For small business owners, cloud storage is an incredibly beneficial tool. It offers flexibility, scalability and convenience, all without expensive hardware or large upfront costs. But it also brings new risks.
Cloud storage isn’t automatically secure, and even minor oversight can result in data loss, ransomware, or reputational damage. Most sole traders and small business operators don’t have the time or technical support to build out complex IT systems – and they shouldn’t need to. According to our research, 80 per cent of cyberattacks stem from user behaviour, such as misconfigured permissions or weak passwords.
Fortunately, a few simple practices can dramatically boost cloud storage security without
significant expense or effort.
The do’s: Five smart cloud storage habits
- Encrypt data and limit access. Even if you’re a one-person operation, encryption matters. It ensures that if someone gains unauthorised access, they can’t read your files. Most cloud services offer encryption tools – use them. Also, make sure employees only have access to the files they need, and review those permissions regularly. With 36 per cent of IT leaders citing human error as the top cybersecurity risk, these small access missteps can lead to big problems.
- Back up automatically – and test recovery. Don’t wait for a crisis to realise your backup didn’t work. In our 2025 survey, 60 per cent of businesses believed they could recover their backup in under a day, yet only 35 per cent could restore data within 24 hours. Automate your backups and periodically test them.
- Monitor activity and stay compliant. Keep an eye out for unexpected logins or large file transfers. Most platforms offer alerts or logs – switch them on. Also, don’t overlook industry data standards, especially if you handle sensitive information. 25 per cent of respondents to Kaseya’s report lacked the policies and controls in place to keep their workloads secure, while additionally, less than two-thirds of respondents have an incident response plan, leaving many exposed to evolving compliance risks and unable to recover.
- Train yourself and your team. If you have staff, teach them how to recognise phishing attempts through phishing simulations, share files securely, and maintain strong password habits. Even if it’s just you, keeping up with basic cybersecurity knowledge is key. A single wrong click is often all it takes for a breach to occur.
The don’ts: Common mistakes with cloud storage
- Don’t assume the cloud is secure by default. Cloud vendors offer security tools, but you’re responsible for using them. Nearly half of MSPs say customer apathy is the biggest barrier to effective cybersecurity. Don’t set it and forget it – make sure your security settings are properly configured.
- Don’t ignore updates or reviews. Cybercriminals actively exploit unpatched software. Enable automatic updates, and aim to review your cloud security setup every few months. Even a quick check can close serious gaps.
- Don’t use public Wi-Fi without protection. If you’re working from a café or airport, always use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). It prevents attackers from intercepting login details or sensitive files.
- Don’t keep everything in the cloud. Not all files need to live online. Storing outdated or highly sensitive documents in the cloud increases risk. Keep those on encrypted local drives or air-gapped systems where possible.
Final thoughts: Security isn’t optional – it’s good business
Cloud storage has levelled the playing field for small businesses – but with greater access comes greater responsibility. The good news? You don’t need a massive IT team to protect yourself. With a few practical habits and the right partners, your business can stay secure, resilient, and ready to grow
