Blog posted on 7th February 2026

Cloud Penetration Testing AWS Azure Google Cloud

Introduction:

Cloud adoption across the UK continues to accelerate. Organisations rely on AWS, Azure and Google Cloud to host applications, store sensitive information and support critical services. While cloud platforms provide flexibility and scalability, they also introduce configuration complexity, identity management risks and new attack surfaces.

Cloud penetration testing provides structured, expert led testing of your cloud environment. The purpose is to uncover vulnerabilities, misconfigurations and insecure access controls before they are exploited. CodeShield delivers cloud penetration testing and cloud security testing designed to go beyond automated scans, giving you clear insight into real risks across AWS, Azure and Google Cloud.

This blog outlines how CodeShield approaches cloud penetration testing, what is included, and how it supports compliance and long term security.

Cloud Penetration Testing Description

Cloud penetration testing is a focused security assessment of cloud based systems, infrastructure and applications. It simulates real world attack scenarios to identify weaknesses that could expose data or disrupt services.

At CodeShield, cloud penetration testing combines advanced manual testing techniques, targeted automation and configuration benchmarking. This approach ensures technical depth while maintaining accuracy across complex cloud environments.

The scope of a cloud security assessment may include

Identity and access management controls
Virtual machines and compute instances
Cloud storage configuration
Container security and Kubernetes clusters
Application programming interfaces and exposed services
Encryption settings and key management
Logging and monitoring configuration

Testing may include controlled attempts to safely exploit discovered vulnerabilities. For example, consultants may assess how a compromised account could escalate privileges, or how a misconfigured storage instance could expose sensitive data.

Each engagement results in a comprehensive, easy to understand report. Findings are prioritised based on risk and impact, with practical remediation guidance aligned to best practice standards.

Full Cloud Coverage

Whether you operate in AWS, Azure or Google Cloud, CodeShield provides comprehensive cloud penetration testing across your entire environment. This includes hybrid and multi cloud deployments, as well as different deployment models such as Infrastructure as a Service, Platform as a Service and Software as a Service.

Configuration Reviews

Misconfigurations remain one of the most common causes of cloud security incidents. CodeShield performs detailed configuration reviews tailored to your specific environment and how your cloud services are used. This includes AWS security assessments, Azure security assessments and Google Cloud security assessments aligned to recognised benchmarks such as CIS Best Practice Standards.

Continuous Support

Cloud environments evolve constantly. New services are deployed, permissions change and infrastructure expands. CodeShield provides ongoing guidance to help maintain secure configurations and reduce exposure as new threats emerge. Continuous cloud security testing ensures your cloud security posture remains strong over time.

Common Cloud Vulnerabilities

Cloud environments are complex and highly configurable. Without structured testing, vulnerabilities can remain unnoticed.

CodeShield’s cloud penetration testing frequently identifies

Exposed cloud storage instances such as S3 buckets or cloud blobs
External data sharing misconfigurations
Overly permissive IAM roles and policies
Poor access management controls
Lack of encryption for sensitive data
Insecure APIs and vulnerable interfaces
Server side request forgery risks
Inadequate network segmentation

By identifying these weaknesses early, organisations can reduce the likelihood of data leakage, service disruption and compliance breaches.

Key Benefits of Cloud Penetration Testing

Pinpoint weaknesses across AWS, Azure and Google Cloud

Cloud penetration testing highlights insecure access controls, exposed resources and gaps in your cloud security perimeter before attackers can exploit them.

Improve compliance alignment

Testing supports compliance with standards such as ISO 27001, GDPR and PCI DSS. Clear documentation demonstrates due diligence and structured risk management.

Strengthen overall security posture

Expert led cloud security testing provides deeper insight than automated scanning tools alone. This ensures real world vulnerabilities are identified and addressed.

Protect sensitive data

By reviewing identity management, encryption controls and storage configuration, CodeShield helps secure confidential data stored within your cloud environment.

Support secure cloud transformation

As organisations expand into new services or migrate systems to the cloud, penetration testing provides reassurance that security controls are correctly implemented.

Is Cloud Penetration Testing Right for Your Organisation

If you manage AWS, Azure or Google Cloud services, consider the following

Are all systems securely configured and regularly reviewed
Have identity and access management policies been validated
Is there any risk of exposed storage or unauthorised data access
Is third party access properly controlled
Has your cloud environment been tested beyond automated scans

If you are unsure about any of these areas, a cloud penetration test can provide clarity and practical guidance.

Our Process for Testing and Securing Cloud Environments

Scoping

CodeShield begins every engagement with a clear and structured scoping phase. This includes identifying

The cloud provider in use
The deployment model
Specific assets and services in scope
Acceptable use policy considerations
Security objectives and compliance requirements

Scoping ensures testing remains aligned with provider policies while addressing your specific risk profile.

Testing

During testing, consultants perform controlled security assessments across in scope cloud services. Manual techniques are combined with targeted automation to identify vulnerabilities and attempt safe exploitation where appropriate.

Reporting and Debrief

Following testing, CodeShield delivers a comprehensive report detailing findings, risk ratings and remediation recommendations. A debrief session ensures your team fully understands the results and next steps.

Conclusion & Author:

Cloud penetration testing is a critical element of modern cloud security strategy. As organisations continue to expand their use of AWS, Azure and Google Cloud, the risk of misconfiguration and exposure increases.

Through expert led cloud penetration testing and cloud security testing, CodeShield helps organisations identify vulnerabilities, strengthen configurations and maintain compliance. With full cloud coverage, professional reporting and ongoing support, CodeShield provides practical and reliable cloud security assurance across your entire cloud environment.

If you require clarity, confidence and measurable risk reduction within your cloud infrastructure, CodeShield’s cloud penetration testing services provide a structured and effective solution.

Euan Cowan, Account Director

If you would like to discuss this topic further with Euan, have any questions, or would just like to connect in general, you can reach out to him in the following ways:

Mobile: +44 7383 636705
Email: Euan.Cowan@codeshield.co.uk