In today’s fast-paced digital economy, small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are embracing the cloud to stay agile, reduce costs, and scale faster. While cloud platforms such as Azure, AWS, and GCP offer incredible opportunities, they also introduce new security risks. Data breaches, ransomware, and compliance failures can be devastating — especially for growing businesses.

At IntellixTech, we believe cloud adoption should accelerate your success, not compromise it. That’s why we’ve created this Cloud Security Checklist for SMBs to help you strengthen your defenses.

1. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Passwords alone are no longer enough. MFA adds an extra layer of protection by requiring users to confirm their identity with a phone, token, or biometric. This significantly reduces the chances of unauthorized access.

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2. Secure Identity & Access Management (IAM)

Implement role-based access control (RBAC) so employees only have the permissions they need — nothing more. Regularly review access rights and remove inactive accounts to prevent insider threats.

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3. Encrypt Data Everywhere

Whether data is at rest in storage or in transit across networks, it should always be encrypted. Most cloud providers offer built-in encryption services — ensure they are enabled and correctly configured.

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4. Monitor with Real-Time Alerts

Set up 24/7 monitoring and logging to detect suspicious activity. Tools like Microsoft Sentinel, AWS GuardDuty, or third-party SIEM platforms can help identify threats before they escalate.

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5. Keep Systems Patched and Updated

Unpatched vulnerabilities are one of the most common attack vectors. Automate patch management where possible to keep your infrastructure secure without disrupting daily operations.

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6. Backup & Disaster Recovery

Always maintain secure, automated backups and test your disaster recovery plan regularly. In case of ransomware or system failure, you’ll be able to restore operations quickly.

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7. Stay Compliant

Whether your business handles healthcare data (HIPAA), financial data (SOC2, PCI DSS), or operates globally (GDPR), compliance is non-negotiable. Partner with experts who understand your industry’s regulatory needs.