Exposed Cloud Storage

Exposed cloud storage refers to cloud-based data storage services or repositories that are unintentionally or improperly configured to allow unauthorized access to stored data. Cloud storage solutions such as Amazon S3, Google Cloud Storage, Microsoft Azure Blob Storage, and others offer convenient and scalable options for storing large amounts of data in the cloud. However, misconfigurations in access control settings or inadequate security measures can expose cloud storage buckets or containers to the public internet, allowing anyone with the correct URL to view, download, modify, or delete the stored data without proper authentication or authorization. Exposed cloud storage instances can lead to data breaches, leakage of sensitive information, unauthorized access to proprietary data, compliance violations, and reputational damage for organizations. To mitigate the risks associated with exposed cloud storage, organizations must implement robust security measures, including proper access controls, encryption, monitoring, auditing, and regular security assessments to ensure that cloud storage configurations adhere to best practices and compliance requirements.

External attack surface management (EASM), digital risk protection (DRP), and security ratings solutions like ThreatNG with Domain Intelligence, Subdomain Intelligence, Certificate Intelligence, and a Cloud and SaaS Exposure Investigation Module play pivotal roles in identifying and mitigating exposed cloud storage issues by providing comprehensive visibility into an organization's digital footprint, assessing the security posture of cloud environments, and uncovering misconfigured or publicly accessible cloud storage buckets. For example, ThreatNG's Domain Intelligence and Subdomain Intelligence can identify all domains associated with an organization, including those linked to cloud storage services. The Certificate Intelligence module can assess the validity and trustworthiness of digital certificates associated with these services. Additionally, the Cloud and SaaS Exposure Investigation Module can externally uncover cloud environments and exposed open cloud buckets without authenticating strictly from the outside. When integrated with complementary security solutions like cloud security posture management (CSPM) platforms, ThreatNG can facilitate seamless handoffs by providing actionable intelligence and alerts. For instance, if ThreatNG detects exposed cloud storage buckets, it can trigger alerts in the CSPM platform to initiate remediation efforts, such as adjusting access control settings, implementing encryption, or conducting security assessments, thereby reducing the risk of data exposure and unauthorized access. This collaborative approach strengthens an organization's ability to identify and remediate exposed cloud storage issues, enhancing overall cloud security posture.