Why Cloud Security Matters - Insights From an Austin IT Support Provider

The wrong cloud setup can create more risk than reward. Weak configurations, rushed migrations, and unclear responsibility models leave businesses vulnerable to attacks. Over 80% of data breaches in 2023 involved data stored in the cloud, revealing a critical truth: the cloud isn’t inherently secure. It’s only as safe as the strategy behind it.

That’s why cloud security has become a cornerstone of modern IT, and it’s not all about firewalls and encryption. Building a resilient, well-managed environment that evolves with your business is what matters most.

Kent Morris, President of Gravity Systems, says, “Many businesses still treat cloud like a product, not an environment that needs constant attention.”

In this article, an Austin IT support services provider breaks down what cloud security is, how it works across different platforms, and the key steps you can take to protect your cloud infrastructure.

Whether you’re migrating for the first time or optimizing an existing setup, this guide will help you build a safer, smarter cloud strategy.

Why Businesses Need to Take Cloud Security Seriously

The more you rely on cloud services, the more you rely on the security behind them. Today’s businesses are shifting from owning infrastructure to renting it from cloud providers. This flexibility is powerful, but it also opens the door to more threats.

Cloud adoption is rising fast. Gartner reports that 50% of all enterprise workloads will be in the cloud by 2027.

At the same time, cyber threats have grown 72% with ransomware being a top concern. Traditional, on-prem tools weren’t built for this scale or pace.

Here’s why:

• Cloud environments change often. New users, apps, and permissions are created and deleted regularly.
• Attackers use automation to find cloud misconfigurations fast.
• Employees often use personal devices or unsecured Wi-Fi when accessing cloud apps.

The more you gain from the cloud, the more you must invest in security. Your data, operations, and users all live there. If cloud security fails, everything does.

What is Cloud Computing Security and How it Works

Cloud computing security protects data, applications, and infrastructure in cloud environments. It includes policies, controls, and tools that prevent threats or reduce their impact.

There are four key areas where cloud security operates:

• Access Management: You need to manage who gets access, what they can do, and how you verify them.
• Data: You must encrypt sensitive data, control who sees it, and back it up.
• Applications: You must patch vulnerabilities and stop unapproved app usage.
• Infrastructure: You must protect your cloud networks, storage, and servers.

Security also depends on the cloud model you use:

• Public cloud: Shared with other companies. Think AWS, Azure, Google Cloud.
• Private cloud: Built just for you. More control, but higher cost.
• Hybrid cloud: Mix of both. Common in businesses that are mid-transition.
• Multicloud: Using more than one public cloud. Grows complexity.

Every model has benefits and risks. The more flexible your setup, the more complex your security.

The Shared Responsibility Model for Cloud Security is Not Enough

Most cloud providers follow the shared responsibility model. That means they secure the cloud, and you secure what you put in it.

Here’s a basic breakdown:

• IaaS (Infrastructure-as-a-Service): You manage OS, apps, and data. The provider secures the hardware and physical data center.
• PaaS (Platform-as-a-Service): You manage the apps and data. The provider manages the OS and platform.
• SaaS (Software-as-a-Service): You use the application. The provider secures everything else.

This setup works in theory. In reality, it often fails. Why?

• Businesses assume providers handle everything
• Teams don’t document their responsibilities clearly
• No one updates security settings after initial deployment

To fix this, some experts recommend a shared fate model. This means both you and the provider share responsibility for outcomes. If there’s a problem, both sides stay engaged until it’s resolved.

Understanding Common Risks Associated with Cloud Security

Many businesses overlook basic safeguards. 51% of companies storing data in the cloud don’t use encryption or tokenization, making their environments easy targets for unauthorized access.

Your cloud setup must guard against diverse risk types. Some risks come from inside your organization. Others come from attackers outside. Either way, they can cause serious harm if left unaddressed.

What are Cloud Security Threats?

• Misconfigurations: A simple mistake in a cloud setting can expose your data.
• Human error: A user might accidentally share sensitive info or delete backups.
• Access abuse: Hackers may steal credentials and move around undetected.

What is Cloud Workload Security?

Cloud workloads are temporary systems such as virtual machines or containers. They scale up and down based on demand. This makes them hard to monitor using traditional tools. You need:

• Real-time visibility into workload behavior
• Rules for what workloads can and cannot do
• Quick detection and response when something goes wrong

What is Data Security in Cloud Computing?

Your data is your most valuable asset. Without strong data protection, the cloud becomes a liability.

• Use encryption to protect data in storage and transit
• Apply data loss prevention (DLP) tools to stop leaks
• Define rules for data classification and access
• Use 3rd party backup providers to backup your data

What is Infrastructure Security in Cloud Computing?

Infrastructure security covers the cloud systems that run your workloads. If these are weak, attackers can gain control fast.

Weak access controls and network misconfigurations often open the door to these risks. Data theft and loss. 64% of IT professionals rank them as the top concerns when it comes to securing cloud infrastructure.

• Secure virtual machines with hardened images and access controls
• Monitor and protect cloud networks like you would a firewall
• Use segmentation to limit lateral movement across cloud environments

5 Cloud Security Practices That Prevent Failure

Security in the cloud must be ongoing, not once-and-done. These practices build a strong defense across your entire cloud environment.

• Identity and access controls: Use strong authentication and restrict privileges. Limit access to only what each user needs.
• Cloud-native monitoring: Use built-in tools from cloud providers or add cloud-specific SIEM tools. Watch for unusual logins, file transfers, or app usage.
• Threat response automation: Automate detection and action for known issues. Use playbooks to isolate accounts, block IPs, or shut down systems.
• Policy as code: Define security rules in your infrastructure code. This keeps controls consistent, especially in fast-changing environments.
• Vendor risk management: Review and manage third-party providers. Make sure they meet your security standards.

Each of these steps makes your cloud stronger and safer. Combined, they create a solid base for long-term protection.

Cloud Security Solutions You Should Know

There’s no single tool that handles all cloud security needs, but several proven tools and strategies help close the gaps.

• IAM (Identity and Access Management): Manages who has access and how they prove it. 92% of businesses plan to increase their investments in IAM.
• SIEM (Security Information and Event Management): Helps detect threats and analyze logs
• DLP (Data Loss Prevention): Blocks the unauthorized movement of sensitive data
• PKI (Public Key Infrastructure): Manages encryption and digital identity

Cloud platforms like Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud also have native tools. Use them. But don’t rely on them alone. External tools often offer deeper insights or easier use.

When choosing a security partner, ask:

• Do they understand multicloud or hybrid setups?
• Can they support compliance for your industry?
• Do they offer 24/7 support and fast response times?

How to Move Forward with a Cloud Security Strategy

A cloud security plan should match your business goals. It must include both technical controls and practical processes. Here’s where to begin:

• Align your teams: Get IT, security, and operations leaders on the same page.
• Inventory your cloud use: Map all tools, apps, data, and services in use.
• Run a cloud risk assessment: Spot misconfigurations, gaps, or policy failures.
• Document security policies: Define who is responsible for what.
• Decide what to outsource: Bring in cloud security experts where needed.

Small gaps in strategy lead to big problems over time. Get ahead of them now.

Secure Your Cloud With Expert IT Support From Austin’s Leading Provider

Cloud security is foundational. You’ve learned what cloud computing security is, the top risks to watch for, and steps to protect your systems.

Gravity Systems brings more than 28 years of IT experience, 24/7/365 helpdesk support, and cloud-specific services built to scale with your needs. Contact a trusted tech support provider in Austin today to strengthen your cloud security, minimize downtime, and keep your business running with confidence.

Contact Information:

Gravity Systems - Austin Managed IT Company

8127 Mesa Dr
Austin, TX 78759
United States

Kent Morris
(512) 601-8005
https://www.gravityusa.com/