Thailand's Ubakong Faces Data Security Crisis After Exposing Backups in Google Cloud Storage

In an era where businesses increasingly rely on cloud infrastructure to store sensitive data, a critical lapse in security protocols has put Thai technology company Ubakong in the spotlight. Reports reveal that Ubakong, a Bangkok-based firm specializing in software solutions and IoT devices, inadvertently exposed its backup files on Google Cloud Storage, leaving terabytes of sensitive data—including customer information, internal communications, and proprietary code—publicly accessible. The incident underscores the persistent risks of cloud misconfigurations and raises urgent questions about corporate accountability in an interconnected digital landscape.

The Breach: How It Happened

Cybersecurity researchers discovered the exposed data in late 2023 during routine scans for vulnerabilities in cloud storage systems. Ubakong’s Google Cloud Storage bucket, which housed backups of databases and application files, was found to be configured with public access permissions. This meant anyone with a basic understanding of cloud storage URLs could view, download, or manipulate the data without authentication.

The exposed backups reportedly included:

• Customer and employee personally identifiable information (PII): Names, email addresses, phone numbers, and encrypted passwords.
• Financial records: Transaction logs and invoices tied to Ubakong’s clients.
• Proprietary software code: Source code for IoT firmware and enterprise applications.
• Internal documents: Meeting notes, project timelines, and partner agreements.

While no evidence of malicious exploitation has been confirmed, the sheer volume of exposed data poses significant risks, from identity theft to corporate espionage.

Ubakong’s Response and Fallout

Ubakong issued a brief statement acknowledging the incident, attributing it to an “oversight in access management” during a recent system migration. The company claims to have secured the storage bucket and initiated an internal audit, but critics argue the response was delayed and lacked transparency.

The breach has already triggered backlash:

• Reputational damage: Clients and partners have expressed concerns about Ubakong’s ability to safeguard data.
• Legal implications: Under Thailand’s Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA), which mirrors the EU’s GDPR, companies face fines of up to 5 million THB ($140,000) for negligence in data protection. Investigations by Thailand’s Digital Economy and Society Ministry are ongoing.
• Competitive risks: Leaked intellectual property could undermine Ubakong’s market position, particularly in Southeast Asia’s competitive tech sector.

A Recurring Cloud Security Challenge

Ubakong’s incident is far from isolated. Misconfigured cloud storage buckets have plagued organizations globally, with companies like Verizon, Accenture, and even government agencies falling victim to similar errors. A 2023 report by cybersecurity firm Palo Alto Networks found that 65% of cloud breaches stemmed from preventable misconfigurations.

“Cloud platforms offer convenience, but security is a shared responsibility,” explains Dr. Ananya Srishti, a Bangkok-based cybersecurity analyst. “Companies often assume cloud providers handle everything, but access controls, encryption, and regular audits are still the user’s duty.”

Lessons for Businesses: Securing the Cloud

To mitigate such risks, experts recommend:

1. Automated configuration checks: Tools like Google Cloud’s Security Command Center can detect public buckets.
2. Least-privilege access: Restrict permissions to essential personnel only.
3. Encryption: Ensure data is encrypted both at rest and in transit.
4. Incident response plans: Regular drills to address breaches swiftly.

Ubakong’s data exposure serves as a cautionary tale for businesses navigating digital transformation. As cloud adoption accelerates, proactive security measures—not reactive fixes—must become the norm. For Ubakong, regaining trust will require not just technical repairs, but a cultural shift toward prioritizing data governance. In Thailand’s booming tech industry, where innovation often outpaces regulation, this incident may well catalyze stricter enforcement of cybersecurity standards.