Did you ever think you’d be one executive order away from an IT disaster?

In an era defined by rapid digital transformation and the rise of cloud computing, this scenario isn’t far-fetched, it’s the new reality. 

That’s exactly what was unpacked in one of our thought-provoking on-line events featuring cloud cybersecurity expert Heath Groves from Sundown Solutions (now Telana). With a deep dive into the risks, responsibilities, and real-world threats facing businesses today, the session offered a clear-eyed look at how organizations can proactively protect their most valuable asset: their data. 

Understanding the Risks Behind the Cloud 

The discussion opened with a spotlight on the Patriot Act and its far-reaching implications for cloud data privacy. Many businesses don’t realize that storing data in the cloud, particularly with U.S.-based providers could expose them to government surveillance under certain conditions. 

Heath emphasized that knowing where your data resides, who can access it, and under what circumstances is no longer optional – it’s essential. 

The Shared Responsibility Model: What You Own vs. What They Protect 

A major takeaway from the session was the clarification of the Shared Responsibility Model – a framework that outlines what cloud providers are responsible for (like infrastructure), and what falls on the customer (like access management and data encryption). 

Spoiler: Security in the cloud isn’t the same as secure cloud usage. 

Emerging Threats: Multi-Tenancy, Data Sovereignty & Pass-the-Cookie Attacks 

Heath explored the growing risk landscape with practical insights into: 

• Multi-tenancy pitfalls – when one provider’s infrastructure supports multiple customers, how safe is your data? 

• Data sovereignty – the legal complications of cross-border data storage. 

• Pass-the-Cookie attacks – a rising threat where stolen browser cookies are used to bypass MFA protections. 

These aren’t just IT concerns. They’re business continuity concerns. 

Strategies to Stay Ahead 

The session closed with tactical strategies to help organizations safeguard their cloud environments: 

• Implement robust identity and access controls 

• Use end-to-end encryption 

• Maintain full visibility and logging 

• Partner with providers that prioritize compliance and transparency 

Stay Informed. Stay Protected. 

As cloud technologies evolve, so do the threats and the stakes. From government access concerns to sophisticated cyberattacks, protecting your data is no longer just an IT responsibility, it’s a business imperative. Understanding these risks and your role in the shared responsibility model is key to building a secure future for your organisation. 

To watch full the recording of this online event, sign up for the Clover platform here. Clover is free for UK IT leaders, join today and connect with a community of industry peers.