As businesses increasingly adopt cloud-based infrastructures, they’re unlocking tremendous agility and scalability, but this shift also introduces a new array of security risks. The Threat Landscape Report 2025 from Fortinet underscores how the digital transformation and cloud-first strategies are broadening the attack surface for cybercriminals.
One of the most prominent cloud environment threats is ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) These criminal enterprises now operate with business-like efficiency, offering tiered subscription models that empower even low-skilled threat actors to launch sophisticated attacks. RaaS gangs leverage vulnerabilities in remote access protocols and poorly configured cloud environments, often exploiting known CVEs (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures) that organisations have failed to patch.
Another growing risk is supply chain attacks which exploit third-party vendors and cloud service providers as entry points. Because cloud ecosystems often depend on a web of interconnected services, a vulnerability in a single node can give attackers widespread access. For example, attackers compromise APIs or inject malicious code into software updates, which then cascade through the cloud environment.
The report also highlights the rise of business email compromise (BEC), with attackers using social engineering and AI tools to craft convincing messages that can bypass traditional filters. Cloud-hosted email services, while convenient, are also prime targets because a single compromised account can offer lateral movement through integrated services like file sharing, CRM, and collaboration tools.
Data exfiltration in the cloud is another major concern. Unlike on-premise environments, where boundaries are more precise, the cloud’s decentralised nature can make detecting unauthorised access and data leakage harder. Threat actors use legitimate tools and compromised credentials to blend in with expected user behaviour, making traditional perimeter-based defences ineffective.
Furthermore, misconfiguration of cloud services remains one of the leading causes of data breaches. Whether public S3 buckets, exposed APIs, or excessive permissions, human error can turn a secure cloud deployment into a vulnerable one. With the shared responsibility model, organisations are often unaware of their part in securing the infrastructure, mistakenly assuming cloud providers handle everything.
To navigate this, businesses must adopt a multi-layered and proactive security approach tailored for the cloud. The first step is to prioritise identity and access management (IAM). This means enforcing strong authentication protocols like multi-factor authentication (MFA), applying the principle of least privilege (PoLP), and regularly auditing access rights.
Security configuration management is another critical pillar. Businesses must ensure that cloud resources are correctly configured and continuously monitored. Tools like Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM) can help automate compliance checks and flag anomalies. Similarly, data encryption at rest and in transit should be non-negotiable, especially when dealing with customer data or regulated industries.
Another key recommendation is to adopt a zero-trust architecture. In this model, no user or device (inside or outside) is trusted by default. Access is granted based on continuous verification of identity, device health, location, and behaviour. This helps limit lateral movement even if a breach occurs.
Regular patch management and vulnerability scanning are crucial. Organisations should maintain an up-to-date inventory of their cloud assets and apply patches as soon as they’re available. This minimises the window of opportunity for attackers to exploit known weaknesses.
Businesses should also invest in security awareness training for employees. Since social engineering remains a leading attack vector, educating staff on phishing detection, password hygiene, and safe data handling can significantly reduce human error.
Finally, robust incident response planning is essential. This includes establishing clear procedures for detecting, containing, and recovering from security incidents. Simulated tabletop exercises and red team assessments can help prepare the organisation for real-world threats.
For small and medium-sized businesses, managing these cybersecurity risks can be difficult, especially with limited IT resources. This is where a Managed Service Provider (MSP) could be your business's best option. At Fitzrovia IT, we bring expertise in managed cloud security, offering continuous monitoring, threat detection, and response capabilities that would otherwise be costly to build in-house.
In addition, we offer Windows 365 cloud solutions built on Microsoft Azure, providing a secure, scalable, and flexible virtual desktop experience. Designed with Zero Trust principles, Windows 365 allows organisations to implement robust security controls, protect sensitive data, and strengthen their overall security posture across all devices.
If you want to protect your business from cloud-based cyberattacks, contact one of our experts today to learn more.