Common Cloud Security Challenges (And How to Overcome Them)
May 16, 2025
.jpg)
If you’ve recently moved parts of your business into the cloud—or are thinking about it—then there’s a tough question you might be avoiding: how secure is your setup?
You’re not alone in wondering. Many business owners in North Carolina, just like you, have embraced the use of cloud services for convenience, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. But there’s a catch. Without the right cloud security strategy, what started as a smart move could turn into a very expensive lesson. We’re talking about downtime, data loss, and in the worst-case scenario, a data breach that shatters trust and paralyzes operations.
Here’s the thing: your business doesn’t have to be vulnerable. Most cloud security issues aren’t caused by some Hollywood-style hacker—it's usually gaps in cloud usage, oversight, or assumptions about what your cloud provider is covering. (Spoiler: it’s not everything.)
If you want to stay ahead of threats, protect your cloud assets, and gain peace of mind, you need a clear-eyed look at the problems with cloud computing security and exactly what to do about them.
So, let’s dive in. Because the more you know about the common cloud security challenges, the easier it is to sidestep them and keep your business safe, scalable, and successful.
Why cloud security challenges are a growing concern for businesses
The use of cloud services has exploded in the last decade, and for good reason. It’s flexible. Scalable. Cost-efficient. But the same factors that make the cloud appealing to small and mid-sized businesses also open the door to serious security risks.
Here’s the truth: every new app, device, or file synced to your cloud environment increases your attack surface. You’re not just managing one office anymore—you’re managing access to cloud resources across multiple locations, devices, and users. And unfortunately, the cloud service provider and the user share the responsibility for keeping things secure. That means, whether you know it or not, cloud security is partially on you.
The rise of remote work has only amplified this. Employees logging into cloud services from any device, sometimes on unsecured networks, have led to spikes in unauthorized access to cloud resources, data loss, and exposure to cybersecurity threats. Without a well-defined cloud security posture, you're essentially running your business with the digital doors unlocked.
Let’s not forget that insider threats—intentional or accidental—can also wreak havoc. A single misconfigured setting or overly permissive cloud account can give the wrong person access to everything.
All of this isn’t just a tech headache. It’s a business risk. A financial risk. And a reputational one.
When cloud security challenges go unaddressed, they don’t just compromise your files—they disrupt operations, erode trust, and put you in the headlines for all the wrong reasons. If you’re in a regulated industry like healthcare or finance, a simple compliance issue can trigger fines or lawsuits.
Bottom line? If you’ve adopted or plan to adopt the cloud, then yes—you’ve absolutely got to pay attention to the challenges of cloud computing. Because what you don’t know can cost you.
The true cost of cloud security breaches
Let’s talk numbers. Because while cloud security threats might sound like an “IT issue,” the fallout hits your bottom line harder than you might think.
A single data breach today can cost a business upwards of $4 million. For small and medium-sized companies? It’s often enough to shut doors permanently. But here’s the kicker—it’s not just the immediate damage. It’s what happens next.
When your cloud data is compromised, your business doesn’t just lose information. You lose time, customers, and trust. You’re stuck doing damage control, paying recovery teams, alerting clients, dealing with compliance regulators, and fielding questions from anyone who had even a shred of faith in your company.
And we haven’t even touched on downtime. Imagine your systems being locked or inaccessible for hours—or days—while your team scrambles to respond to a cloud security threat. No productivity. No communication. No revenue. Just chaos.
But not all damage is visible. Sometimes, security breaches go undetected for weeks or even months. During that time, sensitive client data could be siphoned off silently, leaving you wide open to legal liability or blackmail schemes. Yes—this happens, even to local businesses that think they’re “too small to be a target.”
It gets worse if the breach results from a cloud service misconfiguration or a weakness in cloud access protocols. You may not even be covered by your insurance if they determine it was preventable.
And while ransomware attacks are grabbing headlines, you’re just as likely to face an insider threat—maybe a disgruntled employee or just someone who clicked the wrong link. Either way, the cost is yours to bear.
This is why cloud security is important. It’s not just about protecting files. It’s about protecting your future.
Common cloud security challenges facing businesses today
You don’t have to be running a massive enterprise to face serious cloud security issues. In fact, many of the most damaging security threats hit small and mid-sized businesses the hardest, mostly because they’re not fully aware of the risks until it’s too late.
Here are the most common cloud security pitfalls business owners are facing right now:
1. Misconfigured cloud settings
When teams move to the cloud quickly, without a solid plan, configurations often get overlooked. A missed checkbox here, an overly broad permission there, and suddenly, your cloud resources are open to the world. This is one of the most frequent problems with cloud computing security, and it’s completely preventable.
2. Lack of identity and access management
Without tight identity and access management, you can’t control who sees what. And when everyone has admin-level permissions, it only takes one mistake—or one bad actor—for everything to unravel. Unauthorized access to cloud accounts is a silent, growing threat.
3. Shadow IT and cloud sprawl
As departments adopt new cloud applications and services without centralized oversight, you get what’s called “cloud sprawl.” Too many tools. No integration. No visibility. This leads to gaps in security coverage, inconsistent policies, and confusion about who is responsible for what.
4. Weak security policies
Inconsistent or outdated security policies create weak spots in your cloud infrastructure. This includes failing to enforce multi-factor authentication, skipping encryption standards, or neglecting routine audits. Over time, it becomes a breeding ground for security incidents.
5. Insider threats and human error
It’s not always hackers. Sometimes it’s your own people. Untrained employees clicking phishing links or accessing data they shouldn’t can be just as dangerous. Insider threats—whether malicious or accidental—remain one of the top cloud security risks today.
6. Inadequate data loss prevention
If your business isn’t using data loss prevention protocols, even a minor mistake can lead to irreversible damage. Lost client data, corrupted backups, or leaks through insecure file-sharing platforms—these are real, frequent occurrences that come with a heavy price.
7. Overreliance on cloud providers
Many business owners assume that their cloud provider handles everything. But here’s the reality: the cloud provider and the user share responsibility. Most providers secure the infrastructure, but you’re still accountable for protecting your cloud accounts, setting up access security, and applying the right security controls.
How to overcome these cloud security challenges effectively
Now that you know what you’re up against, let’s talk about how to turn your cloud security posture from reactive to resilient. These aren’t vague ideas—they’re real, actionable moves you can start implementing to secure your cloud environment and protect your business.
1. Build a complete cloud security strategy
Everything starts with a plan. A strong cloud security strategy maps out who is responsible for what, where your data lives, how it’s accessed, and what tools are in place to defend it. This includes applying security best practices, defining escalation paths, and auditing your current cloud infrastructure for gaps.
2. Use identity and access management (IAM)
Only give access to people who absolutely need it—and only to what they need. Implement strong identity and access management protocols, multi-factor authentication, and conditional access policies to lock down access to cloud accounts. This dramatically reduces the chance of an insider threat or unauthorized access to cloud data.
3. Invest in data loss prevention and encryption
Use data loss prevention tools to monitor and protect sensitive data. Combine this with robust encryption—both at rest and in transit—to ensure even if data is intercepted, it’s unreadable. This is essential when dealing with client information, financial records, or health data.
4. Deploy layered cloud security solutions
No single tool is enough. Protect your business with a layered defense using the right types of cloud security solutions—firewalls, intrusion detection, antivirus, endpoint protection, and cloud access security brokers. If one line of defense fails, others are ready to catch the threat.
5. Improve visibility into cloud activity
You can’t protect what you can’t see. Use monitoring tools that give your security teams visibility into your cloud environment—who is logging in, what they’re accessing, and from where. Tools like cloud security posture management help you spot configuration errors and compliance risks before they become problems.
6. Partner with the right experts
One of the smartest decisions you can make is to work with a provider that understands cloud computing security inside and out. They’ll help you adopt cloud security solutions to protect your infrastructure, maintain compliance, and handle security updates without lifting a finger.
7. Educate your team
Your employees are your first—and often weakest—line of defense. Equip them with training to recognize phishing attempts, understand security policies, and follow best practices when accessing cloud services. Reducing human error reduces potential security incidents.
8. Regularly test and adapt
Threats evolve. Your defense should, too. Conduct regular audits, penetration tests, and security drills to test your security posture across all layers of your cloud infrastructure. Adjust as needed to handle potential threats—not just the ones you’ve already seen.
Final thoughts
Let’s be honest: cloud security probably wasn’t the reason you started your business, but it might just be what keeps it running.
Today’s cloud security challenges aren’t just “IT problems.” They’re business problems. And as you scale, adopt new tools, and rely more on cloud services, the risks grow with you. From data loss and insider threats to security breaches that grind everything to a halt, the challenges of cloud computing are real, and they’re not going away.
But here’s the good news: they don’t have to keep you up at night.
With the right cloud security solutions, clear security policies, and a partner who understands the local landscape, you can confidently use cloud tools without sacrificing control or peace of mind.
If you're based in North Carolina and want a team that not only understands cloud security risks but acts fast to prevent them—before they cost you clients, data, or dollars—there’s help nearby.
For over 20 years, Sterling Technology Solutions has supported Charlotte-based businesses with proactive IT, layered security solutions, and lightning-fast support. Our approach to complete cloud security means you’re not just checking a compliance box—you’re building a business that’s secure, stable, and set up to grow.
Frequently asked questions
Why is cloud security important for small and mid-sized businesses?
Cloud security is important because the risks aren’t limited to large corporations. Whether you’re handling sensitive client data, managing financial records, or coordinating remote teams, the potential for a data breach, insider threat, or system downtime is very real. Without the right security measures, your business is vulnerable—even in a public cloud environment.
What are the most common cloud security risks to be aware of?
Cloud security risks often include unauthorized access to cloud services, data loss, misconfigurations, and advanced threats such as ransomware. For businesses that adopt cloud services without a strong plan, it’s easy to overlook gaps that lead to these security threats. It’s crucial to understand how the cloud service provider and your team share security responsibility.
What types of cloud security solutions are available to protect my business?
There are several types of cloud security solutions designed to secure your cloud infrastructure. These include identity and access management (IAM), endpoint protection, intrusion detection systems, cloud firewalls, and cloud security posture management tools. When layered properly, these solutions create a more resilient cloud security setup.
What best practices can I follow to improve my cloud computing security?
Start by following proven cloud security best practices: enforce multi-factor authentication, encrypt cloud data, limit administrative access, and continuously monitor for potential threats. Make sure your team is trained, and that you regularly review your cloud security strategy to ensure it evolves with your business. These best practices are essential for reducing security risks and staying compliant.
How does cloud adoption impact my security posture?
Cloud adoption is a smart move, but it comes with new responsibilities. As you migrate to the cloud, your security posture must evolve too. That means gaining visibility across all cloud services, managing access, and implementing security solutions that adapt to both public cloud and hybrid cloud environments. Otherwise, you may unintentionally lead to cloud sprawl and gaps in your defenses.
How can I stay ahead of cloud security threats in a growing business?
To stay ahead of threats, you need a proactive approach. That includes regular audits, using tools designed for cloud computing security, and partnering with experts who can align your cloud security needs with your business goals. With over 12 cloud security categories of risk identified by cybersecurity firms, ongoing vigilance is key, especially as cybersecurity threats become more sophisticated.
