--- title: "Top 5 cloud security mistakes SMBs make | StartCloud" url: https://startcloud.au/resources/top-5-cloud-security-mistakes-smbs-make description: "Discover the most common cloud security pitfalls that small and medium businesses fall into, and learn how to avoid them." lang: en --- Cloud # Top 5 cloud security mistakes SMBs make Discover the most common cloud security pitfalls that small and medium businesses fall into, and learn how to avoid them. Jason Taylor 3 February 2026 2 min read ## Introduction As more businesses migrate to the cloud, security mistakes are becoming increasingly costly. Here are the top five cloud security mistakes we see SMBs make, and how to avoid them. ## 1. Not enabling multi-factor authentication This is the single most impactful security control you can implement. MFA blocks over 99.9% of account compromise attacks. **Solution**: Enable MFA for all users, starting with admin accounts. ## 2. Over-permissioning users Giving users more access than they need creates unnecessary risk. If an account is compromised, attackers get those same permissions. **Solution**: Follow the principle of least privilege. Regular access reviews should be conducted quarterly. ## 3. Ignoring security defaults Microsoft 365 and Azure come with security defaults that many organisations disable for convenience. **Solution**: Review security defaults before disabling them. Understand the trade-offs. ## 4. No data loss prevention Without DLP policies, sensitive data can easily leave your organisation via email, SharePoint, or Teams. **Solution**: Implement DLP policies to detect and prevent sensitive data exposure. ## 5. Poor backup strategy Cloud services have built-in redundancy, but that's not the same as backup. Accidental deletion, ransomware, or malicious insiders can still cause data loss. **Solution**: Implement a proper backup strategy with regular testing. ## Conclusion Cloud security isn't set-and-forget. Regular reviews and updates to your security posture are essential. Share: Share on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fstartcloud.au%2Fresources%2Ftop-5-cloud-security-mistakes-smbs-make)Share on X (https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fstartcloud.au%2Fresources%2Ftop-5-cloud-security-mistakes-smbs-make&text=Top%205%20cloud%20security%20mistakes%20SMBs%20make)Share on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstartcloud.au%2Fresources%2Ftop-5-cloud-security-mistakes-smbs-make) Back to resources (https://startcloud.au/resources) ## Ready to strengthen your security? Our team of experts can help you implement the strategies discussed in this article. Get in touch for a free consultation. Get in touch (https://startcloud.au/contact) StartCloud assistant Online G'day! 👋 I'm the StartCloud assistant. 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