As more organizations move deeper into Microsoft 365, Azure, and other cloud platforms, something important is happening in 2024: cloud governance is no longer viewed as an “IT cleanup task.” It’s becoming a core business requirement. Companies are realizing that without strong oversight, cloud environments can become messy, risky, and difficult to control — especially when multiple teams, departments, and external vendors are involved.
The shift to hybrid and remote work over the past few years expanded cloud usage quickly. Now, many organizations are looking around and seeing access they didn’t expect, data stored in places no one is monitoring, and sharing links that have been floating around for too long.
Where cloud risk is showing up right now
We’re seeing several common patterns across our region:
- Too many people have access they no longer need
Guest users, former employees, and old vendor accounts often still exist in Microsoft 365 or Azure. Many still have access to files, Teams channels, or shared mailboxes long after they should. - Sharing links are everywhere
A single file can be shared publicly without anyone realizing it. When this happens on SharePoint or OneDrive, businesses often don’t know where their data is actually exposed. - Applications people don’t remember approving
Users sometimes grant permissions to apps — meeting tools, productivity add-ins, browser extensions — that request far more access than necessary. These permissions stay active unless someone reviews them. - No lifecycle management for data or identities
Cloud platforms grow quickly. Without consistent governance, old groups, mailboxes, and data repositories accumulate quietly over time.
Why governance matters so much
Cloud misconfigurations are now one of the top causes of data breaches. Attackers don’t need to “break in” when access is unintentionally wide open.
Good governance ensures:
- only the right people have access
- sensitive data isn’t overshared
- external users are controlled
- applications can’t overreach
- compliance requirements are met
- security tools have accurate visibility
This is important for industries across South Georgia and North Florida — including healthcare, financial services, law offices, government, and Senior Living — where audits and cyber insurance reviews are becoming more strict.
What modern cloud governance includes
Companies are adopting several controls to get their cloud environments under control:
- Identity and access cleanup
Remove old accounts, tighten groups, and eliminate unnecessary external access. - Conditional Access policies
Set rules around which devices, locations, and conditions can access cloud services. - Data Loss Prevention (DLP)
Protect sensitive data from being emailed or shared inappropriately. - Information Protection labeling
Mark and control sensitive files across SharePoint, Teams, and OneDrive. - App governance
Review what third-party applications can access — and restrict what they shouldn’t. - Regular access reviews
Ensure permissions stay up-to-date as staff roles change.
Cloud governance is becoming part of everyday operations
This isn’t a one-time project. Cloud environments grow and shift constantly, and governance has to move with them. When done well, it reduces risk, strengthens compliance, and simplifies day-to-day operations.
Good governance helps IT teams stay organized — but it also helps leadership feel confident that data is protected, access is controlled, and the cloud environment is moving in the right direction.