Cloud Security Isn’t Automatic: Do You Know Your Responsibilities?

The cloud has changed the game for business IT. It makes your tools more flexible, your team more productive, and your operations easier to manage remotely. But cloud just like on premise applications and technology aren’t 100% bulletproof.

Just because your data lives in the cloud doesn’t mean it’s automatically secure. In fact, cloud providers rely on something called the “shared responsibility model,” which means part of the security job still falls to you.

Your cloud provider handles the infrastructure, but you’re responsible for how your data, apps, and access are managed within that environment. Understanding this split is key to protecting your business.

• Misconfigured access leaves you exposed
  Most breaches in cloud environments aren’t because of a hack—they’re because someone left a door open. Poorly configured access settings can expose your data to the public internet. Make sure only authorized users can view or edit your files, check permissions regularly, and review activity logs so you know who’s accessing what and when.
  
  
• Passwords and people are your biggest vulnerabilities
  If an attacker gets hold of login credentials, all other security measures fall apart. Use strong passwords, enable multi-factor authentication, and limit access based on job role. One careless mistake shouldn’t give someone full control of your system.
  
  
• Third-party apps can quietly introduce risk
  Cloud-based apps are powerful, but every tool you connect to your environment increases your attack surface. Keep software up to date, minimize unnecessary third-party integrations, and monitor their behavior. If something looks off, act fast.
  
  
• Protect the data itself
  If someone gains access to your data, what happens next depends on your safeguards. Encrypt sensitive information, restrict who can view it, and maintain secure offsite backups so you can recover quickly if something goes wrong.