As organizations continue expanding into Microsoft 365, Azure, and other cloud platforms, something major is changing in 2024: cloud governance is no longer viewed as an IT-side task. It’s becoming a core business requirement.
The rapid shift to hybrid and remote work accelerated cloud usage. Now many organizations are discovering access they didn’t expect, data stored in places no one is monitoring, and sharing links that have been floating around unchecked.
Where cloud risk is showing up right now
Across our region, organizations are seeing the same issues repeat themselves:
- Too many people have access they no longer need — old accounts, vendors, and former employees still active.
- Sharing links are everywhere — public or uncontrolled links exposing files without anyone realizing.
- Apps people don’t remember approving — third-party tools with excessive permissions left running indefinitely.
- No lifecycle management — groups, mailboxes, and repositories piling up.
Why cloud governance matters in 2024
Cloud misconfigurations are now one of the top causes of data breaches. Companies don’t need attackers to break in when access is already too open.
Good governance ensures:
- Only the right people have access
- Sensitive data isn’t overshared
- External users are controlled
- Apps can’t overreach
- Compliance requirements are met
- Security tools have accurate visibility
This is especially important for industries across South Georgia and North Florida — including healthcare, finance, law, government, and Senior Living — where audits and cyber insurance pressures are increasing.
What modern cloud governance includes
Organizations are adopting several controls to regain structure over their cloud environments:
- Identity & access cleanup — remove old accounts, restrict guests, tighten groups.
- Conditional Access policies — rules defining device, location, and risk-based access.
- Data Loss Prevention (DLP) — prevent sensitive data from being emailed or shared improperly.
- Information Protection labeling — classify and protect files across SharePoint, Teams, and OneDrive.
- App governance — control what third-party apps can access.
- Regular access reviews — keep permissions aligned with real roles.
Cloud governance is now an ongoing discipline
Cloud environments grow constantly — and governance must grow with them. Done well, it strengthens security, reduces risk, supports compliance, and keeps day-to-day operations running smoothly.
Need help regaining control of your cloud environment?
NTS helps organizations across the Southeast strengthen cloud governance through identity cleanup, Conditional Access, DLP, and Microsoft 365 best practices.