An Insider Look at Real-World Examples of Cloud Hacks

As more and more companies move their data to the cloud, it is becoming increasingly important for startups to understand the risks and potential consequences of cloud hacks. In this blog, we'll take an insider look at real-world examples of cloud hacks and what startups can learn from them.

LinkedIn (2021):

Incident: In 2021, a hacker claimed to have breached LinkedIn and offered to sell data from 500 million LinkedIn users. The attacker allegedly exploited a vulnerability in an API used by LinkedIn to collect and aggregate data from other websites.

Learnings: This example highlights the importance of securing APIs and ensuring that they are properly authenticated and authorized.

Clubhouse (2021)

Incident: In 2021, it was discovered that the social media platform Clubhouse had been leaking user data, including profile information and room chat logs. The data was being stored in an insecure backend system that allowed unauthorized access.

Learnings: This example highlights the importance of properly securing all data storage systems used in your cloud infrastructure.

Log4j Vulnerability (2021)

Incident: In late 2021, a vulnerability was discovered in the open-source logging tool Log4j, which is widely used in cloud infrastructure. The vulnerability allowed attackers to execute code remotely and gain control of the cloud infrastructure.

Learnings: This example highlights the importance of regularly monitoring and updating all software used in your cloud infrastructure to address newly discovered vulnerabilities.

Parler (2021)

Incident: In 2021, the social media platform Parler suffered a data breach that exposed the personal information of over 70,000 users. The attackers gained access to Parler's cloud infrastructure by exploiting a vulnerability in a third-party software used by Parler.

Learnings: This example highlights the importance of vetting all third-party software used in your cloud infrastructure and ensuring that they are properly secured and up-to-date.

NoxPlayer (2021)

Incident: In 2021, the popular Android emulator NoxPlayer suffered a data breach that exposed the personal information of over 150 million users. The attackers gained access to NoxPlayer's cloud infrastructure by exploiting a vulnerability in a third-party software used by NoxPlayer.

Learnings: This example highlights the importance of regularly monitoring and updating all third-party software used in your cloud infrastructure to address newly discovered vulnerabilities.

Capital One (2019)

Incident: One of the most high-profile cloud hacks occurred in 2019 when Capital One suffered a data breach that exposed the personal information of over 100 million customers. The attacker exploited a misconfigured firewall in Capital One's cloud infrastructure, allowing them to access sensitive data stored in the cloud.

Learnings: Startups can learn from this example by ensuring that their cloud configurations are properly secured and that they have strong firewalls in place to protect against unauthorized access.

Target (2013)

Incident: In 2013, Target suffered a data breach that exposed the credit card information of over 40 million customers. The attackers gained access to Target's point-of-sale systems by stealing login credentials from a third-party vendor that had access to Target's network.

Learnings: This example highlights the importance of vendor management and ensuring that any third-party vendors that have access to your cloud infrastructure are properly vetted and have strong security measures in place.

Uber (2016)

Incident: In 2016, Uber suffered a data breach that exposed the personal information of over 57 million customers and drivers. The attackers gained access to Uber's cloud infrastructure by stealing login credentials from a private GitHub repository used by Uber's software engineers.

Learnings: This example highlights the importance of strong password management and ensuring that all employees and contractors are properly trained in cybersecurity best practices.

Marriott International (2018)

Incident: In 2018, Marriott International suffered a data breach that exposed the personal information of over 500 million customers. The attackers gained access to Marriott's cloud infrastructure by exploiting a vulnerability in a third-party web application used by Marriott's Starwood hotel chain.

Learnings: This example highlights the importance of conducting regular security audits and ensuring that all third-party applications used in your cloud infrastructure are properly secured.

Equifax (2017)

Incident: In 2017, Equifax suffered a data breach that exposed the personal information of over 147 million customers. The attackers gained access to Equifax's cloud infrastructure by exploiting a vulnerability in an open-source web application framework that was used by Equifax.

Learnings: This example highlights the importance of regularly patching software and ensuring that all software used in your cloud infrastructure is up-to-date and secure.

Sony Pictures (2014)

Incident: In 2014, Sony Pictures suffered a data breach that exposed the personal information of over 47,000 employees and caused extensive damage to the company's reputation. The attackers gained access to Sony's cloud infrastructure by stealing login credentials from Sony employees.

Learnings: This example highlights the importance of employee cybersecurity training and ensuring that all employees are aware of the risks of cyber attacks and know how to properly secure their login credentials.

Yahoo (2013-2014)

Incident: Between 2013 and 2014, Yahoo suffered two data breaches that exposed the personal information of over 3 billion user accounts. The attackers gained access to Yahoo's cloud infrastructure by exploiting a vulnerability in Yahoo's custom-built user authentication system.

Learnings: This example highlights the importance of using well-established and secure authentication systems and avoiding building custom authentication systems that may have unknown vulnerabilities.

Anthem (2015)

Incident: In 2015, Anthem suffered a data breach that exposed the personal information of over 78 million customers. The attackers gained access to Anthem's cloud infrastructure by stealing login credentials from Anthem employees.

Learnings: This example highlights the importance of multi-factor authentication and ensuring that all accounts used in your cloud infrastructure require more than just a password for access.

Dropbox (2012)

Incident: In 2012, Dropbox suffered a data breach that exposed the email addresses and hashed passwords of over 68 million users. The attackers gained access to Dropbox's cloud infrastructure by stealing login credentials from a Dropbox employee.

Learnings: This example highlights the importance of limiting access to sensitive data and ensuring that only employees who need access to the data have the appropriate permissions.

Tesla (2021)

Incident: In 2021, a group of hackers successfully breached Tesla's cloud infrastructure and gained access to sensitive data, including video footage from Tesla's factories. The attackers exploited a vulnerability in a third-party software used by Tesla to collect and store data.

Learnings: This example highlights the importance of vetting all third-party software used in your cloud infrastructure and ensuring that they are properly secured and up-to-date.

In conclusion, these real-world examples of cloud hacks demonstrate the importance of implementing strong security measures in your startup's cloud infrastructure. By properly securing your cloud configurations, vetting third-party vendors, implementing strong password management, and conducting regular security audits, startups can help prevent their data from falling victim to cyber attacks. It's important for startups to learn from these examples and take proactive steps to protect their data and their customers' information.