Skyhigh Security’s recent report, “The Data Dilemma: Cloud Adoption and Risk Report,” highlights the significant paradigm shifts in cloud adoption and risk management. The report reveals that cloud adoption has increased exponentially over the past few years, driven by the global cybersecurity transformations and the need for remote access to data. The use of public cloud services has surged by 50% from 2019 to 2022, demonstrating the growing reliance on cloud storage and access for businesses.
However, with this widespread adoption of the cloud comes new challenges in data management and protection. Traditional security measures are no longer sufficient to safeguard sensitive data, especially as more organizations store their data in the public cloud. On average, 61% of organizations are now storing their sensitive data in the public cloud, ranging from personal staff information to intellectual property and network passwords. The potential consequences of data landing in the wrong hands can severely damage a company’s reputation and functionality.
The lack of visibility and inconsistent security controls within organizations further exacerbate the complexities of securing data in the cloud. Astonishingly, over half of Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) products are adopted without direct IT involvement, indicating a lack of expertise in business decision-makers that may put organizations at risk. This lack of visibility becomes particularly concerning as 28% of organizations report not knowing what data is stored in their cloud applications. The rise of Shadow IT, the use of IT systems without department oversight, has further contributed to this lack of visibility, impairing organizations’ ability to keep their data secure.
These challenges have resulted in growing internal distrust among organizations regarding the security of the public cloud. Around 37% of organizations do not trust that the public cloud can adequately protect their sensitive data. Part of this distrust may stem from the increasing trend of allowing employees to access data in the public cloud using personal devices. Six out of ten organizations permit such access, which further compounds the risks associated with storing data in the cloud.
While 93% of organizations state that their IT department controls the sensitive data uploaded to the cloud from personal devices, questions arise regarding the effectiveness of these controls. Organizations need to ensure that they have the right security measures in place and address any security gaps that may exist.
To address the evolving landscape of cloud adoption and associated risks, organizations must enhance their cloud security practices. Cloud security must keep pace with the accelerated adoption of cloud services to effectively control data flow and mitigate potential breaches. Unfortunately, many organizations’ data protection practices have not kept pace, as evidenced by the continuous stream of breaches hitting the headlines. Even organizations that are not fully remote or hybrid are likely to find themselves utilizing cloud environments for data storage and access due to the numerous benefits offered by the cloud.
However, there is hope for improvement. The report reveals that over half of the organizations surveyed plan to invest more in cybersecurity. This suggests that organizations are recognizing the importance of preventing data loss and are willing to adopt new security measures, such as the Zero Trust principles, which challenge the traditional status quo of cloud security.
In conclusion, the paradigm shifts in cloud adoption and risk management necessitate a new approach to data management and security. As organizations increasingly rely on the cloud for data storage and access, traditional security measures are no longer sufficient. There is a need for increased visibility, consistent security controls, and enhanced trust in the public cloud. By prioritizing and investing in cybersecurity solutions, organizations can mitigate the risks associated with cloud adoption and protect their sensitive data in this rapidly evolving digital landscape.