The cloud has redefined how businesses operate—making it easier to collaborate, scale, and stay competitive from virtually anywhere. But with that agility comes new responsibilities that can't be ignored.
Think your cloud provider has it all covered?
Not quite. One of the most common misconceptions among business owners is assuming that cloud providers are solely responsible for securing data and systems. In reality, it’s a shared effort—and your role in that equation matters more than you might think.
Understanding the Shared Responsibility Model
Cloud security isn’t one-size-fits-all. Each provider has different safeguards, but across the board, there’s a concept known as the shared responsibility model. That means the provider secures the infrastructure, while you—the customer—are responsible for managing and securing what you put into it.
If you’re unclear about where your duties begin and end, your business could be left exposed to unnecessary risk.
What Falls on You?
Here’s a closer look at your role in securing your cloud environment:
1. Your Data
Just because it’s stored in the cloud doesn’t mean it’s protected by default.
What you should be doing:
- Encrypt sensitive data to minimize risk in case of unauthorized access.
- Set user permissions and access controls.
- Create regular backups to ensure continuity.
2. Your Cloud Applications
If you’re using SaaS tools or other cloud-hosted apps, it’s up to you to secure how they’re used.
What you should be doing:
- Keep apps up to date to close known vulnerabilities.
- Limit integration with unverified third-party apps.
- Actively monitor app activity for suspicious behavior.
3. Your Login Credentials
Weak or reused passwords are one of the easiest ways attackers gain access.
What you should be doing:
- Enforce strong, unique password policies.
- Require multi-factor authentication (MFA).
- Restrict access based on job roles and responsibilities.
4. Your Configurations
Misconfigured cloud settings are one of the top causes of data breaches.
What you should be doing:
- Disable public-facing file storage where not necessary
- Enable detailed logging to monitor user actions.
- Review permissions regularly to ensure only the right people have access.
Let Epoch Secure the Cloud for You
You don’t need to go it alone. At Epoch Inc., we specialize in helping businesses like yours take full advantage of the cloud—without the security gaps. From initial setup to ongoing monitoring and compliance, our team ensures your environment is locked down and aligned with your business needs.
Ready to secure your cloud with confidence?
Contact our team today to start a conversation with one of our cloud security experts.