Business growth is essential for companies of all sizes, and many small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are leveraging the cloud to gain insights, scale efficiently, collaborate remotely, and reduce IT costs.
However, a survey by Amazon Web Services found that while SMBs are prioritizing cloud migration, security often takes a back seat—35% of respondents admitted it wasn’t a strategic focus.
The survey also uncovered three common misconceptions about cloud security that may be holding SMBs back. Let’s explore them.
Misconception #1: Security is costly and not a top initiative
In the same survey, it was also found that 41% haven’t provided any security training, and only 43% plan to within the next year.
The results show that many business owners prioritize cash flow and productivity, often seeing security as an extra cost rather than a necessity.
However, investing in security is crucial for long-term success. It safeguards against risks, minimizes downtime, and helps maintain customer trust.
Affordable cloud solutions now offer automated, scalable security. For instance, Wallester, an SMB fintech firm, grew fivefold by adopting cloud security, while keeping costs low.
Security is a vital part of any growth strategy, ensuring businesses can scale securely.
Misconception #2: Cloud data isn’t as secure as on-premises
Something noteworthy is that half of the respondents expressed concerns about cloud security, viewing migration as risky.
While on-premises systems may feel more familiar, the cloud offers superior flexibility and scalability for managing security. For example, AWS uses a Shared Responsibility Model, where AWS secures the infrastructure, and businesses handle their data within it.
Cloud security not only protects data but also frees up time for teams to focus on core tasks. Healthtech company DeepThink Health, for instance, has reduced the time spent on data protection by 30%, allowing them to focus on connecting patients with the right care while adhering to stringent security standards.
Misconception #3: Strong security requires a large IT team and extensive resources
About 30% of respondents understand their security and compliance requirements but struggle with management, and 40% cite a lack of skilled staff as a barrier to investing in security. Many assume that managing cloud security requires a larger IT team or a bigger budget, but this isn’t true.
In reality, cloud security can be simpler and more efficient than on-premises solutions, which often involve complex, manual processes. The cloud facilitates automation and proactive security measures, eliminating the need for extensive resources.
Reaching out to an expert-managed service provider can further streamline security management. These specialists can offer tailored solutions, ensure optimal use of cloud security features, and provide the expertise needed to overcome resource limitations.
Final Thoughts
For SMBs to progress, it’s crucial to overcome misconceptions about the cloud and view it as an asset for growth rather than a risk. By addressing these misconceptions and embracing cloud security, businesses can safeguard their operations, enhance productivity, and scale efficiently.
To navigate these challenges and optimize your cloud security, consider reaching out to our expert-managed service provider team. We offer tailored solutions that ensure your cloud infrastructure is secure, efficient, and aligned with your growth strategy.
