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Forbes
08-04-2025
- Forbes
Why Cloud Misconfigurations Remain A Top Cause Of Data Breaches
Anshu Bansal is the founder/CEO of CNAPP that secures both applications and cloud infrastructure. It's 2025, and the industry has built some of the most advanced cloud environments ever seen—automated deployments, real-time threat detection and infrastructure that scales with just a few lines of code. Yet, data breaches aren't slowing down—why? Because a single misconfiguration—often as simple as an overly permissive IAM role or an exposed storage bucket—can wreck everything. In fact, cloud misconfigurations are often termed as a "technical oversight." But they're a systemic failure—a gap between how we build, secure and perceive risk in the cloud. Having spent over a decade in tech, I've seen organizations pour millions into cutting-edge tools, only to be blindsided by breaches caused by overlooked settings. Misconfigurations remain the number one cause of cloud breaches, not because we lack the technology to fix them, but because we keep treating the symptoms, not the root causes. Here, I'll break down why the industry keeps stumbling on this issue and, more importantly, how we can finally get ahead of it. Misconfigurations often get dismissed as "careless mistakes." For instance, a forgotten storage bucket left open to the public or an IAM role with broader permissions than necessary. Easy fixes, right? Not quite. In modern cloud environments, what looks like a single misstep is usually the byproduct of complex, fast-moving workflows. For example, take a developer spinning up a new microservice, working in a CI/CD pipeline and deploying infrastructure as code (IaC). The security team might not even see the new environment until it's live. If the template they used includes overly permissive IAM policies, that misconfiguration automatically spreads to every future deployment. And, here's what most people miss: misconfigurations don't happen in isolation. They're often tied to contextual blind spots. A storage bucket open to the public isn't always dangerous—unless it contains sensitive production data or exposes internal infrastructure paths. But cloud security tools typically flag everything equally, drowning teams in alerts while critical issues get buried. Key complexities that often go unnoticed: • Cloud Drift: Configurations change rapidly across environments, creating gaps. • Automation Blindspots: IaC can automate vulnerabilities if underlying templates contain misconfigurations. • Lack Of Context: Tools flag issues without understanding their real-world impact. The real challenge isn't fixing misconfigurations; it's understanding them in context. And that's where traditional security approaches fall short. If misconfigurations are the root cause of most breaches, why haven't traditional security solutions solved the problem? Because they focus on detection, not prevention. For instance, again let's consider that a developer spins up a new cloud instance for a project under a tight deadline and fast-paced sprint. They use an IaC template that worked last time without any issues. The project goes live. Weeks later, security flags an open port exposing sensitive APIs. Sound familiar? If yes, this is where the traditional approach falls short: Ask most people why misconfigurations happen, and they'll say "human error." That's only half the story. The real causes run deeper—tied to the way modern cloud environments operate. Here's what's really fueling these vulnerabilities: • Speed Over Security: Cloud thrives on agility. Developers push code fast, often under tight deadlines. Security checks? They're seen as bottlenecks. When speed wins, security loses. • Configuration Drift: Even secure deployments don't stay that way. Someone adjusts a security group for testing and forgets to revert it. This "drift" creates gaps traditional tools often miss. • Lack Of Context: Security tools flag issues but don't prioritize risk. Is an open port on a dev instance as critical as one on production? Most tools treat both the same, drowning teams in noise. • Siloed Workflows: Developers deploy. Security scans later. Issues get flagged post-deployment, often days or weeks later. By then, the damage might already be done. • Default Configurations: Cloud providers offer quick-start setups, but these defaults prioritize functionality, not security. Unless teams manually tighten settings, they're exposed from day one. Eliminating cloud misconfigurations is not just about patching individual issues. It's about fixing the system that allows them to exist in the first place. From my experience, the most effective approach involves shifting left and integrating security into every stage of the cloud lifecycle. Here's what works. • Shifting Left With Developer-Led Security: The easiest problems to fix are the ones that never make it to production. Developers should have tools that flag risky settings while writing code, not after deployment. If your pipeline isn't scanning IaC templates, you're flying blind. • Enforcing Least Privilege By Default: Excessive permissions are a common culprit. Adopt the principle of least privilege for IAM roles, service accounts and APIs. Ensure every identity—human or machine—has only the permissions they absolutely need. • Implementing Continuous Misconfiguration Monitoring: Cloud environments change constantly. One small update can undo weeks of careful security work. Continuous monitoring tools help catch these shifts—before they turn into real threats. • Automating Policy Enforcement: Humans miss things. Automation usually doesn't. Use policy-as-code frameworks like AWS Config, Azure Policy or Open Policy Agent to enforce security standards. If a misconfigured resource doesn't meet policy, it shouldn't deploy—simple as that. • Using Advanced Cloud Security Tools: This is where cloud security posture management (CSPM) shines, especially in multi-cloud environments. These platforms don't just say, 'Hey, something's wrong!' They prioritize risks, show potential impact and even guide remediation. • Closing The Visibility Gap: A misconfigured bucket hosting non-sensitive logs doesn't deserve the same urgency as one holding customer data. Tools that combine configuration alerts with risk context help prioritize fixes effectively. After working in this space for years, I can say with confidence that tools alone won't save us. It takes a mindset shift. When everyone—from developers to leadership—understands the risks and owns their part, the whole system gets stronger. The cloud isn't going anywhere, and neither are misconfigurations. But if we build smarter habits, use the right tools and stop trusting defaults, we can keep them from becoming headlines. The bottom line? Cloud security isn't someone else's job. It's everyone's. Forbes Technology Council is an invitation-only community for world-class CIOs, CTOs and technology executives. Do I qualify?
Associated Press
14-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
CloudDefense.AI Reveals Key Strategies to Identify and Protect Personal Identifiable Information (PII) in the Cloud
'Protecting PII isn't just about compliance - it's about building trust. Organizations that secure their data proactively will lead within the changing digital environment.' — Abhi Arora, COO of CA, UNITED STATES, March 14, 2025 / / -- As businesses migrate to the cloud, securing Personal Identifiable Information (PII) becomes urgent. Cloud environments offer flexibility and scalability, but poor security can expose sensitive data to cybercriminals. Misconfigurations or unchecked access can lead to significant PII exposure, causing financial, legal, and reputational damage. a leader in cloud security, assists companies in proactively identifying and securing PII before threats arise. A significant risk in cloud security is the lack of visibility into where PII is stored and accessed. Organizations struggle to track sensitive data across databases, logs, backups, and third-party applications. Without understanding data flow, businesses are vulnerable to unauthorized access and accidental leaks. highlights the need for automated discovery and classification tools that monitor cloud environments, ensuring organizations know where their PII resides and who can access it. Controlling access to PII is crucial. Excessive permissions pose threats, with many breaches stemming from poor access management rather than complex attacks. follows the Principle of Least Privilege (PoLP), granting only essential access to employees and applications. Using Cloud Infrastructure Entitlement Management (CIEM) and Role-Based Access Control (RBAC), organizations can automate reviews, detect and remove excessive permissions, thus minimizing risks. Restricting access is insufficient. If data is compromised, encryption is essential. Properly encrypted data remains unreadable, even to attackers. advises using strong encryption like AES-256 for data at rest and TLS for data in transit. Tokenization and effective key management also protect sensitive data. Many organizations neglect key management by storing encryption keys with the data. highlights the need for secure, separate storage of keys to prevent unauthorized decryption access. Encryption minimizes data exposure, but real-time monitoring and threat detection are essential to prevent security incidents. Cloud environments are dynamic, requiring ongoing monitoring and anomaly detection to respond swiftly to evolving cyber threats. highlights advanced Threat Detection and Response (TDR) solutions for immediate alerts on suspicious activities and unauthorized access, enabling organizations to act before breaches occur. Organizations must prioritize compliance with data protection regulations like GDPR, CCPA, HIPAA, and PCI-DSS, which impose strict guidelines on handling personally identifiable information (PII). Non-compliance risks penalties, and customer trust. automates audits, enforces data retention policies, and trains staff in sensitive data handling. By embedding security into cloud operations, organizations ensure compliance and maintain strong security. As cloud adoption continues to grow, businesses must stay ahead of evolving threats by proactively securing PII. remains committed to helping organizations build resilient cloud security strategies through CNAPP, DSPM, and CIEM solutions. By taking a proactive stance on data protection, access control, encryption, and threat monitoring, businesses can fortify their cloud environments and build lasting trust with customers. About headquartered in Palo Alto, is a cutting-edge Cloud-Native Application Protection Platform (CNAPP) that provides end-to-end security for cloud infrastructures and applications. seamlessly integrates advanced technology and expertise, making it the ultimate solution for mitigating security risks from development to deployment. Their state-of-the-art platform offers a full spectrum of security solutions, ensuring organizations can confidently protect their cloud environments. Covering every layer of security, provides SAST, DAST, SCA, IaC Scanning, Advanced API Security, Container Security, CSPM, CWPP, CIEM, Kubernetes Security, and AI-SPM. Moreover, their exclusive technology guarantees continuous policy enforcement and proactive threat mitigation. enhances security with AI-driven remediation, attack path analysis, and automated risk assessment to reduce vulnerability noise and detect zero-day threats in real-time. This innovative approach boosts security efficiency, providing up to five times the value of traditional tools and establishing them as leaders in cloud security. If you want to learn more about and explore one of the best CNAPPs in the industry, please book a free demo or connect with them at [email protected] X LinkedIn Instagram YouTube Legal Disclaimer:
Associated Press
04-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
CloudDefense.AI CEO Anshu Highlights the Importance of Embedding Security into Every Stage of Application Development
'Security isn't a gate at the end of development - it's the foundation for innovation itself.' — Anshu Bansal, CEO of PALO ALTO, CA, UNITED STATES, March 4, 2025 / / -- continues to drive innovation in cloud and application security with expert insights from its CEO, Anshu Bansal, who was recently featured in Forbes. In his latest article, 'How to Seamlessly Embed Security Into Your Application Lifecycle with DevSecOps,' Anshu explores how modern businesses can adopt a proactive security approach by integrating security directly into their software development processes - ensuring both speed and safety in application delivery. As businesses increasingly prioritize faster release cycles and continuous innovation, traditional security practices are no longer enough. Anshu emphasizes that treating security as a final checklist or isolated phase leaves organizations vulnerable to evolving threats. Instead, DevSecOps - the seamless integration of security into development and operations - is becoming essential for businesses aiming to build secure, resilient software without compromising agility. The article breaks down the practical strategies for embedding security across the entire application lifecycle -from initial planning and development to testing, deployment, and ongoing monitoring. By making security everyone's responsibility, from developers to operations and leadership, companies can catch vulnerabilities earlier, reduce costly rework, and create a culture where security enhances innovation rather than slowing it down. Anshu also highlights the growing need for automated security tools that fit directly into developer workflows, ensuring that security checks happen automatically within CI/CD pipelines. By continuously monitoring for risks and aligning security policies across all stages, businesses can proactively defend their applications while keeping pace with today's rapid development demands. For the full Forbes article, click here. About headquartered in Palo Alto, is a complete Cloud-Native Application Protection Platform (CNAPP) that secures the entire cloud infrastructure and applications. Considering the evolving threat landscape, they blend expertise and technology seamlessly, positioning themselves as the go-to solution for remediating security risks from code to cloud. Experience the ultimate protection with their comprehensive suite that covers every facet of your cloud security needs, from code to cloud to cloud reconnaissance. Their catered-for cloud offering includes SAST, DAST, SCA, IaC Analysis, Advanced API Security, Container Security, CSPM, CWPP, and CIEM to the exclusive Hacker's View™ technology - ensures airtight security at every level. Going above and beyond, their innovative solution actively tackles zero-day threats and effectively reduces vulnerability noise by strategically applying various modern techniques. This unique approach delivers up to five times more value than other security tools, establishing them as comprehensive and proactive digital defense pioneers. If you want to learn more about and explore one of the best CNAPPs in the industry, please book a free demo with us or connect with us here at [email protected] X LinkedIn Instagram YouTube Legal Disclaimer:
Associated Press
27-01-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
CloudDefense.AI CEO Anshu Provides Tips to Forbes on Tackling Cloud Security Challenges
'Businesses can no longer afford to take cloud security for granted—proactive defense is the only way forward.' — Anshu Bansal, CEO, PALO ALTO, CA, UNITED STATES, January 27, 2025 / / -- The cloud has revolutionized the way businesses operate, offering unparalleled agility, scalability, and innovation. Yet, as organizations continue to embrace cloud computing, the challenges of securing these complex environments have grown exponentially. Despite substantial investments in cloud security, breaches remain a persistent threat. Addressing this critical issue, Anshu Bansal, CEO of recently shared his expert insights with Forbes, shedding light on the biggest challenges in cloud security and the strategies businesses must adopt to safeguard their operations. In his feature, Bansal highlighted a key misconception that leaves organizations vulnerable: the assumption that cloud security is solely the responsibility of cloud providers. Drawing attention to a 2023 Gartner report stating that 99% of cloud security failures are the customer's fault, he stressed the importance of understanding cloud security as a shared responsibility. IBM's findings that 83% of organizations have suffered at least one cloud security breach further underline the urgency of addressing this oversight. According to Bansal, companies must shift from a passive reliance on providers to actively taking control of their security posture. Bansal identified several pressing challenges businesses face in securing their cloud environments. Misconfigurations, often the result of human error, are a leading cause of breaches, exposing sensitive data to attackers. A lack of visibility across fragmented environments compounds this issue, leaving vulnerabilities undetected. The expanded attack surface created by every new application or service adds to the complexity, while multi-tenant risks in shared cloud infrastructures amplify the potential for cross-contamination. Moreover, navigating the intricate web of compliance requirements, including GDPR and CCPA, remains a significant hurdle for organizations operating in multi-cloud environments. To counter these threats, Bansal emphasized the need for a proactive and dynamic approach to cloud security. He advocated for the adoption of automated tools to ensure proper configurations and prevent human errors. Enhanced visibility and real-time monitoring through cloud-native security platforms are essential for identifying and mitigating risks. Embracing a Zero-Trust security model, which limits access and verifies every action, can significantly reduce vulnerabilities. Additionally, encrypting and isolating data at all stages is vital to ensuring robust protection, while automating compliance processes can streamline adherence to regulatory requirements. Cloud security is not a static challenge but a continuous battle. The largest breaches in recent history occurred not because security tools were inadequate but because businesses failed to evolve alongside threats. Anshu's Forbes feature reinforces the importance of taking ownership, shifting from a reactive security posture to an active, defense-first mindset. Organizations that commit to continuous monitoring, intelligent automation, and robust security frameworks will stand resilient in the face of rising cyber risks. To gain deeper insights from Anshu Bansal's discussion, read the full article on Forbes. About headquartered in Palo Alto, is a complete Cloud-Native Application Protection Platform (CNAPP) that secures the entire cloud infrastructure and applications. Considering the evolving threat landscape, they blend expertise and technology seamlessly, positioning themselves as the go-to solution for remediating security risks from code to cloud. Experience the ultimate protection with their comprehensive suite that covers every facet of your cloud security needs, from code to cloud to cloud reconnaissance. Their catered-for cloud offering includes SAST, DAST, SCA, IaC Analysis, Advanced API Security, Container Security, CSPM, CWPP, and CIEM to the exclusive Hacker's View™ technology – ensures airtight security at every level. Going above and beyond, their innovative solution actively tackles zero-day threats and effectively reduces vulnerability noise by strategically applying various modern techniques. This unique approach delivers up to five times more value than other security tools, establishing them as comprehensive and proactive digital defense pioneers. If you want to learn more about and explore one of the best CNAPPs in the industry, please book a free demo with us or connect with us at [email protected] +1 650-555-0194 X LinkedIn Instagram YouTube Legal Disclaimer:
