Navigating cloud security: what organisations need to know

With over 94% of organisations now relying on cloud services in some capacity, the shift to cloud-based infrastructure is well underway – but cybersecurity threats are evolving just as quickly. The cloud offers undeniable benefits from greater flexibility, cost savings, and scalability, but it also introduces a host of new security vulnerabilities and challenges.

Unlike traditional on-premises environments, cloud ecosystems face distinct threats such as poorly configured storage or data leaks. Tackling these issues requires more than just updated tools or reactive fixes; it demands a fundamental rethinking of security strategies, architecture, and culture in the cloud era.

A new kind of threat landscape

The shift towards cloud-native architecture has opened up new opportunities – but not just for businesses. Increasingly, attackers are zeroing in on vulnerabilities that exist only in cloud environments. These aren’t simply reworked versions of old attack methods; they’re exploiting weaknesses unique to the cloud such as exposed APIs, shaky identity access controls, and gaps in monitoring. One high-profile example is the Microsoft breach by the group known as Midnight Blizzard. In that case, hackers tampered with OAuth applications; tools that let users share data without handing over passwords, creating fake versions with sweeping access rights. Even after changing passwords, the attackers maintained access to sensitive corporate emails. This breach hammered home a crucial point: attackers are getting better at using the cloud’s tools against it, slipping under the radar with legitimate authentication methods.

Cloud attacks like this are a stark reminder: the cloud is not merely a new IT environment; it’s a new battlefield. Identity often proves to be the softest target, and with countless services and accounts linked together, a single compromised credential or misconfigured role can cause widespread damage. Unlike traditional hacks, cloud attacks tend to be quiet but devastating, exploiting the cloud’s own mechanisms in unintended ways.

The pitfalls of cloud adoption

Despite the widely reported risks, many organisations jump into cloud adoption with outdated assumptions. Too often, they attempt to replicate old, on-premise security models within the cloud – an approach that isn’t fit for purpose. Traditional defences like firewalls and static access controls struggle to keep pace with the cloud’s dynamic, distributed architecture.

A common mistake is the so-called “lift and shift” migration strategy: moving applications into the cloud without adapting them to suit their new context. This shortcut may accelerate deployment, but it also introduces new vulnerabilities such as systems riddled with overly generous permissions or missing critical monitoring functions. In the rush to go live, security too often becomes an afterthought, opening the door to risks that could have been prevented.

Compounding the issue is the underutilisation of native cloud security capabilities. Tools like automated threat detection, fine-grained access controls, and built-in encryption are powerful but only if properly configured. Sticking to legacy tools or hesitating to learn new systems can leave significant gaps in cloud security.

Misconfigurations and misunderstandings

Among all the threats facing cloud environments, the most persistent and preventable is misconfiguration. From publicly exposed storage buckets and unsecured databases to hardcoded API keys committed to public code repositories, these seemingly small oversights create wide-open doors for attackers. Take the case of millions of Firebase databases discovered without proper security. Sensitive personal data and login details were left exposed due to missing access controls or security settings were disabled. Incidents like this point to a more profound misunderstanding of who’s responsible for what in the cloud.

This is where the “shared responsibility model” comes into play. Cloud providers are tasked with securing the infrastructure – the servers, networks, and physical facilities – but customers are responsible for safeguarding their data, applications, and user access. Too often, organisations assume their cloud provider handles everything. In reality, overlooking your role in cloud security can leave even the most secure platforms full of holes.

Building resilience: best practices for cloud security

Securing cloud environments requires a proactive, cloud-native mindset. First and foremost, visibility is everything. Cloud services generate massive amounts of telemetry data, but without proper collection and monitoring, this data is useless. Enabling native logging and tying it into a central monitoring system ensures suspicious behaviour can be spotted before it spirals into a breach.

Next up is identity management. Since identity is now the perimeter, it’s critical to secure it properly. Multi-factor authentication should be mandatory, especially for administrators. Centralising identity management with single sign-on or federated services helps ensure consistency across platforms. Sticking to standards like OAuth or SAML in multi-cloud environments simplifies user management and reduces risk.

Regular audits are equally vital. Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM) tools are invaluable here, continuously scanning for misconfigurations, over-permissioned roles, and exposed assets. Regularly reviewing access controls, network settings, and storage permissions can significantly reduce your attack surface.

Finally, don’t skip penetration testing. Unlike traditional pen tests, cloud-focused assessments explore vulnerabilities unique to the environment such as privilege escalation paths, misused APIs, and overly permissive services. When performed correctly, these exercises expose hidden weaknesses before real attackers find them.

A new mindset for a cloud era

The cloud brings immense potential for agility, scalability, and innovation, but capitalising on these benefits requires a fundamental shift in how we approach security. Legacy assumptions and one-size-fits-all models no longer hold up in today’s complex, ever-evolving cloud ecosystems.

To thrive in this environment, organisations must understand the distinct nature of cloud-native threats and their own responsibilities in mitigating them. Success depends on adopting cloud-first security practices which prioritise automation, identity control, and real-time monitoring.

Those who invest in modern, adaptive security practices will be far better positioned to safeguard their assets, maintain trust, and harness the full power of cloud computing without compromising resilience or exposing themselves to avoidable risk.