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Forensics after an object storage incident: Part 4 - Investigating Cloud Storage Misconfigurations, Malware, and Ransomware Attacks in Google Cloud Storage

 

Cloud object storage in Google Cloud is a high-value target for adversaries due to the critical data it contains. This whitepaper delivers a technically rigorous framework for identifying, analyzing, and responding to incidents involving malware uploads, misconfigurations, and ransomware attacks in Google Cloud Storage. Leveraging native tools such as Cloud Audit Logs, VPC Flow Logs, Security Command Center, and Google Security Operations, it outlines detailed, NIST 800-61 R3-aligned response playbooks. Security teams will gain practical guidance on forensic readiness, attack pattern detection, root cause analysis, and effective containment and recovery—all within the unique operational context of cloud storage environments.

 

 

 

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This paper discusses: 

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The rise of Google Cloud Storage threats such as malware uploads, public bucket misconfigurations, and ransomware campaigns that encrypt or delete storage objects.
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Log-based detection and investigation using Cloud Audit Logs, VPC Flow Logs, Cloud Monitoring, and Event Threat Detection to uncover anomalous access, configuration drift, and large-scale data exfiltration.

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NIST 800-61 R3-aligned response playbooks covering containment, eradication, and recovery for incidents involving malware, exposed data, and destructive ransomware activity.

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The role of Google Security Operations and SOAR automation in centralizing incident management, correlating multi-cloud signals, and executing automated, policy-driven responses.
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Summarized Excerpt

As organizations increasingly rely on Google Cloud Storage to house sensitive and mission-critical data, threats targeting cloud object storage—such as misconfigurations, malware implants, and ransomware—have grown more sophisticated and damaging. Incidents involving publicly accessible buckets, unauthorized object access, and the use of compromised credentials to encrypt or delete files highlight the urgent need for cloud-native forensic preparedness.

 

This guide outlines investigative workflows leveraging Google-native tools including Cloud Audit Logs, VPC Flow Logs, Security Command Center, and Event Threat Detection. It details practical detection techniques and NIST 800-61 R3-aligned response playbooks tailored to address malware uploads, storage misconfigurations, and destructive ransomware campaigns. It also demonstrates how integrating Google Security Operations and SOAR automation enables faster detection, centralized incident response, and improved cross-team coordination.

 

By implementing the strategies presented in this whitepaper, security teams can strengthen their forensic capabilities, minimize operational disruption, and safeguard the integrity of data stored within Google Cloud.