Overview
Cloud-based attacks exploit misconfigurations or vulnerabilities in the cloud storage or services used by mobile apps. Cloud services are a critical component of modern mobile apps but often present security risks. Misconfigured cloud databases, insecure APIs, or poor access controls can expose sensitive user data. Attackers target these vulnerabilities to steal information, deploy ransomware, or disrupt services.
Risk factors
Cloud-based attacks can arise from:
- Misconfigured storage buckets or access controls.
- Insecure API endpoints.
- Over-permissioned accounts or roles.
- Lack of multi-factor authentication (MFA) for cloud accounts.
- Use of outdated or unpatched cloud services.
- Insufficient encryption for data at rest or in transit.
Consequences
If an attacker successfully conducts a cloud-based attack, the following could happen:
- Data Breaches: Sensitive user information can be exposed or stolen.
- Service Disruption: Ransomware or denial-of-service attacks can render cloud-dependent apps unusable.
- Financial Loss: Costs associated with remediation, fines, or reputation damage.
- Lateral Movement: Further infiltration within cloud environments, compromising additional systems.
- Regulatory Fines: Regulatory penalties for non-compliance with data protection laws (e.g., GDPR, CCPA).
Solutions and best practices
To mitigate the risks associated with cloud-based attacks, organizations should implement the following security measures:
- Configuration Audits: Regularly audit cloud services for security misconfigurations.
- Access Controls: Implement least-privilege principles for roles and permissions.
- API Security: Use strong encryption and authentication for API communications.
- App Shielding: Implement app shielding solutions that can validate API connection attempts from cloud services.
- Two-step Verification: Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all cloud accounts.
- Data Encryption: Use encryption for data at rest and in transit (e.g., AES-256, TLS 1.3).
- Zero Trust: Adopt a zero-trust architectural approach for cloud access.
- Component Inventory: Create and maintain a Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) for cloud dependencies.
Get a free app security consultation
Schedule a call with our security experts to assess your app’s defenses and get tailored recommendations to protect your users and data. Take the first step toward a more resilient application.
