We romanticize the cloud, don’t we? It sounds light, fluffy, effortless. But if you’ve ever tried recovering after a breach, you know the cloud can feel more like a thunderstorm than a silver lining.

As part of this week’s deep dive into cloud security, I explored common cyberattacks and what they actually look like in the real world. I started with Cisco’s excellent breakdown of what a cyberattack really is, and scrolled through SonicWall’s live threat metrics, which felt like watching a war room in action.

The type of attack that caught my eye most? Phishing. Not because it’s flashy, but because it’s terrifyingly effective—and often underestimated.

Why phishing still works in a cloud-first world

Phishing is the modern equivalent of someone slipping a fake letter under your door and hoping you’re too tired to check the return address. But the difference now is that it can happen through email, Slack, Google Docs, Zoom invites—anywhere you’re already logged in and relaxed.

Most phishing emails are designed to trick users into clicking a link or entering credentials into a fake login page. They look harmless. That’s the point. A message from “IT” asking you to verify your Microsoft 365 login. A fake Google Drive invite. A Dropbox file from “HR.” One click is all it takes.

The problem with phishing in cloud environments is that it’s not just about getting into one system. Most businesses use single sign-on. So if an attacker gets your login details, they don’t just access your inbox. They get into your files, your team chat, your client records, your billing platform. Everything.

Phishing preys on people, not technology. And unlike brute-force attacks or malware, it doesn’t need fancy code or deep access—it just needs a well-timed moment of human error.

What makes phishing so difficult to defend against?

Part of what makes phishing so dangerous is that the “attack” itself doesn’t come with red flags. There’s no warning bell. No system breakdown. No alerts going off. Just an email that looks familiar and a split-second decision from an employee who is probably already multitasking.

Even with good cloud security infrastructure, the human factor remains the most vulnerable point. And if you think training once a year is enough, consider this: even cybersecurity professionals occasionally fall for advanced phishing scams. The tools are evolving, and so should your strategy.

Six ways IS managers can actually protect the cloud

If you’re managing information systems or responsible for digital safety at any level, here’s what I’d recommend based on best practice, current research, and what actually works in the wild.

1. Make Two-Factor Authentication Non-Negotiable

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is the single most effective way to block compromised credentials from being exploited. Even if a password is phished, it won’t work without the second factor. Cisco and Microsoft both strongly advocate for this approach, and platforms like Authy or Google Authenticator can be deployed across cloud apps with minimal disruption.

Make sure 2FA covers everything. Not just email, but access to file sharing tools, HR systems, CRM platforms, and admin portals. The more seamless it becomes, the less likely users are to resist it.

2. Ditch Password-Only Logins

Modern cloud security experts are pushing for passwordless authentication, and it’s about time. Passwords are predictable and often reused. Instead, move toward options like biometrics, magic email links, or security tokens. Microsoft now supports FIDO2-based hardware keys, which completely eliminate the need for passwords and make phishing virtually useless.

Even for smaller businesses, integrating secure login platforms like Okta or Duo Security can reduce exposure without sacrificing usability.

3. Turn Phishing Simulations Into Culture, Not Punishment

There’s a big difference between testing your team and scaring them. Simulated phishing tests—like those from KnowBe4 or Cofense—can be powerful training tools, but only if they’re part of an ongoing conversation. Instead of pointing fingers, celebrate when people report fake attempts. Create a monthly “phish finder” leaderboard. Reward awareness. Make it safe to be cautious.

The goal isn’t perfection. It’s building a mindset where employees pause and think before clicking.

4. Reinforce Email and App Gateways with Intelligence

Basic spam filters are no longer enough. Cloud-based businesses should be using adaptive email security that can flag unusual behavior—like emails from lookalike domains or attachments that don’t match file history.

Platforms like Microsoft Defender for Office 365 and Proofpoint are built for this level of protection. They don’t just block known threats—they adapt to new ones using machine learning. And with phishing kits now being sold on the dark web, that agility matters more than ever.

5. Practice Data Hygiene Like It’s a Wellness Ritual

The principle of least privilege access is simple. Give each user the minimum access they need, nothing more. This one change can limit how far a phished account can reach.

Audit cloud permissions regularly. Auto-expire shared file links. Use tiered access levels, and keep admin controls out of everyday workflows. Dormant accounts should be disabled, not ignored. And shared credentials? They shouldn’t exist at all.

6. Use Canary Tokens and Fake Credentials to Catch Intruders Early

This is one of the smartest techniques I’ve seen in action. Tools like Thinkst Canary let you create decoy documents, URLs, and credentials that alert you the second someone touches them. It’s a quiet, clever way to detect breaches without waiting for damage to be done.

Imagine placing a fake “HR_passwords_2024.xlsx” file in your Google Drive. If someone opens it, you know instantly that someone is snooping where they shouldn’t be.

The BrokeBella take

Cloud security isn’t just a tech problem. It’s a human one. And the most dangerous attack is the one that doesn’t feel like an attack at all.

Phishing succeeds not because people are careless, but because they’re busy. They’re trusting. They’re just trying to get through their inbox. Your job as an IS manager, or even just as someone who cares about protecting data, is to make it easy for them to do the right thing.

The more you can embed security into everyday behavior, the less you have to rely on panic buttons. Because if your cloud holds your business, then protecting it should feel as natural as locking your front door.

Let me know if you’ve ever received a suspicious email that made you pause. Or if your company has its own clever way of spotting phishing attempts, I’d love to hear it. We’re all learning from each other in this space.