Explore the journey of a small startup transitioning from on-premises infrastructure to cloud-based solutions in this 30-minute conference talk from BSidesSF 2019. Delve into the motivations, benefits, and inherent risks associated with cloud adoption, covering crucial factors such as hiring, platform selection, technology stack, and user management. Gain insights into Amazon Web Services (AWS) implementation, understanding the various components required to launch a minimum viable product in the cloud. Learn valuable ProTips for adopting a cloud-first approach and discover potential cheat codes to enhance your cloud security practices. Whether you're considering a move to the cloud or seeking to validate your existing cloud security strategies, this talk offers practical knowledge and best practices for navigating the complexities of cloud migration and security.