Whether you’ve shifted your operations to the cloud or you’re still weighing your options, cloud security should be on your mind. Too often, organizations assume that their commercial hosting provider will offer protection that covers all their bases. The fact is that as robust as their security systems may be, they can’t safeguard data once it leaves the cloud.
Accessing information on the cloud using compromised devices, insecure Wi-Fi connections, and stolen log-in information are some reasons why your data is at a higher risk when in the cloud—but the good news is that it doesn’t have to be.
Keep reading for more cloud security tips from our QuickBooks cloud hosting experts.
1. Plan for Hybrid Environments
Cloud operations have become an integral part of nearly every organization. According to Right Scale, 91 percent of businesses reported using a public cloud in 2019. Out of these firms, 69 percent opted for a hybrid cloud solution that combines private and public cloud usage.
A majority of businesses are opting for the hybrid solution because it allows them to manage costs while meeting security needs. Your mission-critical data can be placed on a private cloud secured by the cloud hosting service provider, while less sensitive information can be placed on public cloud servers.
2. Know What You Have in the Cloud
As a leading QuickBooks hosting solutions provider, we offer a range of services—including data migration. During this stage of implementation, we often encourage our clients to review the data and applications they have on the previous system. Redundant information or unapproved cloud-based applications should not be moved to the new system.
Take this opportunity to cleanse the system of outdated and insecure components and start afresh on the new system.
Recommended reading: A Guide to Successful ERP Implementation
3. Don’t Become Collateral Damage
Understand the infrastructure and security mechanisms offered by your cloud service provider. Sharing a platform with other businesses could mean that you’re at a greater risk of network outages or degraded performance. Additionally, network downtime is also associated with a higher chance of cyberattacks.
Discuss your options with your cloud service provider and see if they offer secure, private clouds at competitive prices for your company’s software and applications.
4. Implement Detection Capabilities
The cost of a security breach is exponentially higher than the cost of security measures needed to prevent attacks. In the short run, your company will have to deal with IT repair, upgrades, and legal expenses. In the long run, you may end up losing your customers’ trust and business.
As such, it becomes essential that you routinely test your system’s defenses and implement detection capabilities that can give you enough time to assess the attack and determine the correct response. For instance, in the event of a volumetric attack, you may opt for cloud scrubbing.
5. Provide Anti-Phishing Training Cybersecurity
reports indicate that 32 percent of confirmed data breaches in 2020 involved phishing attempts. Attackers now go to great lengths to pose as legitimate institutions, suggesting that phishing attempts are quickly becoming more sophisticated.
Businesses must understand this security threat and provide anti-phishing training to their employees. Training should cover tell-tale signs of phishing emails, calls, and text messages, as well as information on keeping their devices secure.
6. Implement a Comprehensive Off-Boarding Process
When employees leave the company, it’s essential that you revoke their access rights in a timely manner. When small businesses ignore this step, they put their customer information, intellectual properties, and business data at risk.
Standardizing the off-boarding process will outline tasks and responsibilities which prevent delays and keep your sensitive information protected.
If you’re looking for an ERP vendor or commercial hosting provider that provides secure Sage and QuickBooks cloud services at competitive rates, contact gotomyerp today! We strongly believe in designing tailored solutions that meet your data security and functionality requirements. Check out our dependable Sage cloud hosting services and QuickBooks hosting services offered to clients all over the United States.
To get started, call (877) 888-5525 today!
