Cloud technology has greatly improved the way people run their businesses. But on the other hand, the cloud also gives cybercriminals a new battleground. As cloud technology continues to grow in 2025, unfortunately, so do cloud security risks. To stay protected, businesses need to be aware of these risks and of the ways to combat them.

Top Cloud Security Risks You Should Know About in 2025 and Suggested Solutions

What are data breaches, and how do they threaten cloud security?

Data breaches cause identity theft, financial loss, or damage to business reputation. In 2024 alone, data from billions of individuals were compromised due to these breaches.

Solution: Use robust encryption to ensure sensitive information remains unreadable to unauthorized users. Pair this with multi-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security.

Misconfigured Cloud Settings

Improper configurations in the cloud leave systems vulnerable to attacks. Possible misconfigurations of cloud settings include unrestricted outbound access, missing alerts, disabled logging, or open databases and caches.

Solution: Use automated tools for continuous configuration monitoring and compliance checks.  

Cloud Security Risks: Insider Threats

Could your employees unknowingly put your business at risk? Misused access privileges, whether intentional or accidental, are a significant threat to cloud security. For example, disgruntled employees might steal data or use fraud, or negligent staff might fail to enforce security policies.

Solution: Enforce least privilege access and monitor user activity with behavioral analytics.  

Inadequate Identity Management

Unauthorized access is very possible due to weak identity protocols. The use of flimsy passwords, overly permissive controls, and lack of proper logging are some examples of poor identity management.  

Solution: Adopt a zero-trust security framework and upgrade to IAM systems.

Ransomware Attacks

Cybercriminals use various forms of ransomware to lock cloud data until a ransom is paid. Most of these attacks are unfurled through a Trojan that unsuspecting users would open.

Solution: Regularly back up data and deploy anti-ransomware solutions.

Cloud Security Risks: Shadow IT

Employees using unauthorized cloud applications can bring serious trouble to your business. Most think it is harmless to use their own devices or personal emails at work, not realizing the problems this can cause.

Solution: Educate employees and implement tools to detect and manage unsanctioned apps.  

API Vulnerabilities

Application Programming Interfaces connect multiple parts of software for communication. Exposed APIs can be exploited to access sensitive systems.

Solution: Regularly test APIs for vulnerabilities and apply security patches promptly.  

Third-Party Risks

Even the strictest security protocols can fail if vendors or partners lack robust measures. If you grant them access to your system, you run the risk of exposure as well.

Solution: Conduct regular security assessments of third-party providers

Cloud Security Risks: DDoS Attacks

Distributed denial-of-service attacks flood a server or website, disrupting online services, including cloud services. Even if an attack lasts just a couple of minutes, the damage it leaves can be colossal.

Solution: Use DDoS mitigation services and scalable cloud infrastructure  

Insufficient Compliance

Non-compliance with industry and legal regulations can lead to penalties. Even worse, it opens your business to a horde of cloud vulnerabilities that you are better off without.  

Solution: Automate compliance processes and stay updated on evolving regulations.  

Overcome Cloud Security Risks by Partnering with an MSP

The list above is certainly enough to worry any business owner. If you want to stay protected but have no clue how to safeguard your business from cloud security risks in 2025, don't worry – you can always trust the expertise of an MSP to keep you safe. Indeed, there are quite a few things you can do on your own, but partnering with an MSP almost always proves to be the best route.

It takes a lot of technical know-how to fight cloud security risks. Unless you have a bunch of cloud specialists in your internal IT team, it's better to entrust the task to experts. Ready to protect your business from cloud security risks? At the core of what our MSP does is helping businesses like yours. Let’s carve out 15 minutes to discuss a tailored approach. Take the first step in addressing these risks proactively, and get in touch with an MSP today! Also, download our complimentary Cloud Migration and VDI Checklist for immediate insights.

FAQ:

What is the best way to secure cloud data?

Ensure the security of cloud data by encrypting it, implementing multi-factor authentication, and backing it up regularly. Further risk reduction can be achieved by implementing a zero-trust security framework and continuously monitoring cloud configurations.

How can an MSP help protect my business from cloud security risks?

A managed service provider implements advanced tools, monitors systems 24/7, and ensures compliance with industry regulations when it comes to protecting the cloud. Furthermore, they provide proactive solutions such as vulnerability assessments, employee training, and tailored security strategies.

What are the most common cloud security mistakes businesses make?

Many mistakes are made when cloud settings are misconfigured, identity management protocols are not properly secured, employees are not educated about cybersecurity, regular updates and patches are neglected, and third parties are granted excessive privileges. Cybercriminals can exploit these vulnerabilities as a result of these errors.

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