detection and Scope Identification
2. Notification to Stakeholders
3. Cause Investigation and Implementation of Countermeasures
4. Compliance with Legal Regulations
Summary

1. Cloud Data Leakage Threats

Cloud environments provide high convenience for data storage and application execution.

However, due to the open accessibility that this convenience brings, there is always a risk of data leakage.

As the use of cloud services expands, security threats such as data leakage and unauthorized access are also increasing.

Here, we will understand the basics of cloud security and look at why cloud environments are easy targets for attackers.

1-1. What is Cloud Security?

Cloud security refers to a series of technologies, processes, and policies introduced to protect data and applications in the cloud from external attacks and unauthorized internal access.

Main cloud security measures include:

1. Authentication Management
This ensures that users can only access cloud resources through appropriate authentication methods. Methods such as multi-factor authentication (MFA) are used to prevent unauthorized access.

2. Data Encryption
This is a method of encrypting data during storage and communication to make it difficult to decipher the contents even if the data is leaked externally. This makes it difficult for malicious third parties to use the data even if it is leaked.

3. Access Control
This is a method of restricting the data and operations that can be accessed for each user. In a cloud environment, multiple users use different permissions, so administrators can implement strict access control to reduce the risk of unauthorized access and data leakage.

4. Incident Response Procedures
It is also important to have procedures and recovery plans in place to respond quickly in the event of a security incident.

By taking appropriate cloud security measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of data leakage and unauthorized access, and enable secure data management in the cloud.

1-2. Why Cloud Environments are Targeted

Because data is accessed via the Internet in a cloud environment, it is possible to connect a wider range of users and devices compared to an on-premises environment (server environment installed in-house). The convenience of allowing many users to access from various locations means that it is easier for attackers to target, and the risk of attack is increased.

In addition, because cloud service providers provide a common platform to many customers, if a vulnerability in the cloud is discovered, other users may be affected at the same time. For example, if an attack exploits a security configuration error or a common vulnerability, a single incident could cause massive damage.

Furthermore, data may be leaked due to user-side configuration errors or access management deficiencies in the cloud environment. While cloud environments are highly convenient, they require detailed security settings, so users are also required to have a high level of security awareness.

As described above, cloud environments are inherently at high risk of data leakage and cyberattacks, and appropriate security measures are essential.

2. Measures to Prevent Data Leakage

In order to prepare for the risk of data leakage in the cloud environment, it is essential to take various security measures.

Here, we will explain in detail specific security measures in the cloud environment.

2-1. Access Permission Management

Access permission management is important to prevent data leakage on the cloud.

Access permission management refers to granting each user only the “minimum necessary permissions for their work” and restricting unnecessary access to other data and resources. By limiting access privileges to the minimum necessary, it is possible to prevent unauthorized access to confidential information, even if an internal party accidentally accesses data or an unauthorized intrusion occurs from outside.

It is also important to flexibly set the scope of permissions according to job title and job description, and to review permissions regularly. For example, if there is a change in department or job description, deleting unnecessary permissions and granting new necessary permissions can reduce security risks.

2-2. Importance of Data Encryption

Data encryption is an essential measure to protect data on the cloud.

Using encryption technology to protect data prevents third parties from decrypting the data. This greatly reduces the risk of information leakage even if data is stolen by unauthorized external access.
When encrypting, consider separate measures for when data is stored and when data is transmitted.

Ensuring the safety of data while it is stored in the cloud, and protecting data from being leaked when it is transmitted over the network. This double encryption measure is effective for data protection.

2-3. Multi-Factor Authentication Implementation

Multi-factor authentication is a method of strengthening security by using additional verification factors when a user accesses cloud resources. A typical example of multi-factor authentication is to combine a password with verification from a smartphone app or biometric authentication (such as fingerprint or face recognition). This prevents attackers from accessing an account unless they have additional authentication, even if they obtain the user’s password.

In particular, with the spread of remote work and frequent access to the cloud environment from outside the office, multi-factor authentication is an important security measure. The introduction of multi-factor authentication can suppress the risk of unauthorized access due to impersonation.

2-4. Backup Strategy Construction

A backup strategy is a measure to enable quick data recovery in the event of a data leak or damage. By performing backups regularly, it is possible to quickly resume operations based on backup data even if data is lost due to a cyberattack or human error.

Also, combining “offsite backup,” which stores backup data in a separate location (offsite) from the cloud, ensures data preservation even if the entire cloud is damaged.

By building a backup strategy in the cloud environment, quick data recovery is possible in the event of an emergency, and data safety can be ensured.

3. Defensive Measures Companies Should Take to Counter NoWhere Ransom

Regardless of the cloud environment, when data leakage occurs, a quick and accurate response is required. Preventing the spread of damage, notifying stakeholders, investigating the cause, and preventing recurrence are essential.

Here, we will explain the specific response procedures to take when data leakage occurs.

3-1. Early Detection and Scope Identification

In order to minimize data leakage, it is important to detect the leakage early and quickly identify the scope of impact. Monitoring security logs and introducing AI-based anomaly detection systems are effective for this. By using such systems, it is possible to detect accesses and actions that are different from usual, and immediately notify alerts to prevent the spread of leakage.

Detecting anomalies early will make it possible to stop the progress of damage.

3-2. Notification to Stakeholders

If data leakage occurs, it is also necessary to promptly notify the affected customers and internal stakeholders. This notification includes a detailed and easy-to-understand explanation of the contents of the leaked data, the scope of impact, and the actions that stakeholders should take. By responding quickly and sincerely, you can maintain customer trust and prevent further confusion. Also, notifications are required to be as accurate and transparent as possible.

3-3. Cause Investigation and Implementation of Countermeasures

It is also essential to thoroughly investigate the cause of data leakage and take measures to prevent recurrence. Cause investigation includes detailed analysis of security logs and review of the entire system. For example, by improving access rules, strengthening security measures, and considering the introduction of new systems as necessary, we can prevent the recurrence of similar accidents. Taking such fundamental measures will greatly reduce future risks.

3-4. Compliance with Legal Regulations

Responses to data leakage are required to comply with the laws and regulations of each country and region. For example, the European GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) and Japan’s Personal Information Protection Act mandate reporting obligations and appropriate measures in the event of data leakage. This fulfills legal obligations and clarifies corporate responsibility. It is important to work with the legal department to ensure that actions are taken in accordance with the law.

Summary

With the spread of the cloud, the risk of data leakage has become an unavoidable issue. However, it is possible to significantly reduce this risk by taking appropriate measures. In the event of a leak, it is important to respond quickly, investigate the cause, and strive to prevent recurrence.

In order to enjoy the convenience of the cloud and ensure safety, daily operation and continuous security enhancement are essential.

Please contact globalsupport@jiran.com for further assistance.