As businesses increasingly adopt cloud solutions for their operations, the associated risks also rise. Cloud security should never be taken for granted, even as a small business. Without cloud security, businesses are vulnerable to cyber threats such as phishing, insider threats and more.
According to PwC, 66% of South African organisations prioritise cybersecurity, which is higher than the global average of 57%. So, why wouldn’t you, a modern business owner, be a part of this statistic?
In this article, we’ll dive into the importance of cloud security for small businesses.
What is Cloud Security?
Cloud security refers to the policies, technologies, procedures, and controls implemented to safeguard data, applications, and infrastructure stored within cloud environments. It integrates solutions such as data encryption, identity and access management, multi-factor authentication, and threat detection.
Cloud security is essentially like safeguarding your home from intruders. It involves diligently locking doors, installing security measures like burglar bars, and ensuring only authorised individuals have access.
Why Should Small Businesses Care About Cloud Security?
Small businesses often assume that cybercriminals target large enterprises. But in truth, cybercriminals know that small businesses typically lack the budget, tools, and skills to defend themselves properly.
SMEs are a top target for cyberattacks. According to Business Partners, over 43% of cyberattacks globally are aimed at small businesses. The most common motives? Financial theft, ransom attacks, and stealing client data.
Unlike big companies, small businesses might not afford the cost of downtime, lost customer trust, or regulatory fines. A single breach can sink years of hard work.
The Most Common Cloud Security Threats
Understanding the threats you face is the first step to building protection. Here are some of the top cloud-related risks for small businesses:
Phishing Attacks: Employees get tricked into sharing passwords or clicking on malicious links.
Weak Access Controls: Unrestricted access allows staff (or outsiders) to tamper with sensitive information.
Shadow IT: Staff use unauthorised apps that bypass your company’s security protocols.
Data Breaches: Personal customer information is stolen or leaked.
Malware and Ransomware: Malicious software locks files until a ransom is paid.
What You Might Be Missing as a Small Business Owner
Many businesses overlook the fact that cloud platforms don’t automatically make you secure. Entrepreneurs mistakenly assume that their service providers, like Google Workspace or Microsoft Azure, are solely responsible for protecting their data.
This is only partly true. Cloud service providers operate on a shared responsibility model. They secure the cloud infrastructure, but you, the user, are responsible for securing your own data, user permissions, and configurations.
That means you need to manage:
- Password strength and policies
- Which employees have access to what
- How data is encrypted and backed up
- Employee training on cybersecurity basics
POPIA and Cloud Security
You can’t talk about data security in South Africa without mentioning POPIA – the Protection of Personal Information Act. It requires businesses of all sizes to secure the personal data of their customers or face penalties, fines, and even lawsuits.
If your business is using cloud services to store customer data, then POPIA applies. And if you suffer a breach due to negligence, you’ll be liable.
How to Strengthen Your Cloud Security (Without Breaking the Bank)
Small businesses don’t typically have a large IT team, but that doesn’t mean you can’t protect your business. To affordably strengthen your cloud security, here’s where you should start:
Use Strong Authentication: Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) across all your cloud platforms. It adds an extra layer of security even if a password is compromised.
Restrict Access Based on Roles: Not everyone in your team doesn’t needs access to everything. Use role-based access controls to limit who can see or change certain files.
Encrypt Your Data: Whether your data is at rest or in transit, encryption ensures it can’t be read even if intercepted.
Train Your Team: A lot of attacks come down to human error. Host regular workshops or training sessions to keep your staff up to date on security best practices.
Back It Up: Cloud data can be deleted, encrypted, or corrupted. Make sure you have secure backups, preferably in multiple formats and locations.
Audit Regularly: Schedule monthly or quarterly audits of your cloud services and user permissions. Check for inactive users, outdated access privileges, and unmonitored apps.
