7 Most Infamous Cloud Security Breaches

The use of cloud computing has undoubtedly made it easier for organizations to store, access, and share data anytime from anywhere. However, this convenience comes with a price as well- the risk of cyber attacks.

In this article, we will discuss some of the most notorious cloud security breaches that have put millions of individuals’ personal information at risk.

From high-profile hacks on financial institutions to medical companies’ data leaks, these incidents serve as cautionary tales about the importance of implementing robust security measures in the cloud.

1. Microsoft

Microsoft has experienced multiple cloud security breaches in recent years, including the infamous 2019 breach that exposed over 250 million customer service and support records to potential hackers. The breach was caused by a misconfigured database that was left accessible to anyone with internet access, leaving sensitive information such as email addresses and IP addresses vulnerable.

In addition to this, Microsoft Azure also suffered a major security breach in 2020 when cybercriminals were able to exploit a vulnerability in the system’s Cosmos DB database. This resulted in unauthorized access to thousands of customer databases, which could have been used for malicious purposes.

Despite these incidents, Microsoft has continued to invest heavily in enhancing its cloud security measures through initiatives such as its Azure Security Center platform and partnerships with leading cybersecurity firms. While no system is completely immune to breaches, it remains important for companies like Microsoft to remain vigilant and proactive in protecting their customers’ data from potential threats.

2. Marriott Starwood Hotels Data Breach (2018)

Marriott International revealed in 2018 a massive data breach that had exposed the personal data of as many as 500 million guests. The breach was the result of the acquisition of Starwood Hotels by the company in 2016, as the hackers had accessed Starwood’s networks as far back as 2014 and remained undetected for four years. Exposed information consisted of names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, passport numbers, Starwood Preferred Guest account details, date of birth, gender, arrival and departure dates, reservation dates, communication preferences, and loyalty program level details. Credit card numbers and expiration dates were exposed for some people.

Marriott was severely criticized for its response to the breach, especially for the slow detection and disclosure. Investigations by several authorities, such as the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office, are underway. The breach brought into focus the increasing threat of cyberattacks on big businesses and the susceptibility of sensitive personal information. It also highlighted the need for strong cybersecurity practices and timely incident response procedures to reduce the effects of such breaches.

3. National Electoral Institute of Mexico

The National Electoral Institute of Mexico (INE) suffered a major security breach in 2017, which exposed sensitive data of over 87 million citizens. The breach occurred due to an improperly configured Amazon Web Services S3 bucket that was publicly accessible without any authentication or encryption. This allowed anyone with the correct URL to access and download the data, which included names, addresses, voter IDs, and other personal information.

As a result of this incident, INE faced considerable backlash from the public and had to take immediate steps to address the issue. The institute issued a public apology for the security breach and offered free credit monitoring services to affected individuals. It also implemented stricter security measures for its IT systems and conducted regular audits to ensure compliance with industry standards.

This incident highlights the importance of proper cloud security measures when handling sensitive data. Organizations must ensure that their cloud infrastructure is properly secured by using appropriate encryption techniques and access controls. They should also conduct regular vulnerability assessments and implement robust incident response plans to mitigate potential breaches.

Also Read: How a Cloud-First Policy Can Drive Innovation

4. Capital One Data Breach (2019)

Capital One experienced a major data breach in 2019 that compromised the personal data of more than 100 million people in the United States and Canada. The breach was caused by a misconfigured web application firewall, which enabled an outside attacker to gain unauthorized access to the company’s cloud storage. The hacker, a one-time Amazon Web Services staffer, used this vulnerability to steal huge amounts of sensitive information, including names, addresses, Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and credit scores.

The Capital One breach highlighted the dangers of cloud security and the need for adequate configuration and maintenance of cloud-based systems. It also stressed the possible impacts of poor security practices, such as financial losses, reputational damage, and legal consequences. The breach sparked regulatory investigations, massive fines on Capital One, and heightened monitoring of cloud security practices in the financial sector.

5. Home Depot

One of the most infamous cloud security breaches happened to Home Depot in 2014. The home improvement retailer confirmed a massive data breach that exposed 56 million customer credit and debit card numbers, as well as personal information such as email addresses and phone numbers. The hackers used stolen credentials from a third-party vendor to gain access to Home Depot’s network and install malware on self-checkout systems.

The incident cost Home Depot $179 million in settlements and compensation for affected customers, making it one of the biggest data breaches in history at that time. It also highlighted the importance of vendor risk management and monitoring for organizations that rely on third-party services or solutions. As cyber threats continue to evolve, enterprises must prioritize cloud security best practices like encryption, access controls, regular audits, and employee training programs to reduce their risk exposure.

Despite the fallout from the Home Depot breach, the company has since improved its cybersecurity posture by investing heavily in technology solutions such as biometric authentication, endpoint protection software, and advanced threat detection tools. It also established a cybersecurity team dedicated to identifying potential vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by attackers. With these measures in place, Home Depot is better equipped to defend against future cyber-attacks and safeguard its customers’ sensitive data.

6 Apple iCloud

Apple suffered what may be the largest high-profile cloud security breach due to the victims involved. Jennifer Lawrence and other celebrities had their private photos leaked online.

Many of the victims initially thought that someone had hacked their phones. Instead, the iCloud service they used for personal storage had been compromised. In response, Apple urged users to employ stronger passwords and introduced a notification system that sends alerts when suspicious account activity is detected.

7. British Airways (2018)

The British Airways 2018 data breach was a high-profile attack that exposed the personal and financial data of around 380,000 customers. The attack happened as a result of weaknesses in the airline’s mobile app and website, enabling the attackers to read sensitive data such as names, addresses, credit card details, and CVV codes. Such data could be used for financial fraud and identity theft, which exposed customers to risk.

The data breach was especially alarming because of the nature of data stolen and the magnitude of the attack. It served to underscore the need for strong security precautions for companies dealing with customer information, particularly in industries such as aviation where confidence is essential. British Airways faced substantial financial and image harm from the breach, including a £20 million penalty by the UK Information Commissioner’s Office for GDPR infractions.

Conclusion

Businesses have come to realise the cloud has both advantages and disadvantages as far as security is concerned. According to a recent study, security is ranked as both the primary benefit and most prominent challenge of cloud computing for IT pros. I guess the moral of the story is that while there is plenty to love about it, addressing security concerns is the only way to take full advantage of all the cloud has to offer.