Cloud security is the outer component to a layered approach to your business network security. Cloud storage, services and software often seem like the domain of technology giants such as Google, far removed from the operations of your small business. However, the world is pivoting to a digital model for employee collaboration and customer care, meaning that your company may already use the cloud more than you realize.

The cloud is so integrated into business technology that it forms the crucial outer component of layered security. We’ve already explored the other two factors in this security approach, the employee and business network levels, so let’s dive into what you need to know to keep your cloud data safe from cyberthieves.

Cloud Security’s Role within a Layered Security Approach

It is important to understand where cloud security fits within the layered security approach and what that term means. Layered security seeks to implement protection best practices and technology at every network layer that could become an entry point for a data breach.

By committing to a multitiered security approach even if one level of restricted access fails, another level stops the intrusion before it causes damage. This is important because although cloud storage providers build in powerful defensive protocols in their network, these defenses are always vulnerable to one thing – human error.

In fact, a recent report by Gartner found that 95% of breaches in cloud networks are attributable to an error made by a user or a setup mistake made by an employee. Let’s look at how hackers exploit these security issues and what you can do to stop them.

Configuration Mistakes Cause Security Weaknesses

To maintain a secure cloud security system, it is essential that configuration details across different hardware and software components with cloud access are correct. One of the biggest culprits of unsecured data is improper settings being selected by employees without a suitable security background.

To keep misconfigurations from compromising your company’s cloud security protocols, your team needs central visibility tools that give insight into the system’s infrastructure. Cloud workload protection tools integrate into cloud security and management systems, allowing automated monitoring to identify and fix any alignment mistakes made during setup.

Avenues of Attack Against Cloud Security

To find weaknesses in a cloud security system, cyberintruders use multiple approaches. Here are some of the most important methods you should be aware of:

•  Domain Phishing – This is a phishing scam in which attackers trick employees into offering account details using emails appearing to be from the registrar. If the attackers acquire important account details, they proceed to steal data and extort the company.
• Hijacking – Cyberthieves employ cloud account hijacking to gain access to shared data. Hackers collect credentials to impersonate the highest-level employee they can and gain extensive internal access.
• Malware – Malware siphons out protected data, such as sensitive customer financial details or account information, which opens the door for expensive ransomware attacks.
• Trojans – Cloud Access Trojans take advantage of configuration security holes to build long lasting data leaks. Some Trojans don’t require access by the attacker after installation, making them even harder to detect.

The extreme damage that these programs can do with just a little bit of access makes it all the more important to block threats before they reach the system.

DNS Security is a Cloud Network Protection

One of the best tools to thwart these attacks is a Domain Name System, or DNS, security protocol. A DNS security layer helps stop unwanted intrusions by isolating and blocking access from staged domain names created by hackers.

Unwanted entry is blocked by the port hackers attempt to use. DNS protocols also block both incoming and outgoing data. This means that if a hacker has gained access from user error, it can keep data from being extracted to the intruder’s domain.

The best DNS security systems use AI that identifies patterns to predict threats before they reach your cloud security system. Statistical modeling functions detect anomalies, outliers, and other suspicious behavior, identifying it immediately to keep the newest and most dangerous cyberattacks at bay.

Keep Your Cloud Data Safe With a Layered Approach

Make sure your business, your customers data and your employee communications remain secure by investing in top tier cloud security solutions.

Learn more the BIZFORCE approach to proactive cloud and business network protection by downloading our exclusive offer “How to Embed Cybersecurity into your Organization”. See how statistical modeling detects threats.