As organizations continue migrating to the cloud for increased speed, flexibility, and innovation, security remains a top priority. Google Cloud Platform (GCP) offers strong built-in protections, but these tools require proper configuration to be effective. Many environments remain vulnerable due to overlooked settings, weak controls, or lack of visibility.
Below are five common GCP security risks and practical steps organizations can take to reduce their exposure.
Inadequate IAM Controls and Missing Multi-Factor Authentication
Identity and Access Management (IAM) is a critical component of cloud security. Without multi-factor authentication (MFA), user accounts are more susceptible to compromise. MFA strengthens security by requiring two types of verification, such as a password and a mobile device confirmation.
- Require MFA for all users and administrators
- Use at least two different authentication factors
- Review user access regularly and remove any unnecessary permissions
Public Facing Applications Susceptible to Denial-of-Service Attacks
Public-facing applications in GCP can be targeted by Denial-of-Service (DoS) and Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks. These attacks can overwhelm systems, causing outages or degraded performance. Although GCP includes native protections, they must be properly deployed to be effective.
- Use Google Cloud Armor to filter and block malicious traffic
- Enable autoscaling to help absorb unexpected traffic spikes
- Set API processing limits and request quotas to prevent misuse
Unprotected Public APIs
APIs that are unintentionally exposed or insufficiently secured can create major vulnerabilities. These endpoints may leak sensitive data or allow unauthorized access to critical systems.
- Protect APIs with Identity-Aware Proxy and OAuth tokens
- Apply strict access controls to every API endpoint
- Audit all APIs regularly to identify any unintended exposures
Misconfigured Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) Networks
A VPC functions as the internal network within your cloud environment. If improperly configured, it can expose sensitive assets to the internet. Risks include open ports, excessive firewall permissions, or unnecessary public IP addresses.
- Disable default VPC networks and create custom configurations based on actual needs
- Use the principle of least privilege when defining firewall rules
- Review routing, peering, and IP settings on a regular basis
Insufficient Logging and Monitoring
Security incidents often go undetected when logging and monitoring are not properly enabled. Without real-time visibility, suspicious activity can persist for days or even weeks without notice.
- Enable Cloud Audit Logs for all services, especially those handling sensitive information
- Implement Cloud Monitoring and Logging to maintain operational awareness
- Set up alerts for critical events such as failed logins or unusual system activity
Taking a Proactive Approach to Google Cloud Security
GCP provides powerful tools to help organizations secure their environments. However, it is up to each organization to configure, manage, and monitor these tools effectively. A well-maintained cloud environment not only reduces risk but also supports operational resilience.
Author: Adam Lisowski | [email protected]
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