What was the most likely cause of a data compromise after a laptop theft in a cloud-based environment?

In a cloud-based environment, a laptop theft can lead to a data compromise primarily because of the presence of Shadow IT. Shadow IT refers to the use of unauthorized devices, applications, or services by employees without the knowledge or approval of the organization’s IT department. When a laptop that accesses cloud-based services is stolen, sensitive data could be at risk if those cloud services were accessed through unauthorized applications or client software that may not have appropriate security measures in place.

In this case, the lack of oversight and control over how cloud resources are utilized makes Shadow IT a significant risk factor. The stolen laptop may have had access to various cloud accounts and sensitive information that were not adequately protected or monitored. Consequently, if users have been utilizing personal or unapproved applications to interact with cloud resources, confidential data could be easily compromised following the theft.

While credential stuffing, SQL injection, and a man-in-the-browser are all valid attack vectors in various scenarios, they do not directly relate to the situation of physical theft and unauthorized access through user behavior in a cloud environment. Thus, in the specific context of a laptop theft leading to data compromise, Shadow IT stands out as the primary concern.