Why Cloud Security Matters for Texas SMBs
Cloud computing has transformed the way Texas businesses operate, from construction firms in San Antonio to healthcare practices in Midland. The cloud allows us all to collaborate, store data, and scale faster and easier than ever before. But with all the benefits, it’s easy to overlook cyberthreats and gaps in your cloud security.
Cyberattacks targeting cloud environments are accelerating, and small to mid-sized businesses (SMBs) are now prime targets. In 2025, there has been an average of 1,925 cyberattacks per week on organizations, a 47% increase over the previous year. Ransomware incidents surged 126% in Q1 2025 alone, and 82% of data breaches now involve cloud-stored information, often due to misconfigurations.
You can’t afford to assume your cloud data is automatically secure. A proactive strategy is essential to keep your business protected. That’s where the IT experts at Varay Managed IT can help. We make it our goal to secure the cloud environments of companies in El Paso, Midland/Odessa, and San Antonio.
The Double-Edged Sword of AI in the Cloud
Artificial intelligence (AI) tools like Microsoft Copilot and ChatGPT have quickly become essential business allies. They can draft proposals, automate tasks, and boost productivity across your team. However, AI also introduces new risks to cloud security.
- AI tools create new access points: When you connect AI tools to your business environment, you’re effectively granting them access to your data. Without strict access controls, this could expose sensitive information.
- Attackers using AI: Cybercriminals are leveraging AI to increase the volume and speed of their attacks. Automated scanning activity now hits 36,000 scans per second, fueling a 42% surge in credential-based attacks.
- The scale of the threat: Amazon alone blocks 750 million daily cyberthreat attempts, up from 100 million just months earlier. The increase is primarily driven by AI-enabled tools.
The takeaway? AI can supercharge your business, but it must be secured like any other entry point to your cloud environment.
5 Essential Cloud Security Strategies for SMBs
So, what can your business do to stay ahead of cloud-based cyberattacks? These proven strategies form the foundation of a strong cloud security plan.
1. Enable Multifactor Authentication (MFA)
MFA is the single most effective (and cost-effective!) tool you can deploy. By requiring users to verify their identity with a second factor, like a text code or authentication app, MFA reduces phishing risks by up to 90%.
While attackers have developed techniques like “middleman attacks” to try to bypass MFA, it remains an essential layer of protection. Think of MFA as a lock on your door. It may not stop every intruder, but it dramatically reduces your risk.
2. Use Monitoring Tools and Threat Detection
Cloud environments generate a constant flow of login attempts. Many of these may be from legitimate employees, but some will be bad actors trying to force their way in.
Monitoring tools track these attempts and can automatically shut down suspicious activity before damage occurs. When combined with AI-based detection, these tools distinguish between routine activity and genuine threats, giving you real-time protection.
3. Implement Geofencing for Cloud Access
If your employees work primarily from Texas, why allow logins from across the globe? Geofencing restricts cloud access to specific physical locations or IP ranges.
For example, you could configure your cloud platform to allow logins only from U.S.-based IP addresses. This instantly blocks attempts from overseas cybercriminals, narrowing your attack surface and risk of cyberattack. For SMBs with a primarily local workforce, geofencing is a simple but powerful tool.
4. Regularly Back Up Your Data
One of the most damaging myths in cloud computing is that “the cloud is the backup.” It’s not. Cloud storage providers often don’t back up your data in a way that protects against ransomware or accidental deletion.
Shockingly, 35% of small businesses don’t back up data regularly. Without backups, a single ransomware attack could halt your operations.
The solution is to implement a backup strategy that stores copies of your data separately from your primary system. That way, even if your main environment is compromised, you can recover quickly.
5. Plan for Incident Response and Recovery
No security strategy can guarantee 100% protection. What matters is how quickly you respond and recover when an incident occurs. Yet only 47% of SMBs have an incident response plan in place. Without one, even minor breaches can lead to days or weeks of downtime.
A strong response plan should include:
- A communication strategy (who to notify and when).
- Step-by-step recovery procedures.
- Access to clean backups.
- A trusted IT partner to guide you through the process.
Companies that invest at least 10% of their IT budgets in cybersecurity report 60% fewer incidents. One of the most cost-effective ways to do so is enlisting the help of an IT consultant or agency rather than hiring an in-house team. The investment pays for itself many times over.
Why Texas SMBs Need a Trusted IT Partner
Cloud security is more than having the right tools in place. To be protected, you need to build a proactive, ongoing strategy. For Texas SMBs, working with a local IT partner like Varay makes all the difference.
Here’s why:
- Tailored support: We understand the unique challenges faced by industries such as healthcare, logistics, and construction, and the specific regulations they encounter.
- Local trust: With teams based in San Antonio, Midland, Odessa, and El Paso, we provide responsive, on-the-ground support.
- Proactive protection: We help you configure AI tools safely, monitor your systems, and plan for the future, so you can focus on growing your business.
Ready to safeguard your business?
Book your free cloud security audit today and let Varay help you stay secure and resilient.
Cloud Security in Texas: Staying Ahead of Threats
SMBs are often targeted precisely because attackers believe smaller companies won’t have strong defenses in place. And with cloud adoption growing across Texas, the stakes have never been higher.
Whether you’re in San Antonio, El Paso, or Midland, cloud security isn’t optional. By implementing these strategies, you can safeguard your data, reassure your clients, and maintain smooth operations.
Don’t wait until a breach happens. Book your cloud security audit now with Varay and protect your business data, whether you’re storing on the ground or in the cloud.
