Best Practices for Securing Cloud Resources in 2025

The shift to cloud-based infrastructure has brought speed, scalability, and flexibility to modern organizations—but it has also introduced new and complex security challenges. In 2025, cloud environments remain a top target for threat actors, especially in hybrid environments that blend on-premises systems with public cloud services.

Whether you’re an SMB, non-profit, or municipal agency, securing your cloud resources must be an ongoing and proactive process.

Top Cloud Security Risks

1. Misconfigured Storage and Access Controls

According to research by Check Point, over 90% of cloud security incidents stem from misconfigurations, including open S3 buckets, exposed storage accounts, and overly permissive identity roles (Check Point, 2024).

Reference: Check Point Software Technologies. (2024). Cloud security report. https://engage.checkpoint.com/2024-cloud-security-report

2. Insecure APIs

Cloud-native applications depend on APIs for automation and integration, but poorly secured APIs remain a common attack vector. OWASP listed API security vulnerabilities among the top threats in its 2023 report.

Reference: Salt Security. (2024). API security report. https://salt.security/blog/increasing-api-traffic-proliferating-attack-activity-and-lack-of-maturity-key-findings-from-salt-securitys-2024-state-of-api-security-report

3. Identity and Access Mismanagement

Improperly assigned roles and lack of multi-factor authentication (MFA) open the door for credential theft, privilege escalation, and data breaches.

4. Lack of Visibility

Cloud sprawl and multi-cloud adoption often result in blind spots where logs aren’t aggregated, monitored, or retained properly.

Key Best Practices for Cloud Security

1. Implement Identity and Access Management (IAM) with Least Privilege

Only grant users and services the minimum access they need. Use role-based access controls (RBAC) and enable MFA for all user accounts.

2. Use CSPM and CWPP Tools

Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM) platforms like Prisma Cloud or Wiz help detect misconfigurations and enforce compliance policies.

Example Tool: Wiz. (2024). Cloud security platform overview. https://www.wiz.io/platform

3. Encrypt Data in Transit and at Rest

Cloud providers like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud offer built-in encryption services. Ensure you’re using customer-managed keys where appropriate.

4. Monitor and Log Everything

Enable logging for all services, including API calls (via AWS CloudTrail, GCP Audit Logs, or Azure Monitor), and centralize logs in a SIEM for analysis.

5. Secure APIs with Zero Trust Principles

Adopt rate-limiting, schema validation, and token-based authentication for APIs. Regularly test for OWASP API Top 10 vulnerabilities.

Cloud Security Isn’t “Set and Forget”

Security is a shared responsibility model. While your cloud provider manages the infrastructure, you’re still responsible for securing the data, apps, identities, and configurations.

Wentz IT Consulting helps SMBs and public sector clients build resilient, compliant, and cost-effective cloud environments. From Microsoft 365 to Amazon Web Services, we can design and audit your cloud posture to reduce risk and align with best practices.