As cloud computing becomes essential for over 90% of global businesses, cybersecurity expert Eric Akwei has raised concerns about the growing vulnerabilities in cloud-based systems.
Citing IBM’s 2023 Cost of a Data Breach Report, Akwei noted that misconfigured cloud storage, weak access controls, and insufficient encryption contribute to more than 80% of breaches, with each incident costing companies an average of $4.45 million.
Akwei, a telecommunications professional and cybersecurity advocate, pointed to high-profile incidents such as the 2019 Capital One breach and a 2022 ransomware attack on Microsoft Azure as examples of the risks posed by unsecured APIs, poor identity management, and configuration errors. He explained that cloud environments, while efficient, introduce complexities that heighten the likelihood of human error and oversight.
To counter these threats, Akwei recommended a multi-layered security approach, including least-privilege access controls, continuous AI-powered monitoring, end-to-end encryption, and zero-trust frameworks. He highlighted multi-factor authentication (MFA) as particularly effective, noting Microsoft research showing it can prevent 99% of account takeovers. Emerging solutions like homomorphic encryption and confidential computing, he added, could further secure data during processing.
With cyber threats growing more sophisticated, Akwei urged businesses to treat cloud security as a critical priority. “As AI-driven tools and threats evolve, organizations must adopt proactive measures to avoid financial losses, regulatory penalties, and reputational harm,” he said. The call comes as industries worldwide grapple with balancing digital transformation against escalating cybersecurity challenges.
The increasing reliance on cloud services underscores the need for robust safeguards, particularly as breaches extend beyond financial damage to erode customer trust and even national security. While advanced technologies offer new defensive capabilities, experts stress that consistent vigilance and investment in security frameworks remain essential to mitigating risks in an interconnected digital landscape.
