Cloud Security Myths That Could Cost You Dearly

Introduction: Don’t Let Assumptions Put Your Business at Risk

Most businesses are in the cloud now — from email to file storage to project management.

But here’s the problem:
Many business owners assume the cloud is “automatically secure.”

That assumption creates blind spots — and cybercriminals love blind spots.

In this blog, we’ll bust the biggest cloud security myths we see every day, explain the risks behind them, and show you how to keep your business safe (without leaving the cloud).

Myth #1: “The Cloud Provider Handles All Security”

Truth: Cloud providers secure their infrastructure — but you’re responsible for your data, users, and settings.

This is known as the Shared Responsibility Model.

If your team misconfigures access, shares passwords, or ignores MFA — you’re still vulnerable, even if the cloud servers are rock solid.

Myth #2: “My Files Are Safe Because They’re Backed Up in the Cloud”

Truth: Most cloud platforms offer sync, not true backups.

If files are deleted, overwritten, or encrypted by ransomware — those changes are often synced instantly.

Without version history or separate, off-cloud backups, your data could be gone forever.

Myth #3: “We’re Too Small to Be Targeted”

Truth: Hackers don’t target company size — they target opportunity.

If your staff reuse passwords or your cloud accounts lack MFA, you’re just as appealing as a larger company — maybe even more.

Myth #4: “MFA is Already On for Everyone”

Truth: MFA often isn’t enforced — especially in platforms like Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace where it has to be manually enabled.

We’ve audited dozens of accounts where the business thought MFA was on, but only some users had it set up.

Myth #5: “We Can Always Recover Data If Something Goes Wrong”

Truth: Not always.

Cloud services often have:

• Limited retention policies

• Strict time limits for recovery

• No rollback if the breach is caused by a user action

Cloud ransomware is real — and growing.
Attackers encrypt cloud files or disable access and demand ransom just like they would on a local network.

Myth #6: “Our Cloud Accounts Don’t Have Sensitive Data”

Truth: You’d be surprised what attackers find valuable:

• Internal emails

• Supplier invoices

• Contracts

• Customer contact lists

Even if it’s not top-secret — it’s enough to impersonate you, phish your clients, or resell your info.

Myth #7: “We’ll Know If We’re Breached”

Truth: Most cloud breaches go undetected for weeks or months.

Unless you have logging, monitoring, or alert rules enabled, an attacker can:

• Sit in your inbox

• Watch traffic

• Set up forwarding rules

• Prepare for a much bigger attack

Real Story: A Missed Setting, A Massive Leak

A local design agency stored all their client files in Google Drive.
They believed their files were “private” because they hadn’t shared them.

But one folder had a “share with link” setting turned on — and it was indexed by search engines.

Within a month:

• Competitors found it

• Pricing documents and project plans were downloaded

• One client walked

Lesson: Cloud access settings matter. Always review them.

7 Things You Can Do Today to Secure Your Cloud Accounts

1. Turn On and Enforce MFA

Make it mandatory for every user. No exceptions.

2. Review Sharing Settings

Limit public sharing. Use company groups instead of sending files to personal Gmail accounts.

3. Use Audit Logs and Activity Alerts

Enable admin alerts for new device logins, password resets, and file deletions.

4. Set Access Expiry Dates

Contractor or temporary user? Give them time-limited access that auto-expires.

5. Back Up Cloud Data Separately

Use a true backup solution (not just sync) with version history and offline copies.

6. Regularly Review Who Has Access to What

Run quarterly audits. Clean up old accounts and unused shared folders.

7. Train Staff on Cloud Security

Most mistakes are made by humans.
Make sure your team understands how cloud storage, sharing, and passwords actually work.