Definition ∞ Cloud compute theft involves the unauthorized use of cloud computing resources, typically for illicit activities such as cryptocurrency mining or denial-of-service attacks. Attackers gain access to cloud accounts or infrastructure through compromised credentials or system vulnerabilities. This illicit utilization incurs significant financial costs for the legitimate account holder and degrades service performance. It represents a direct misappropriation of valuable digital processing capacity.
Context ∞ News reports often detail instances of cloud compute theft where compromised accounts are used to mine various cryptocurrencies, impacting the operational expenses of businesses. A key discussion revolves around implementing stronger access controls and continuous monitoring solutions within cloud environments. Critical future developments will include more sophisticated anomaly detection systems and enhanced multi-factor authentication to prevent unauthorized resource consumption.