Explained | How gaps in cloud system configuration can expose user data

68% of businesses in India, and 75% globally, say that more than 40% of data stored in the cloud is classified as sensitive. Most cloud providers offer security features like physical security at data centres, in addition to zero-trust architecture, identity and access management, and encryption to ensure the security of data on their servers. Data stored in the cloud also face the risk of exposure due to insecure APIs, poorly designed or inadequate security controls, internal threats due to human error and inadequate encryption during transfer or storage, Jaydeep Singh, General Manager for India, Kaspersky told The Hindu. “Both data breaches and data exposure incidents require close monitoring to ensure the confidentiality and availability of sensitive information housed in the cloud, ” Singh said. When users get to know of possible data breaches, they are recommended to change passwords, two-factor authentication setup, push security question answers, and monitor accounts for unauthorised transactions and SMSs for suspicious activity.