In today’s digital landscape, cloud computing has become an essential component. Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are increasingly adopting cloud services, attracted by the opportunity to level the playing field with larger competitors, enhancing business agility, and achieving rapid scale without the high costs associated with traditional on-premises configurations. Research shows that 53% of global SMBs are now spending over $1.2 million annually on the cloud, indicating a significant shift towards cloud adoption.
Despite the benefits of digital transformation, businesses are also facing new risks. The 2024 Global SMB survey identified security and compliance as the second and third most commonly cited cloud challenges. These challenges highlight the need for businesses to address the mistakes and oversights often made in cloud deployments.
Identifying the top seven cloud security mistakes made by SMBs is the first step towards optimizing cloud usage while minimizing the risk of serious financial and reputational harm. The first mistake is the absence of multi-factor authentication (MFA), leaving accounts vulnerable to unauthorized access. The next common mistake is placing excessive trust in the cloud service provider (CSP), ignoring the shared responsibility model for securing the cloud. The third mistake identified is failing to implement regular backup practices, leaving businesses exposed to data loss in the event of a system failure or cyberattack. Additionally, failing to patch cloud systems regularly, misconfiguring the cloud environment, and not monitoring cloud traffic are cited as additional significant mistakes. Finally, businesses often fail to encrypt sensitive data, leaving it vulnerable in the event of a breach.
To address these cloud security risks, businesses are advised to first understand their responsibilities and evaluate whether they trust the native security controls of the CSP or if they want to enhance them with third-party products. It is suggested that businesses invest in third-party security solutions to elevate cloud security and protection for core applications and data. Implementing extended or managed detection and response (XDR/MDR) tools, developing a continuous risk-based patching program, encrypting data at rest and in transit, defining clear access control policies, and considering a Zero Trust approach are recommended security measures.
These recommended measures align with best practices for on-premises security, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that cloud security is a shared responsibility between the provider and the business. By taking control of their cloud security and implementing these measures, businesses can better manage cyber-risk and avoid the potential consequences of cloud security mistakes.