10 Ways Users Are Accidentally Compromising Your Cloud Security

When it comes to cloud security, attackers aren’t always the biggest problem—your users are. Through innocent mistakes or simple oversights, employees and collaborators can open doors to vulnerabilities that attackers are eager to exploit. While education and awareness are key, External Attack Surface Management (EASM) platforms like TRaViS can help identify and mitigate these risks before they become disasters.

Let’s break down 10 common ways users accidentally compromise your cloud security and how TRaViS helps you stay ahead.

1. Misconfigured Cloud Storage

The Problem:
Users often set up cloud storage buckets (like AWS S3) without properly restricting access. This leaves sensitive files exposed to the public.

How TRaViS Helps:

• Detects publicly accessible cloud storage buckets.
• Alerts you to misconfigurations and provides steps to secure them.

2. Reusing Weak or Compromised Passwords

The Problem:
Employees frequently reuse passwords across accounts, increasing the likelihood of credential stuffing attacks if one password is breached.

How TRaViS Helps:

• Monitors the dark web and other sources for leaked credentials tied to your domain.
• Provides real-time alerts so you can enforce password resets before attackers strike.

3. Sharing Login Credentials

The Problem:
Sharing credentials might seem like a time-saver, but it’s a major security risk. If one person is compromised, the shared account is too.

How TRaViS Helps:

• Identifies exposed credentials in public repositories or cloud environments.
• Flags accounts with shared credentials so you can address the issue.

4. Poorly Managed API Keys

The Problem:
Developers often leave API keys embedded in code repositories or forget to revoke them after testing. Attackers can use these keys to access cloud systems.

How TRaViS Helps:

• Scans for exposed API keys in public and private repositories.
• Alerts you to unused or insecure API configurations.

5. Using Unauthorized Shadow IT

The Problem:
Employees often spin up their own cloud services without informing IT. These "shadow IT" systems are rarely secured or monitored.

How TRaViS Helps:

• Discovers unauthorized or forgotten cloud resources.
• Provides a unified view of all external-facing assets, including shadow IT.

6. Failing to Apply Security Updates

The Problem:
Delays in applying patches or updates to cloud applications leave systems vulnerable to known exploits.

How TRaViS Helps:

• Continuously monitors for vulnerabilities in your cloud services.
• Provides prioritized alerts for outdated or unpatched systems.

7. Uploading Malicious or Sensitive Files

The Problem:
Users may unintentionally upload files containing malware or sensitive information to shared drives, making them accessible to attackers.

How TRaViS Helps:

• Identifies misconfigured file-sharing permissions.
• Alerts you to sensitive files exposed on public-facing cloud storage.

8. Ignoring MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication)

The Problem:
Skipping multi-factor authentication makes it easier for attackers to access cloud accounts with stolen credentials.

How TRaViS Helps:

• Identifies accounts and systems that lack MFA enforcement.
• Highlights user accounts at higher risk of credential-based attacks.

9. Accidentally Exposing Subdomains

The Problem:
Users often create subdomains for temporary projects or testing, then forget about them, leaving them vulnerable to takeover.

How TRaViS Helps:

• Automatically discovers and monitors subdomains, including forgotten or unused ones.
• Flags subdomains with weak configurations or potential takeover risks.

10. Mishandling Email Security

The Problem:
Users may send sensitive information via unencrypted email or fall victim to phishing scams, exposing cloud credentials.

How TRaViS Helps:

• Detects and alerts on misconfigured email servers and exposed credentials.
• Provides insights into email security risks tied to your cloud accounts.

How TRaViS Goes Beyond User Mistakes

TRaViS understands that human error is inevitable, but the damage it causes doesn’t have to be. By providing comprehensive external attack surface management, TRaViS ensures you can identify and address vulnerabilities caused by user behavior before attackers exploit them.

Key Features:

• Real-Time Monitoring: Continuous scanning of your cloud environment for vulnerabilities and misconfigurations.
• Asset Discovery: Maps all internet-facing assets, including shadow IT and forgotten subdomains.
• Credential Leak Detection: Proactively identifies and alerts on exposed passwords or API keys.
• Actionable Insights: Provides prioritized recommendations to secure your cloud infrastructure.

The Bottom Line

Your users aren’t malicious—they’re human. Mistakes like reusing passwords, misconfiguring storage, or neglecting updates are bound to happen. But with TRaViS, you can proactively identify and mitigate these risks, ensuring your cloud security remains strong even when errors occur.

Ready to protect your cloud environment? Visit TRaViS and take the first step toward comprehensive external attack surface management today.