In 2024, cloud technology is no longer an optional tool for businesses—it’s the foundation of modern operations. However, with greater cloud adoption comes increased exposure to cyber threats. While the cloud brings agility, scalability, and cost efficiency, it also introduces a new set of security challenges that organisations must face head-on.
As of this year, cloud-based attacks are becoming more frequent and more sophisticated. But here’s the good news: there are concrete steps you can take to protect your business. Let’s explore the key cloud security trends in 2024, supported by data, and guide you on how to stay ahead of these evolving threats.
1. Misconfigurations Continue to Dominate Cloud Breaches
It might surprise you, but cloud misconfigurations remain one of the leading causes of breaches today. In fact, nearly 40% of businesses report that misconfigurations in their cloud environment have directly led to security incidents.
Whether it’s insecure storage, open ports, or excessive permissions, the reality is that these errors can easily slip through the cracks. But the consequences are significant: data theft, unauthorised access, and financial loss.
What Can You Do?
• Implement regular configuration audits: Ensure your cloud settings are checked frequently to close any security gaps.
• Automate configuration management: Tools like AWS Config or Azure Policy can help maintain correct settings and quickly fix any issues that arise.
• Use Penetration Testing: Pentesting simulates real-world attacks on your cloud infrastructure, identifying vulnerabilities like misconfigurations before hackers exploit them.
Did you know?
According to recent research, 75% of cloud security failures will result from mismanagement or misconfigurations by 2025. Being proactive today can prevent your organization from becoming a part of this statistic.
2. The Skills Gap is Widening: 25% of Companies Struggle to Find Talent
We all know that hiring skilled cybersecurity professionals isn’t easy. But in 2024, the cybersecurity talent gap has widened even further, with 25% of organisations in New Zealand and globally struggling to recruit and retain qualified security professionals.
With the rapid shift to the cloud, organisations often lack the internal expertise needed to manage complex cloud environments securely. Unfortunately, this gap leaves many businesses vulnerable to attack.
What Can You Do?
• Invest in cloud security training for your team: Upskill your current workforce to manage and secure your cloud infrastructure effectively.
• Leverage managed security services: Consider partnering with a Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) that specialises in cloud environments. This allows you to access top-tier security expertise without the full-time cost.
• Automate repetitive security tasks: Automation can free up your team’s bandwidth while ensuring that no essential tasks, such as patching or configuration management, are overlooked.
Data to consider:
The demand for cloud security expertise is expected to grow by 115% over the next five years. However, the availability of qualified professionals is projected to increase by only 20%. This imbalance makes internal training and leveraging external partners crucial for staying secure.
3. AI-Powered Cyberattacks: The Double-Edged Sword of Automation
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the cybersecurity landscape—for better and worse. While AI-driven security tools are more advanced and capable of real-time threat detection, AI-powered attacks are also becoming more frequent and more dangerous. In 2024, we’ve seen a marked increase in AI-driven malware and automated attacks, particularly on cloud environments.
AI-driven attacks can rapidly adapt, making it harder for traditional security tools to keep up. For example, ransomware attacks targeting cloud infrastructure are increasingly automated, spreading faster and causing more damage.
What Can You Do?
• Deploy AI-driven security solutions: Use AI for defense, not just attack. Tools powered by machine learning can monitor large volumes of data, detect patterns, and identify unusual behaviour in real-time.
• Automate threat detection: Invest in cloud-native security tools like Microsoft Azure Security Center or AWS GuardDuty, which leverage AI to detect and mitigate threats automatically.
• Stay informed: Cybercriminals are constantly evolving. Regularly educate your teams on the latest attack methods and encourage a proactive security mindset.
The data speaks for itself:
In the past two years, the frequency of AI-driven cyberattacks has increased by 300%, while 70% of organisations feel unprepared for these advanced threats. By adopting AI-driven defences, you can flip the script and outsmart attackers before they strike.
4. Supply Chain Attacks: A Growing Concern for Cloud-Based Companies
In 2024, supply chain attacks have become one of the most serious threats facing businesses that rely on third-party providers. These attacks involve cybercriminals infiltrating an organisation’s cloud service providers or third-party software to breach multiple targets at once. This strategy has proven devastating—just think of the SolarWinds attack that impacted thousands of organisations.
A quarter of all incidents in 2024 now involve supply chain vulnerabilities, making this an increasingly relevant threat.
What Can You Do?
• Vet your vendors carefully: Before working with any third-party provider, ensure they meet strict security standards and conduct regular security audits.
• Implement a shared responsibility model: Clarify where your organisation’s security obligations end and where your cloud provider’s obligations begin.
• Continuously monitor your supply chain: Use security tools that allow you to assess and monitor the security of your third-party partners in real time.
A key statistic:
A recent report shows that 60% of organisations will use third-party services that have experienced a major breach by 2025. By strengthening your supply chain security now, you can avoid becoming part of this growing statistic.
5. Zero Trust Security: Moving from Trend to Necessity
In 2024, the Zero Trust security model has evolved from a forward-thinking trend to a must-have approach. The idea is simple: Trust no one, verify everything. Whether it’s employees, customers, or partners, every attempt to access data or systems must be authenticated, regardless of whether the request originates from inside or outside the network.
With 80% of businesses either adopting or planning to adopt Zero Trust in the next year, it’s clear that this security framework is crucial for today’s cloud environments.
What Can You Do?
• Adopt Zero Trust architecture: Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA), least privilege access, and continuous monitoring of all users and devices.
• Use cloud-native Zero Trust tools: Many cloud providers now offer tools to help enforce Zero Trust principles, such as Google’s BeyondCorp or Microsoft’s Zero Trust solutions.
• Segment your network: By dividing your cloud environment into smaller sections, you can limit the impact of any potential breach.
Why Zero Trust matters:
According to a recent study, organisations that implemented Zero Trust saw 60% fewer breaches than those that did not. By treating every access request as a potential threat, you can dramatically reduce your risk profile.
6. Regular Pentesting: The Foundation of Cloud Security
In 2024, it’s clear that regular penetration testing (pentesting) is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. Pentesting allows businesses to simulate real-world cyberattacks to expose vulnerabilities before attackers find them. This is especially important for cloud environments, where new configurations and deployments are happening constantly.
The cloud is dynamic, and so are its risks. Regular pentests help businesses stay ahead of evolving threats by ensuring their defenses are always up to date.
What Can You Do?
• Schedule regular pentests: Make pentesting a routine part of your security strategy, especially after any major changes to your cloud environment.
• Work with a trusted provider: Partner with a pentesting provider that understands the intricacies of cloud infrastructure and can offer insights into how to strengthen your security posture.
• Use pentesting insights to improve configurations: Don’t just test for vulnerabilities—use the results to fine-tune your configurations and access controls.
A powerful stat to consider:
Businesses that conduct regular pentesting reduce the likelihood of a successful attack by up to 80%. In contrast, those without regular tests are more than twice as likely to suffer from a critical breach.
Final Thoughts: Securing Your Cloud Environment in 2024
The cloud offers incredible opportunities for growth, flexibility, and innovation—but it also brings new risks that must be addressed proactively. By understanding the latest trends and taking the necessary steps, your organisation can stay ahead of cybercriminals and protect what matters most.
To recap, here’s how you can fortify your cloud security:
• Perform regular pentests to identify vulnerabilities.
• Address the cloud skills gap by training your team or partnering with experts.
• Implement Zero Trust architecture to protect your network at every access point.
• Use AI-powered tools to detect and mitigate threats in real time.
• Stay vigilant about your supply chain security and monitor third-party providers.
If you’d like to learn more about how we can help you secure your cloud infrastructure with proactive pentesting and tailored security solutions, feel free to reach out. Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient cloud environment.