What's Happening?
A recent report by ReliaQuest highlights identity digitization as the leading source of cloud risk, with 44% of true-positive alerts in Q3 2025 linked to identity-related weaknesses. These include excessive
permissions, misconfigured roles, and credential abuse. The report notes that cloud keys and credentials are often stored insecurely, making them vulnerable to phishing and malware attacks. Attackers can purchase legitimate credentials on the dark web for as little as $2, allowing them to escalate access without detection. The report also points out that 99% of cloud identities are over-privileged, expanding the attack surface significantly. Additionally, poor DevOps practices contribute to the redeployment of legacy vulnerabilities, further increasing risks.
Why It's Important?
The findings underscore the critical need for organizations to enhance their security posture to protect cloud environments. As cloud adoption continues to grow, the potential for identity-related breaches poses significant threats to data integrity and business operations. Companies that fail to address these vulnerabilities risk financial losses, reputational damage, and regulatory penalties. The report suggests that improving identity management and reducing excessive permissions are essential steps in mitigating these risks. The broader impact on industries reliant on cloud services could be substantial, affecting sectors like finance, healthcare, and technology.
What's Next?
Organizations are urged to prioritize identity security by implementing stricter access controls and regular audits of cloud permissions. As the attack surface continues to expand, businesses must adopt comprehensive security strategies that include advanced threat detection and response capabilities. The report calls for a shift towards proactive risk management to prevent identity-related breaches. Stakeholders, including IT leaders and security professionals, are expected to collaborate on developing robust frameworks to safeguard cloud environments.
