Cloud security | Not Every Cloud has a Silver Lining

Cloud security is a critical concern for businesses of all sizes as more and more data is stored and processed in the cloud. With the increasing use of cloud-based services, organizations must ensure that their data is protected from unauthorized access, theft, and loss. eDiscovery, also known as digital forensics, is a process that involves the identification, preservation, collection, and analysis of electronically stored information (ESI) to be used as evidence in legal proceedings.

Here are some examples of the magnitude and cost of cloud security breaches:

1. Capital One Data Breach (2019) – The personal information of over 100 million Capital One customers and applicants was exposed in a data breach that was attributed to a single individual who exploited a misconfigured firewall. The cost of the breach was estimated to be around $150 million.
2. Marriott International Data Breach (2018) – The personal information of over 500 million guests of the Marriott hotel chain was exposed in a data breach that was attributed to Chinese hackers. The cost of the breach was estimated to be around $124 million.
3. Equifax Data Breach (2017) – The personal information of over 147 million Equifax customers was exposed in a data breach that was attributed to a software vulnerability. The cost of the breach was estimated to be around $1.4 billion.
4. Yahoo Data Breaches (2013-2014) – The personal information of over 3 billion Yahoo users was exposed in a series of data breaches that were attributed to state-sponsored hackers. The cost of the breaches was estimated to be around $350 million.
5. Target Data Breach (2013) – The personal information of over 110 million Target customers was exposed in a data breach that was attributed to a third-party vendor. The cost of the breach was estimated to be around $292 million.
6. Sony PlayStation Network Data Breach (2011) – The personal information of over 77 million Sony PlayStation Network users was exposed in a data breach that was attributed to a group of hackers. The cost of the breach was estimated to be around $171 million.
   It’s important to note that these breaches not only cost companies a lot of money in terms of investigations and remediation but also individuals who have been affected by these breaches have to bear the cost of their identities being compromised and having to protect their personal information.

One of the main concerns with cloud security is that data is stored on servers that are not under the direct control of the organization. This means that organizations must rely on the security measures put in place by the cloud service provider, which can be a risk if the provider is not able to adequately protect the data. Additionally, organizations must ensure that they have the ability to access and retrieve their data in the event of an incident, such as a data breach or litigation. This is where eDiscovery comes in.

eDiscovery is a critical process for any organization that stores data in the cloud. It allows organizations to identify, preserve, and collect ESI that may be relevant to legal proceedings. This is important because ESI is often the key evidence in legal cases, and organizations must be able to produce it in a timely and organized manner.

While cloud security and eDiscovery are important concerns for any organization that uses cloud-based services, it can be difficult for organizations to navigate these complex issues on their own. This is why it is important to work with a professional services team that has experience, expertise, and specialized equipment in both areas.

A professional services team can help organizations navigate the complexities of cloud security and eDiscovery. They can provide guidance on the best security practices and technologies to use, as well as help organizations develop and implement eDiscovery plans. Additionally, professional services teams can assist organizations in responding to data breaches and other incidents, as well as helping them prepare for legal proceedings.

In conclusion, cloud security and eDiscovery are critical concerns for organizations that use cloud-based services. It is important for organizations to ensure that their data is protected from unauthorized access, theft, and loss and that they have the ability to access and retrieve their data in the event of an incident. A professional services team can help organizations navigate these complex issues and provide the expertise and guidance they need to protect their data and comply with legal requirements.