Novel Cloud-Native Ransomware Attacks: SANS Institute Issues Warning

TL;DR

The SANS Institute has warned of novel cloud-native ransomware attacks exploiting cloud storage vulnerabilities. A recent report by Palo Alto Networks Unit 42 found that 66% of cloud storage buckets contain sensitive data, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced cloud security measures.

SANS Institute Warns of Novel Cloud-Native Ransomware Attacks

The SANS Institute has issued a critical warning regarding novel cloud-native ransomware attacks. These attacks exploit vulnerabilities in cloud storage security controls and default settings, posing a significant threat to organizations relying on cloud services.

Cloud Storage Vulnerabilities

A recent report by Palo Alto Networks Unit 42 revealed that 66% of cloud storage buckets contain sensitive data. This data is particularly vulnerable to ransomware attacks due to misconfigurations and default settings that do not prioritize security. Attackers can exploit these weaknesses to gain unauthorized access and encrypt critical data, demanding ransom for its release¹.

“In just the past few months, I have witnessed two different methods for executing these attacks, both leveraging cloud provider storage security controls and default settings.”

Implications and Recommendations

The rise of cloud-native ransomware attacks underscores the need for robust cloud security measures. Organizations must:

• Regularly audit and configure cloud storage settings.
• Implement strong access controls and monitoring.
• Educate staff on best practices for cloud security.

Conclusion

The increasing frequency and sophistication of cloud-native ransomware attacks highlight the urgent need for enhanced security measures. Organizations must prioritize cloud security to protect sensitive data and mitigate the risks associated with these evolving threats.

For more details, visit the full article: SANS Institute Warns of Novel Cloud-Native Ransomware Attacks

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References

1. Palo Alto Networks Unit 42 (2025). “Unit 42 Cloud Threat Report”. Palo Alto Networks. Retrieved 2025-03-17. ↩︎