That's according to Tenable's 2024 Cloud Security Outlook: Navigating Barriers and Setting Priorities report.
However, this ambition is being met with significant challenges as 45 per cent of those responsible for managing cloud security cite a major lack of expertise as a barrier to implementing new cloud security.
In addition, 33 per cent of respondents said that one of the biggest risks to their cloud infrastructure now sits outside of the organisation in the form of third-party suppliers.
This highlights that while cloud adoption may be on the rise, organisations face serious security challenges from both inside and outside their business.
"In today's digital landscape, organisations are racing to embrace cloud technologies for their myriad benefits, yet our latest findings reveal that a staggering 97 per cent of organisations are currently grappling with insufficient expertise in cloud infrastructure security," said Bernard Montel, EMEA technical director and security strategist, Tenable.
He added, "While the intention to expand cloud systems is evident among IT leaders, the alarming occurrence of breaches and the identified risks, such as third-party providers in supply chains, underscores the urgent need for organisations to prioritise investment in upskilling and resources. Addressing the clear skills gap is paramount in fortifying cloud security measures and mitigating the risks posed by an evolving threat landscape."
The report also sheds light on the prevalence of cloud-related breaches, with half of UK businesses saying that they suffered between three and four cloud-based security breaches in the last year alone.
This further highlights the urgent need for organisations to bolster their cloud security strategies and invest in the necessary expertise to safeguard their digital assets effectively, especially as IT managers expand their infrastructure and move more assets into cloud environments.