5 Ways To Protect Your Cloud Service From Being Hacked

Following the recent Wikileaks leak, and the revelations that companies like Apple Inc AAPL Alphabet Inc GOOG GOOGL and Cisco Systems, Inc.CSCO are potentially vulnerable to hacking, cybersecurity has never been more important. Added to that many companies' reliance on cloud services from places like Amazon.com, Inc. AMZN, and you can see how the issue can be compounded. Here's how you can protect the information in your cloud from being exposed.  

Talk to the In-House IT Guy

Don't assume you can jump in by yourself and launch an attack against your cloud server. For this job, you need someone who knows the details of your security system, as well as someone who knows how to break through that security and reach your cloud. Take your idea to the office IT professional. Your IT manager knows which method of hacking works best with your cloud and the information you store in the cloud.

Reach Out to Your Cloud Provider

Before initiating any hacking attempts, you also need to get in touch with your cloud provider. Your cloud provider's job is to keep your cloud server safe. A sudden spate of hacking attempts will no doubt raise a red flag. Ask permission to attack your cloud server, after explaining what you want to do. Your provider may also offer advice about which hacking technique to attempt.

Try Fuzzing First

Fuzzing is one of the simplest ways to discover a weak spot in your cloud security. The method involves an attack that targets the API. In short, it requires random input, which is repeatedly launched at the API to discover any vulnerabilities. If an attack results in a system error or an error message, then you've discovered a weakness.

Consider Injection Attacks

Injection vulnerabilities are among the most common cloud security weaknesses, so launching an injection attack is smart on several levels. During an injection attack, the hacker uses text-based injections to take advantage of the interpreter's syntax. The main aim is to confuse your API. Done correctly, the attack can affect the SQL and the hackers involved can change passwords, remove data, or access private information.

Take the Anonymous Approach

All too often, hackers cloak themselves in anonymity, which sometimes improves their odds of accessing your cloud server. Invite your IT pro to copy the masters. Under the veil of anonymity, IT can make sure that your cloud server isn't at risk for other common attacks, such as denial of service or domain name hijacking. Both acts are disastrous for your business. In addition to putting your consumers at risk, they put your business in a potentially damaging spot.

While the cloud is a convenient, smart way for companies and businesses to store information about customers, addresses, financial information, employee details, and other sensitive data, it's also extremely vulnerable to hacking. Hackers aren't likely to stop looking for weak spots, but with some proactive security measures and help from the professionals, you can keep your cloud server secured.