In 2025, organisations across the UK are increasingly choosing cloud-based security over on-premise solutions, and for good reason. From stronger data protection to simplified compliance and better scalability, the cloud offers clear advantages. At BusinessWatch, we support this shift by delivering secure, reliable, and regulatory-compliant cloud solutions for fire and security systems. Keep reading as we reveal why cloud-based smart security is safer than on-premise in 2025.
Cloud-based security involves remote storage, processing, and management of data and security services on servers operated by specialist providers. These platforms offer centralised control, 24/7 monitoring, and automated updates, all delivered via secure internet connections.
In contrast, on-premise setups require businesses to own, operate, and maintain their hardware, software, and infrastructure onsite. While that offers granular control, it often lacks the rapid innovation and scale of cloud platforms.
When businesses move security systems to the cloud, they gain access to high-end physical and digital defences. Providers maintain cutting-edge infrastructure with:
This level of investment is usually beyond the reach and economics of on-premise installations.
As data regulations tighten, meeting standards like UK GDPR, Cyber Essentials, and the forthcoming Cyber Security & Resilience Bill becomes critical. Cloud providers have entire teams focused on compliance, ensuring regular audits and up-to-date certification.
A recent survey showed that 94% of businesses reported improved compliance after switching to the cloud, while 91% said it simplified meeting government security requirements.
The UK’s cloud security sector reached USD 2.6 billion in 2024 and is forecasted to hit USD 7.1 billion by 2033, growing at an annual rate of 11.8%. This reflects a clear shift toward cloud-first strategies, particularly in regulated sectors like finance, healthcare, and government.
The main reason is due to enhanced privacy capabilities with Zero Trust and AI-driven controls, whereby next-generation cloud security platforms enforce Zero Trust (“never trust, always verify”) via micro-segmentation, least-privilege access, multi-factor authentication, and continuous monitoring.
Additionally, AI-driven threat detection monitors user behaviour and flags anomalies in real-time. A recent study found that 80% of organisations using AI for cloud security saw a 40% reduction in the time it takes to detect and respond to security incidents.
With cloud-based security, updates and patches are handled automatically by your provider, often during off-peak hours. That means you’re always protected without needing to worry about delays or downtime, unlike on-premise systems where updates can be slow or overlooked.
Cloud systems are managed by teams of experienced security professionals who monitor and improve your protection around the clock. Most businesses can’t match that level of in-house expertise when relying on on-premise infrastructure.
Whether you’re adding one site or expanding nationwide, cloud security systems grow with you. There’s no need to buy extra hardware or manage separate systems – everything stays connected, flexible, and future-ready.
While cloud systems offer powerful protection, it’s important to remember that they don’t secure themselves. In fact, research firm Gartner predicts that 99% of cloud security failures will continue to result from user misconfigurations through 2025. This means the biggest risks aren’t with the technology itself, but with how it’s set up and maintained.
Common pitfalls include overly broad user access, improperly configured storage settings, and unsecured integrations or APIs. These kinds of gaps are avoidable, but they require the right guidance and oversight.
That’s why expert support is essential. At BusinessWatch, we help clients put robust governance in place from day one. That includes setting the correct permissions, applying security best practices, and conducting regular audits to ensure everything stays airtight.
Moving from on-premise systems to the cloud doesn’t need to be disruptive, it just needs to be strategic.
The first step is a full review of your current infrastructure to identify what can be migrated, and when. From there, the design of your cloud environment should follow key security principles such as Zero Trust architecture, data encryption, and role-based access controls.
Most businesses benefit from starting small, by piloting a few systems in the cloud and learning from the process. Once confident, the rollout can expand across departments or sites in phases, ensuring continuity and control.
It’s also vital to provide training for staff, particularly those responsible for managing permissions or handling sensitive data. And finally, cloud environments should always be monitored with modern analytics and threat detection tools that can respond in real-time.
BusinessWatch supports every stage of this journey, from planning and design to training and ongoing protection, ensuring that your cloud deployment is as secure as it is seamless.
While some organisations still rely on traditional on-premise security setups, these systems are increasingly struggling to keep up with modern demands.
First, there’s the issue of physical vulnerability. Onsite servers can be damaged by power cuts, flooding, or theft – all risks that cloud providers mitigate through distributed, secure data centres. Then there’s the challenge of patch management: many businesses take days or even weeks to install updates, leaving them exposed in the meantime.
On-premise systems also lack the scalability needed to support today’s fast-changing environments. Expanding or upgrading hardware can be slow and expensive, while cloud-based systems can scale instantly to match demand.
Lastly, there’s the skills gap. Managing commercial security effectively requires deep expertise, but many organisations find it difficult to attract or retain that talent in-house.
These limitations make it clear: for most businesses, on-premise solutions are no longer the best fit for a rapidly evolving threat landscape.
Cloud security isn’t just a smart technology upgrade, it’s a strategic shift. By moving security infrastructure into the cloud, businesses unlock faster innovation, smarter threat protection, and easier compliance with ever-changing regulations.
In 2025, the benefits of the cloud are clearer than ever:
On-premise systems do still have a place in some scenarios, but they can no longer compete with the speed, scale, and sophistication of today’s cloud-based platforms.
At BusinessWatch, we specialise in helping UK organisations make the transition to cloud-based security, securely, efficiently, and with minimal disruption. Whether you’re looking to modernise your fire safety systems, improve premises security, or simply reduce risk, we’re here to help.
Call us today on 0330 094 7404.
