Exploring the Common Types of Cloud Malware

Intro

Whether it’s a private, public, or hybrid cloud, you love just about every aspect. Your cloud solution is saving your business time and money so what’s not to love? Unfortunately, the cloud can have a downside and it’s not one you want to ignore. Hackers frequently target the cloud and this can be disastrous.

To help keep your data safe, it helps to know a little bit about your potential threats. This includes identifying the common types of cloud malware so you can take steps to prevent data breaches.

Common Types of Cloud Malware

Overall, cloud computing is secure. Even a public cloud has some security measures to help prevent unauthorized access. Security measures only increase with hybrid and private clouds. When it comes to private clouds you probably expect robust cybersecurity measures. You do get amazing security but hackers can still occasionally get through.

Preventing cyber-attacks from malware is always a key priority but it’s tough to implement protocols when you can’t identify the threat. To help you get up to speed, here’s a quick look at some of the most common types of cloud malware.

Phishing Scams

This type of malware attack has been around since basically the start of email. If your high school offered an introduction to computers course, phishing scams are probably covered. Yep, this type of malware attack is that common.

How the cyber scam works is pretty simple and rather ingenious. A hacker sends a friendly email begging you to open the message or even click on an embedded attachment. Everything looks kosher so you open the email and click on the provided link. Congratulations, you’ve just opened the door for hackers to get into your system.

Phishing scams also aren’t limited to emails. They can come as benign text messages. Training staff to only open emails and texts from trusted sources is a start. You may also want to take it a step further and implement two-factor authentication.

Injection Attacks

This type of malware targets your edge servers. Hackers search for unprotected servers and work on gaining access. Once the hacker gets past an access point, all of your business data is essentially up for grabs. Any type of protected identifiable information (PII) can be accessed, altered, and stolen by cyber thieves.

Unfortunately, the rapid growth of cloud computing is making it easier for hackers. A well-designed injection attack can take out around 100 systems without any trouble. If this sounds scary, it’s probably because it’s frightening. Just imagine what happens to your business if all of its systems go down at once.

To prevent this disastrous issue, it’s usually best to work with a managed service provider. Your provider usually has tools in place to help prevent injection attacks.

Trojans

No, we’re not rehashing the details of the Trojan War but hackers are taking a page out of the ancient Greeks war book. Instead of sending a large wooden horse to your business’s front door, hackers are being a little stealthier.

Trojan malware is usually cleverly disguised as beneficial software. You may even get a pop-up telling you to click here to update your current software. As soon as you click on the supplied link and start downloading the software, you’re installing Trojan malware that opens your systems up to hackers.

Avoiding this type of cloud malware is relatively easy. Simply don’t download anything unless it’s from a trusted website.

Attacks on Serverless Functions and APIs

The good news is your average hacker probably isn’t going to be able to breach your serverless functions and APIs. The downside is it may be easy work for an advanced hacker. Since most hackers tirelessly work to improve their dubious computing skills, eventually one is going to try their luck with your business.

Your serverless functions are in your cloud environment. Hackers search for any vulnerabilities that may provide an access point. Preventing this type of malware requires a ton of due diligence. Security scanning tools can help pinpoint any vulnerabilities so your IT team can deploy the appropriate patches.

WiFi Eavesdropping

As a kid, did you ever try to listen to your parents' discussions through the vents in your home? Maybe you tried the empty glass to the wall trick. While this behavior isn’t exactly morally correct, it’s also not illegal. It’s different when potential hackers are listening in to your wireless network.

How do cybercriminals listen in on your WiFi network? No, they’re not sitting outside hoping to overhear a conversation about your WiFi passwords. Instead, they work on intercepting and decoding your WiFi signal. Thankfully, this is usually beyond the scope of most hackers' skill sets, but more advanced ones will be able to decode most intercepted signals.

Once your signal is decoded, the hackers are in your system and having a field day with your stored data. Securing your networks with strong passwords can help prevent this type of cloud malware. Don’t forget to routinely update your passwords to prevent hackers from decoding them.

Taking Advantage of Live Migration

Animals aren’t the only ones taking part in migratory behavior. Every now and then, you may need to move your virtual machines to another physical host. Migrating virtual equipment like servers is fairly easy. After all, you aren’t exerting any physical labor. With a few clicks on your keyboard, your virtual equipment is safely in migration.

While this tends to boost performance, hackers may also be waiting to strike. Think of hackers as a type of predator waiting to pounce on any perceived weakness in your live migration process. Ensuring you have robust security protocols in place before the move is an effective way of keeping hackers out of your systems.

Preventing Cloud Malware Is a Big Responsibility

Hackers never take a break. When one goes down for some rest, dozens of others are ready to step in. Since the cloud presents such an attractive target, keeping virtual systems safe is a priority. Constantly monitoring your business cloud is a start but don’t forget about training staff and ensuring you’re always using robust cybersecurity practices.