Cloud Hosting Security: Essential Threats and How to Stop Them

In 2024, more than 90% of modern SMBs and startups adopted cloud platforms, and as a result, cloud hosting became a pillar of digital infrastructure.

And yet, increased usage increases vulnerability in the form of cyberattacks. From ransomware and data breaches to insider abuse and DDoS attacks, cloud platforms are exposed to multi-dimensional threats that can destroy businesses.

Here, we will discuss threats that can jeopardise cloud hosting security and find ways to tackle them.

Common Cloud Host Security Threats and How to Avoid Them

Some of the most effective cloud host security threats and how to avoid them are recommended as follows:

1. Misconfigured Cloud Settings

Misconfigurations cause most cloud attacks. For example, an unauthenticated public storage bucket (like AWS S3). These exposures result from human mistakes, haste in deployment, or ignorance of security settings.

Solutions:

• Utilise automated tools, such as AWS Config, to enhance configuration rules.
• Audit permissions and regularly monitor cloud resources.
• Use the least privilege principle; no user or process is ever granted more access than required.

2. Insecure APIs

APIs are gateways for cloud services to exchange data, but if left unsecured, they become vulnerable to cyberattacks. Unless validated for input, not properly encrypted, or authenticated, hackers can compromise firewalls and steal confidential information.

Solutions:

• Use OAuth 2.0, TLS encryption, and input validation to protect APIs against injection attacks.
• Test the regular penetration of APIs to identify vulnerabilities.
• Block malicious processes using API security gateways or cloud-native technology.

3. Account Hijacking

Attackers employ methods like phishing, credential stuffing, and password reuse to hijack cloud accounts. Intruders at entry can read, change, or erase sensitive data, which can massive sums of money, brand credibility, consumer trust, and business reputation.

Solutions:

• Implement multi-factor authentication for everyone.
• Track access behaviour with user and entity behaviour analytics platforms.
• Enable notifications of unusual activity with tools such as AWS CloudTrail.

4. Insider Threats

Not all dangers come from external sources. Privileged employees can unintentionally leak information, or worse, commit malice. Detection can be tricky in such situations:

Solutions:

• Authenticate access requests using a zero-trust security model.
• Implement role-based access control for stakeholders who don’t have extensive privileges.
• Install data loss prevention software to track data flow and prevent unauthorised transfer.

5. Denial-of-Service Attacks

DoS and DDoS attacks send false requests to your host server. This can harm genuine users who are impacted adversely, especially on public cloud infrastructures.

Solutions:

• It is highly recommended to use Content Delivery Networks and Web Application Firewalls to protect the internal cloud environment.
• You must use rate limits and auto-scaling to distribute load uniformly.
• Use cloud-native DDoS protection platforms.

6. Malware Injection

Cloud applications are exposed to malicious code injection into scripts, libraries, or containers. Your app can be hijacked or data stolen silently if an attack is successful.

Solutions:

• Employ runtime application self-protection to defend and detect evil intent in real time.
• Install anti-virus and anti-malware software at the container and server levels.
• Deploy code scanning and container images.

7. Lack of Visibility

There are times when companies lack end-to-end visibility as they can’t see misconfigurations or bad actors. Factors like cloud sprawl, dynamic environments, and the absence of centralised dashboards contribute to this lack of visibility.

Solutions:

• Install security information and event management solutions with cloud logs.
• Install cloud security posture management to discover and mitigate risk.
• Leverage activity summary dashboards by accounts, services, and geographies.

8. Shadow IT

Employees frequently utilise unapproved SaaS tools or cloud services. Such unauthorised applications bypass corporate security policy, which can expose the company to serious damage.

Solutions:

• Use cloud access security technologies to discover and manage shadow IT.
• Establish robust procurement and usage policies for cloud services and applications.
• Train employees on the risk of unauthorised tools and how to request secure alternatives.

9. Data Loss

Through manual errors, ransomware, or system breakdowns, there could be a scenario where you are unable to recover or restore cloud data. That damages trust and regulatory standing, as well.

Solutions:

• Utilise cloud backup automation software to produce recoverable, safe copies of essential information.
• Enable encryption to secure data in all stages.
• Use immutability settings to guard against tampering.

10. Violations of Non-Compliance

Considering compliance acts like India’s DPDP Act and international standards such as GDPR, organisations need to demonstrate adherence and ensure that data is protected. Without audit trails or controls in place, businesses face substantial fines and reputational damage.

Solutions:

• Maintain audit trails and access logs for all kinds of data interactions.
• Configure infrastructure according to certifications and local data residency requirements.
• Leverage compliance dashboards that are offered by your host to track status in real-time.

Best Cloud Hosting Security Practises

Follow these tips to ensure uncompromised cloud hosting security:

1. Use Identity and Access Management

IAM provides only authorised users with access to certain cloud resources. Always:

• Enable Role-Based Access Control
• Rotate keys and credentials regularly
• Monitor access logs weekly

2. Data Encryption

Secure sensitive data by using:

• AES-256 encryption standards
• TLS to encrypt communications
• Key management systems offered by cloud providers

3. Patch Management Regularly

Outdated software is a doorstop for hackers. You need:

• Automated patching software
• Container image dependency scanning
• Sequential patching test process

4. Continuous Monitoring & Behavioural Analytics

Time-based visibility is necessary. Utilise:

• Threat intelligence feed-integrated SIEM tools
• UEBA for behavioural outlier detection
• Periodic penetration testing

5. Security Awareness Training

Human mistakes are responsible for 95% of cloud breaches. You can use:

• Ongoing phishing simulations
• Security training based on role
• Employee testing with feedback capabilities

Stay Ahead of Cloud Hosting Threats

Cloud hosting security is a business necessity as companies become increasingly reliant on cloud platforms. It has become critical to safeguard data, access, and compliance in digital resilience.

From insider threats to API vulnerabilities, your cloud infrastructure requires around-the-clock attention, intelligent solutions, and skilled expertise. The good news – you don’t have to do it on your own.

If you require a reliable cloud hosting partner, turn to BigRock services. The experts offer secure cloud hosting with built-in security features, compliance-ready infrastructure, and expert support to protect your business in a digital-first economy.

Secure your cloud journey with BigRock now!