As more companies turn to cloud computing to increase productivity and efficiency, cyber criminals are finding new ways to exploit this popular technology. There are many security challenges of cloud computing that must be considered before jumping in head first, but the good news is that there are also innovative technology solutions available from providers like Synivate. We work with each client to determine their individual needs and requirements before recommending any program, system, or service. Depending on the nature of the business, malicious web content, human error, spear-phishing, or cloud delivered malware issues might be at the top of the list to consider. We offer a comprehensive approach that includes high-quality, dependable Information Technology services, ongoing education and support for staff, and the very latest tools to combat cloud based malware and viruses.
Why Cloud Computing is a Target
Whenever any new technology, system, or product rises steadily in popularity, it becomes a target for cyber criminals. It is no surprise that after years of consistent increase in the world of cloud based storage and cloud computing solutions that cybercrime in this area would also rise. According to one industry insider, the sheer volume of cloud based malware has tripled in the past year with a third of the downloads coming directly from the widely-used Microsoft OneDrive. As more small and medium sized businesses move their data to the cloud, hackers and cyber criminals from all over the globe are looking for new ways to exploit these public cloud systems to setup their cloud delivered malware. However, the security challenges of cloud computing are not slowing interest or execution of executives across all industries to make the move into cloud storage.
The benefits of cloud computing make it a tantalizing temptation for any size business. Cost-savings are significant and the accessibility and efficiency of putting proprietary applications and data into the cloud for employee use anywhere in the world make it extremely attractive. The rise in malicious web content and cloud based malware are simply things that need to be addressed, increasing the demand for better security to be provided to protect essential or sensitive data. The use of hybrid cloud computing, including mixtures of public and private cloud services, can be a smart solution for organizations that must protect certain types of data according to government regulations. Increased use of cloud-based programs for business use, including Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and the popular Microsoft OneDrive, mean that companies need to be more aware of the potential risks involved with certain types of data.
How Cloud Based Malware Attacks Work
Cloud delivered malware attacks that use public cloud storage sites like OneDrive are able to be successful because they have studied the methods used by the average user, noted their behavior, and have a basic understanding of company policies. If the organization has not put policies in place to prevent their employees from being tricked into downloading the malicious malware files, they are asking to become a victim of this type of attack. In addition to the security challenges of cloud computing, employees must be trained and educated on how to avoid malicious web content or become victim to phishing scams and other common types of cyber criminal tools. Currently, the biggest target for criminals using cloud based malware have been in Australia and Europe, while incidents have sharply decreased in North America. It pays to remain aware and diligent to prevent attacks from happening and to have a business continuity plan in place to ensure a quick recovery.
If you would like to learn more about how to protect your cloud data storage from security breaches or wish to establish a data backup and recovery plan for your business, contact Synivate. Our team of highly trained, experienced, and skilled technicians and technology consultants can help you establish valuable employee guidelines and policies, while providing training and education, to help them avoid the download or access of malicious web content and other nefarious schemes. Contact our team by calling 617-848-1248 or reach out to a team member via our online contact form. We can answer any questions you might have about cloud based malware and other security challenges of cloud computing to help you find the solutions that are right for you.