Cloud-based computing has revolutionized how organizations store and process data. Cloud computing makes data more accessible, scalable, and cost-effective. However, the move towards cloud-based services also makes many organizations vulnerable to cyber attacks from bad actors. These attacks include data breaches, DOS attacks, and ransomware attacks. This post details seven of the most common cloud computing attacks companies and individuals encounter. 

1. Account Hijacking

When a cybercriminal has unauthorized control or access to a cloud computing cloud, this is called account hijacking. This type of cyber attack gives an attacker the power to use the resources associated with the account for personal gain, tamper, or destroy stored data in the cloud. Attackers can gain access to an account by cracking passwords related to the account. A company’s reputation can be tainted, and financial losses occur due to these attacks. 

2. User Account Compromise

In this situation, an attacker gains access to an account through the owner’s actions. This happens by tricking the account owner to reveal login details or exploiting an error in a system application the user utilizes. 

Account compromise differs from account hijacking because, in account hijacking, the attacker has unauthorized access to an account through cracking passwords. 

3. Side-Channel Attack

In this type of attack, the cybercriminal exploits data that leaks through the physical implementation of a system, which is different from its logical interface. The leaked data may include specifics about how to implement the system or the information being handled by the system. 

In cloud settings, attackers can use the side-channel attacks method by placing a VA machine on a genuine physical host utilized by the cloud customer. This automatically grants the attacker access to sensitive information on a specific machine. 

4. DoS Attack

A DoS or Denial-of-Service attack renders a network resource or computer inaccessible to its users. A DoS attack generates excess traffic to a cloud service, leading to system failure due to the inability to process legitimate traffic. Effects from a DoS attack can be severe as it can disrupt crucial services, causing financial loss. This attack can also tarnish an organization’s reputation. 

5. Cloud Malware Injection

In this attack, an attacker injects malicious software, such as viruses or ransomware, into resources in the cloud or infrastructure. This enables the criminal to undermine the affected data or use the information to benefit themselves. 

6. Insider Threats

In an insider threat attack, an employee or company staff with legal access to cloud resources misuses and abuses that access for self-gain. The staff may also unknowingly expose an organization’s assets to risks through their actions. 

By utilizing tools for cloud monitoring, businesses can proactively monitor and detect any suspicious behavior within their cloud environment.

Insider threats can be complex to identify and prevent as they involve people with legitimate access to resources in the cloud and may not have bad intentions. Additionally, they can be hard to address because they may need more access and trust in a company.  

7. Cookie Poisoning

This means that someone injects harmful content into a cookie. Cookies are tiny pieces of information stored on a user’s computer by an application or website. They are used to store data about a user’s preferences and browsing history. This data is used to personalize user experience or monitor activities on the web. 

Vulnerability in Cloud Applications

Cloud applications are also vulnerable to cross site request forgery attacks. In this attack, cybercriminals trick users into executing unauthorized actions on trusted web apps. 

Endnote

Cloud computing offers various benefits, such as flexibility, scalability, and cost savings. It also comes with new security challenges that have to be addressed to protect data and resources on the cloud from cybercriminals. Companies have to implement adequate security strategies such as data encryption, access control and regularly install update patches to cloud apps and infrastructure.