Debunking cloud security myths for a smooth and seamless migration

The future of technology is undeniably cloud-based, where adopting cloud solutions is no longer a mere option but a critical necessity for businesses and individuals alike. The cloud is no longer just a buzzword—it’s a game-changer. It has revolutionised how Indian businesses operate, offering seamless access to cutting-edge technology, reduced costs and scalable infrastructure.

It is helping businesses stay competitive in an increasingly tech-driven economy. However, despite the cloud’s growing popularity, many IT security leaders still hesitate due to unfounded fears about data security.

The reality is that cloud security has come a long way, and many of the fears surrounding it are no longer valid. To accelerate cloud adoption, it is crucial for Indian businesses to separate myths from facts and embrace a more secure, efficient, and innovative future in the cloud.

According to Gartner, cloud security has become a top priority for Indian CISOs.  The recent forecast highlights a projected 24% growth in spending on cloud security for 2024. Gartner also predicts that by 2027, more than 70% of enterprises globally will use industry cloud platforms to accelerate their business initiatives, up from less than 15% in 2023.

According to International Data Corporation (IDC), the Indian public cloud services market is expected to reach $24.2 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 23.8% for 2023-28.

Myth 1: The Cloud is Less Secure Than On-Premises Solutions

Many Indian businesses particularly those in banking, healthcare, and government sectors still believe that on-premises infrastructure is more secure and are hesitant about migrating to the cloud due to perceived security risks. The skepticism is understandable given the nature of the data in today’s digital world. However, it is important to recognise that cloud service providers (CSPs) invest heavily in security measures to protect their customers' data.

Leading platforms offer multi-layered advanced security, including encryption, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and regular security audits to ensure data is protected both in transit and at rest. However, cloud security is a shared responsibility: the provider secures the infrastructure, while the organization must manage access, encryption, and permissions.

Myth 2: Once You're in the Cloud, You're Immune to Cyberattacks

A common misconception is that simply migrating to the cloud automatically shields businesses from cyber threats. However, this is far from the truth. While cloud providers offer robust security measures, the cloud is not impervious to attacks. In fact, data from a  Global Cybersecurity Report reveals that 77% of organisations believe their cloud infrastructure is secure, yet 63% of these organizations reported cloud security incidents in the same year. This highlights the disparity between perception and reality when it comes to cloud security. The report also highlights that nearly 60% of breaches were caused by misconfigured cloud settings, underlining that while cloud providers secure their infrastructure, it’s the customer's responsibility to appropriately configure access controls, enforce encryption, and implement robust security protocols.

Cloud environments can be secure but require ongoing vigilance and proactive security measures like MFA and encryption. Recent attacks on Indian tech companies highlight the need for robust, adaptive cloud security strategies.

Myth 3: Cloud Migration is Complicated and Adds Security Risks

Cloud migrations are often seen as complex and risky, especially in legacy-driven industries like manufacturing, healthcare, and public services in India. Concerns about data loss, exposure during migration, and system integration challenges often make businesses hesitant to embrace the cloud. According to a report, 68% of organisations delayed cloud migration due to security concerns. However, 72% of those who migrated reported improved security postures. Additionally, 56% of cloud-first businesses saw better threat mitigation through built-in features like encryption and automatic updates. This demonstrates that, when done appropriately, cloud adoption can enhance security rather than compromise it.

A well-defined migration strategy and risk management plan including automated security checks, data integrity and compliance validation can play a key role in mitigating the potential pitfalls during migration.

The Right Approach to Cloud Migration: A Strategy That Prioritises Security

Now that we've debunked the myths, what’s the best approach for secure cloud migration?

Businesses must adopt a security-first mindset throughout the process.

1. Start with a Security Assessment: Evaluate your security posture, identify vulnerabilities, and ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.

2. Use Cloud-Native Security Tools: Leverage cloud security tools for continuous monitoring, automated checks, and encryption, ensuring strong protection against evolving cyber threats and compliance with regulatory standards.

3. Collaborate Across Teams: Cloud migration is a company-wide initiative, not just an IT issue.  Businesses should bring together IT, security, development, and compliance teams early in the process. Security must be integrated at every stage.

The Path Forward for Indian Businesses

To truly harness the transformative power of the cloud, Indian businesses must move beyond myths and embrace a future driven by innovation, resilience, and agility. Cloud migration is not just a technological shift, it is a strategic leap that redefines how businesses operate, compete, and scale up. By focusing on facts, investing in strong security frameworks, and leveraging trusted cloud solutions, organisations can dismantle outdated perceptions and accelerate their journey to a smarter, more scalable future. Cloud isn’t just an option; it’s the foundation for staying ahead in an increasingly digital world.

By Anoop Das, Vice President, Cloud Services - Infrastructure and Network at OpenText India