If you’re running a business in today’s world, you’re using cloud-based tools. Whether it’s email, file storage, accounting or customer relationship management, the cloud is everywhere. And while it’s made our lives easier, it’s also introduced a new layer of risk that too many business owners are still underestimating.
Here’s the catch most people miss: Cloud providers like Microsoft and Google are responsible for securing their infrastructure, but you are responsible for how you use it. And unfortunately, most cloud breaches happen because of user error, not because the provider got hacked.
CLOUD SECURITY IS A
TWO-WAY STREET
IT companies like NetEffect work with businesses every day that assume their data is safe just because it’s in the cloud. But if you’re using weak passwords, logging in from unsecured devices or skipping backups, you’re leaving the door wide open.
These seven tips our company shares with clients are straightforward, impactful and frequently overlooked:
1. USE STRONG PASSWORDS
AND MFA
Multifactor Authentication (MFA) is a no-brainer. Pair it with a strong password — at least eight characters, upper and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols. And please don’t use “Password123!” It remains one of the 20 most common passwords in 2025, according to NordPass — and hackers know it.
2. SECURE THE DEVICES YOU USE
If you’re accessing cloud apps from a laptop that’s also used for checking personal email or social media, you’re taking a big risk. You need more than antivirus software — you need a full security stack. This is where working with a professional makes a big difference.
3. BACK UP YOUR CLOUD DATA
Yes, even cloud data needs to be backed up. If your account is hacked, corrupted or suspended, you could lose everything. Make sure you’re downloading and storing your data in a secure, separate location.
4. TRAIN YOUR EMPLOYEES
Your employees are your first line of defense. Regular training on cybersecurity best practices, recognizing phishing attempts and safe internet usage can significantly reduce the risk of a breach.
5. CONDUCT PHISHING
SIMULATIONS
Phishing is one of the most common attack vectors. Conduct regular phishing simulations to test your employees’ ability to recognize and respond to phishing attempts. Use the results to improve training and awareness.
6. IMPLEMENT ACCESS
CONTROL POLICIES
Not everyone needs access to everything. Implement strict access control policies to ensure that employees only have access to the data and systems they need to perform their jobs. Regularly review and update these policies.
7. PERFORM REGULAR SECURITY
AUDITS
Regular security audits can help identify vulnerabilities before they are exploited. Conduct internal audits and consider hiring external experts to perform comprehensive security assessments.
EMERGING CYBERSECURITY
TRENDS IN 2025
The cybersecurity landscape is constantly evolving, and 2025 is no exception. Here are some of the key trends and threats that businesses need to be aware of:
• AI-Driven Attacks: Up 67 percent from 2024, these use machine learning to bypass traditional defenses and craft highly personalized phishing campaigns.
• Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS): These kits are sold on the dark web, making ransomware more accessible to low-skilled attackers.
• Zero Trust Security Model: ZTNA is replacing VPNs, assuming no user or device is trusted by default.
CYBERSECURITY RISKS
FOR SMALL AND MID-SIZED
BUSINESSES
Small and mid-sized businesses face uniquely high risks. According to VikingCloud, 71 percent of small and mid-sized businesses say their defenses aren’t strong enough, and 60 percent admit they’re targets but underestimate the risk. Over half experienced disruptions last year.
Verizon reports the average cost of a U.S. data breach is $5.18 million. For small and mid-sized businesses, the median loss is around $87,000. Statista projects global cybercrime damages will hit $10.5 trillion by the end of 2025.
BUSINESS SURVIVAL
Cybersecurity isn’t just an IT issue: It’s a business survival issue. The good news? You don’t need a massive budget to make a big impact. Start with the basics: strong passwords, secure devices and reliable backups.
If you’re not sure where your vulnerabilities are, now’s the time to find out, before someone else does.
David Rounds is the founder and CEO of Las Vegas-based NetEffect, a managed IT service provider. The company has more than two decades of experience as a trusted partner and expert in cybersecurity preparedness for small and midsize businesses. NetEffect was awarded the Las Vegas Metro Chamber Entrepreneur of the Year Award and twice as Microsoft’s West Region Influencer Partner of the Year. Recently, NetEffect received the Henderson Chamber of Commerce Award for Excellence in Business.Rounds is the author of “Breathe Easy, How Just One Cyber Attack Can Damage Your Business Beyond Repair…And What You Can Do Now To Stop It.”
