Navigating Cloud Computing Risks
“Life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you’re going to get.” Forrest Gump perfectly captured the essence of moving your business services to the cloud. Cloud computing offers benefits and surprises.
The Sweet Benefits Come with Bitter Risks
Moving all your services to the cloud, such as using Microsoft 365, offers the ability to work and collaborate from almost anywhere. Imagine the variety of chocolates in a box—each one offering a unique flavor and experience. Similarly, the cloud provides diverse tools and services that can enhance your operations. However, just like you might bite into a chocolate candy you don’t like, the cloud can also present some unpleasant surprises. Here are some potential security risks to keep in mind:
Data Breaches and Loss. Storing sensitive business information in the cloud can be a target for hackers. If they get in, it could mean big trouble for your finances and reputation. Plus, there’s always the risk of losing data by accident or due to system failures, so having good backup solutions are necessary. Even more important is to consider employing innovative technologies that offer Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA Solutions) acting like a “firewall in the cloud” to limit/secure access to all your cloud services.
Compliance and Legal Issues. Keeping up with various laws when your data is in the cloud can be tricky. If you don’t comply, you could face hefty fines or legal issues. Make sure your cloud provider follows the necessary legal standards and protects your data properly.
Insider Threats. Employees or third-party vendors with access to your cloud services can accidentally or intentionally cause data leaks or misuse
information. To prevent this, it’s important to have strict access controls, regular monitoring, a cloud firewall and proper employee training.
Downtime and Reliability. Relying on cloud services means that any downtime or interruptions can affect your business operations. Even though providers like Microsoft 365 are pretty reliable, no system is perfect. Have backup plans to keep things running smoothly if something goes wrong.
Email Account Attacks. This is a huge risk. Cybercriminals target email through phishing scams, tricking users into revealing login credentials or clicking on malicious links. With access, they steal sensitive information, spread malware, or even impersonate the user to trick others. It’s crucial to use strong, unique passwords, enable multi-factor authentication, and educate employees about recognizing phishing attempts.
A Box of Chocolates
Just like a box of chocolates, cloud computing offers a mix of experiences. You might find a Milk Chocolate Truffle providing seamless collaboration, or a Dark Chocolate Caramel with robust data storage. But you might also bite into a nasty Peanut Cluster that turns into data breach. Be aware of these potential security risks and take steps to address them. Then you can enjoy the benefits of cloud computing while keeping your data safe and your business running smoothly.
Remember, just like in a box of chocolates, it’s all about being prepared for whatever comes your way. Contact IT Radix today to ensure your business has sweet success.
First published in our February 2025 IT Radix Resource newsletter