Data security challenges in the cloud

The number of data security threats, which reaches every sector, has achieved alarming levels as companies struggle to keep their system under control.

Endless fraudulent schemes from cybercriminals seem to be happening more often, keeping data and privacy safe has become a challenge. Cloud computing has been a strong ally in ensuring a safe environment and reducing the impacts from cyberattacks.  

A reality that has been strongly harming companies.

According to the Global State of Information Security Survey from PwC in 2017, the retail market suffers an average of 4,000 threats regarding data security every year. Furthermore, the report has revealed that 16% of all the organizations in the research have suffered losses of more than US$1 million, due to incidents related to data security.

These statistics reflect the vital necessity of investing in infrastructure and awareness regarding data security. It is necessary to bear in mind that any company, regardless of its size or sector, might be the next victim.  

The structure provided by cloud computing, such as Amazon's, ensures data security from the acquisition of the main shares in the market, through certifications and compliances, to policies and processes. However, there are still great challenges, ranging from fulfilling client's different projects to cybersecurity risks.  

The DDoS attacks

In October 2016, a series of distributed denial of service attacks (DDoS) against technology platforms and e-commerce websites shocked the internet. The DDoS attacks affect websites with malicious codes, causing enormous amounts of online traffic and overloading targeted websites.

Ransomware attacks

Ransomware is a type of malware that prevents users from accessing their files by blocking them until a ransom is paid. According to Sonicwall, a websecurity solutions company, ransomware attacks increased from 3.8 million in 2015 to alarming 638 million in 2016.

Compliance with security standards

Implementing security requirements according to the international standards is still a great challenge, as we can see in the retail market, for example. The compliance requirements demand investment and changes related to technology, policies, and processes. However, many companies have not matured sufficiently to adhere to the aspects regarding data security.  

Human Factor

Finally, the human factor is still the key aspect to the occurrence of cyberattacks and data theft. According to the research from Software Advice , in a report about a phishing scam published in 2015, employees are the weakest links in the incidents related to data security. The attacks are so efficient and professional that a simple email triggers a cyberattack.

Data security according to experts

Experts in data security recommend the necessity in developing infrastructure policies in the cloud related to threat prevention and security vulnerability. Companies must also collaborate closely with their employees, making them aware of the risks, policies and processes regarding data security.