5 Cloud Security Gaps You’re Probably Missing

Is Your Cloud Really Secure? 5 Security Gaps You’re Probably Missing

In 2024, a large reputable organization faced a critical data leak when an unprotected cloud storage bucket exposed thousands of records. The problem wasn't the lack of tools. The problem was a lack of visibility.

At Omega Technical Solutions, we've seen a similar story play out with many businesses in the Washington D.C. area. Companies moved to the cloud to provide flexibility in their workloads and cost savings, but forgot that convenience doesn’t equal security.  The truth is, your cloud may be hiding risks you are unaware of.

Let's expose five neglected security gaps that could leave your organization vulnerable and what you can do to fix them.

1. Misconfigured Cloud Storage

The leading cause of cloud security breaches in businesses is misconfiguration of cloud storage. This can occur when cloud storage is set to "public" or when user permissions are unclear. The reality is that some research shows that in 2025, nearly half of breaches happening in the cloud came from configuration issues.

Our team at Omega often finds that companies assume their default settings are secure, but they rarely are. Initial steps, such as limiting access, file encryption, and changes to the configuration settings on a frequent cycle, could improve cloud data protection.

If you are confused about how your cloud is set up, our cloud security service can help identify these gaps and close them before attackers do.

2. Weak Access Controls

Who really has access to your company’s most valuable data right now?

This is a question we frequently ask during assessments, and the answers can be surprising. Without strong identity and access management, employees, vendors, or even ex-contractors could still have access to your files.

Our recommendations are: enable multi-factor authentication, use role-based access control, and regularly review account permissions.  These small changes create a strong foundation for secure cloud solutions that keep your data where it belongs.

3. No Continuous Monitoring

A common misconception about cloud environments is that they "run themselves." While in many cases cloud systems do automate our processes, they do not automatically notify you if any one process is not functioning properly.

Without continuous monitoring and real-time threat detection, security issues can go unnoticed for months.

That’s why our team at Omega Technical Solutions provides 24/7 managed IT services and automated monitoring tools that will instantly engage and notify potential threats, such as unusual log-in attempts or data transfer, well before it turns into a breach. These IT security solutions can provide you with the visibility your business requires.

4. Unsecured Third-Party Apps

Incorporating new software into your workflow does not makes things easier, but with every new tool, you create yet another potential entry point to be a target for hackers.

For example, a Washington D.C.-area logistics company we worked with found that a simple file-sharing plugin in their tech stack sent unencrypted data to the cloud. It wasn’t malicious; it was just poorly configured.

We were able to help this company conduct an audit of its connected tools, developing business network security services. The key takeaway was always reviewing third-party app permissions and ensuring all connections are compliant with your cloud and encryption standards.

5. No Backup or Recovery Plan

Many company owners believe that once information enters the cloud, it is automatically backed up. Unfortunately, this is not necessarily the case. The cloud protects the infrastructure, not the data itself.

We have seen companies lose months of work as a result of a ransomware attack because they did not have the right disaster recovery systems in place.

The regular initiation and testing of cloud backups and recovery procedures is a critical part of preventing a data breach. Omega assists our clients in developing sound and structured recovery plans for business continuity, regardless of the event.

Building a Safer Cloud Strategy

You don’t need to be overwhelmed to secure your cloud. Use this simple checklist to get started:

• Enable multi-factor authentication for every user
• Conduct vulnerability scans every 3 months
• Review and update access permissions
• Encrypt sensitive data whether still or in transit
• Work with professionals to proactively manage your IT systems

At Omega Technical Solutions, we specialize in helping mid-sized companies in Washington, D.C. build and maintain secure, efficient, and compliant cloud systems that will support long-term growth.

Final Thoughts

The cloud can be a powerful tool, but only when managed properly. Ignoring these hidden gaps can cause you more harm than actual downtime. It can cost your reputation and trust.

If you're unsure about the security of your cloud environment, let's find out together.

Reach out to Omega Technical Solutions for a cloud security assessment, and take the first step toward peace of mind.