Misconfiguration is one of the leading causes of data and security breaches within cloud-based systems. In fact, it’s estimated that by 2025, 99% of cloud security failures will be attributed to human error. Misconfigurations occur when the administrator doesn’t secure the cloud-based system properly, leaving your data vulnerable to malicious activity.
Migrating to the cloud can leave a number of holes, gaps, or even overlaps within your system, providing an opportunity for malicious software or users to access your data. For example, an administrator can accidentally allow unrestricted outbound access to privileged data, putting it at risk of public exposure. These flaws can also be difficult to catch without proper scrutiny.
The misconfiguration of your access permissions can also present a glaring security issue. Who has access to what data? A secure cloud system will restrict access to some users; it won’t allow unfettered access for everyone. If normal users are accidentally given access to privileged accounts, they can become targets for cyberattacks, since these accounts may contain sensitive information.