Is Your Data Safe On The Cloud?
Unless you’re living in isolation without any devices around, you know or have heard of cloud and most probably, you’re using it too. Cloud, in simple words, is a digital storage space that can be expanded limitlessly. Now if you’re an individual who just wants to save some photos and videos without occupying the inbuilt space of your device, it may not be a great deal, but for businesses, who want to secure the confidential data, it actually is. And if your business is looking for reliable cyber security on the Gold Coast, you know that you can rely on Netlogyx. Now, back to the post. Can You Keep Your Data ‘Safe’ Over The Cloud? There are many businesses (small and big) who haven’t got convinced with the ability of cloud solutions and their main concern is “security”. Well, doubt is replaced with assurance once you start to understand the technology. Things About Cloud You Should Know:- Multiple Copies The cloud works with a network of multiple servers. So when you save your data on it, there are multiple copies created. This totally rules out the chances of data loss because even if one server fails, there are plenty of others who have the backup. 24/7 Surveillance Besides keeping your data on multiple servers, the cloud also oversees your data round the clock in a non-top motion. These systems are maintained by dedicated operations centres who take the onus of keeping data intact. They ensure that the servers remain functional and aloof from any sort of digital threats. End-to-End Encryption The end-to-end encryption renders the data inaccessible to third parties. It keeps the senders’ data readable only by the receiver and when the data is en-route, it cannot be decrypted by anyone. It ensures that your data is accessible only to you and the entity you want to share it with. Grant & Revoke Access Cloud-storage makes it very easy for you to share the data with your friends, family, and colleagues. At the same time, it enables you to grant and revoke access to your sensitive data. You can share your data with a password and give the latter only to the selected people. Two-Step Verification Most cloud solutions give you the ability to secure the data with 2-step verification. It means that when your data is accessed by another person, they will require a one-time-password (OTP) which would be sent to the phone number or email id of the sender. It rules totally rules out any chances of authorized access. Tips To Keep Your Data Safer On Cloud:- While the cloud gives you a robust system to secure the data, there are some human errors that might make your data vulnerable or accessible to others. So here are a few tips to ensure that it doesn’t happen: • Log out of the cloud system once the data transfer is done • Always have a backup copy of the encryption key • Keep the two-step verification always on. • Keep track of all the files and folders that you’ve shared Netlogyx has been empowering small, medium, and big businesses to have impeccable IT solutions. We deliver end-to-end solutions that help your business remain one step ahead. With our services, you will always remain connected with your team and clients safely with the best cyber security Gold Coast solutions available.
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With The Current Trends Increasingly Towards Cloud Computing, You May Find Yourself Wondering: Do I Even Need An On-Site Server Anymore?
WITH THE CURRENT TRENDS INCREASINGLY TOWARDS CLOUD COMPUTING, YOU MAY FIND YOURSELF WONDERING: DO I EVEN NEED AN ON-SITE SERVER ANYMORE? As you might expect, there are pros and cons to both solutions. Depending on your needs, one or the other might be right for you. THE ADVANTAGES OF ONSITE SERVERS Though onsite servers have certain limitations, there are some areas in which they provide a clear advantage. COMPLIANCE AND CONTROL For industries that have robust security and privacy requirements, such as finance, legal and healthcare, physical servers provide the ability to protect vital data more predictably. Additionally, some of these industries must meet data security compliance regulations, and some cloud servers simply do not make the cut. With an on-site server, you have control over where the server is housed and who can access it, ensuring that all of your internal security protocols are met and that legal compliance is satisfied. ACCESSIBILITY Your in-house team can benefit from an on-premise server also. Being able to access files without connecting to the internet has its advantages, especially if the internet connection is down or unreliable for any reason. AFFORDABILITY Once you’ve completed your cloud migration, maintaining your servers and data in the cloud may be more affordable, but the migration and transformation itself may represent a significant cost. If you are a small, insular company who depends on key applications or database applications that are housed on your on-site servers, you stand to lose that accessibility—and possibly some functionality—when you do make the move. Software that you have purchased may need to be upgraded to cloud-based versions, and the whole process may roll out over a period of months. If scale isn’t an issue and your company can’t afford the disruption or expense, then perhaps your on-site servers are just fine. THE BENEFITS OF CLOUD SERVERS On the other side of the coin, cloud servers offer many benefits. SCALE The ability to scale on a dime is one of the biggest benefits to using a cloud server. If you are an online business such as an e-commerce retail site, auction site, or ticket agency, you may not be able to predict when that scale will be required. Cloud servers can be configured to adapt to your web traffic needs, ensuring that your site doesn’t crash if it experiences a surge of traffic. After all, you wouldn’t want your “best day ever” to be marred by a system crash. AGILITY With more employees working remotely these days, it pays to have the ability to access files and web applications from any computer or device. The cloud enables virtualization, which in turn enables collaboration, improved productivity, employee engagement, and omnichannel initiatives. Efficiency and accountability are enhanced, improved communication is enabled, and with the right configurations, you can remove data silos that are slowing down your progress. Being able to monitor and respond to information in real-time rather than waiting for it to be delivered to you allows you to make better-informed business decisions that can take your company further, faster. COST SAVINGS By moving to a cloud server solution, you may realize significant cost savings. First, you will no longer have to purchase or maintain physical servers. You also won’t have to allocate office space to the servers, along with the increased needs for climate and temperature control. You can also reduce your IT spend, as you won’t need dedicated technicians to maintain and update your servers. In fact, the IT personnel you do keep can be assigned to higher-value incentives instead of having to perform endless, repetitive tasks that don’t add tangible value to the business. You will also need to predict how much storage you will need in the future, and unless you have a pretty clear picture of what that is going to look like, your future server spend is unknown. Cloud servers are pay-as-you-need, meaning that you only pay for what you’re using, generally on a month-to-month basis. This provides you with a predictable budget so you can plan your growth in other areas. SECURITY: YOU’VE GOT OPTIONS With an on-site server, you are limited to a range of security appliances and protocols that may not serve your needs in the future. With a cloud server solution, you can add security options as needed and threat detection is on 24/7. Most security features will be included in your monthly fee and if more robust features are needed, you can add them as you go without having to call in a technician or wait several days until IT gets around to it. FUTURE-PROOF Lastly, a cloud server solution allows you to focus on your business without the added distraction of wondering when your technology will fail, need to be upgraded or replaced.
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5 Benefits Of Cloud Computing For Small Businesses
Using “cloud computing” for small businesses is a great and simple solution for many of the accounting problems that faced owners when they first started computerising their bookkeeping. With the old style of manually writing all financial documents in ledgers and notebooks, accounts were kept in a solid form and relatively safe. Modern solutions from Managed IT Services on the Gold Coast make your accounts and sensitive business information 100% safe from loss. It can’t be stolen, destroyed in a fire or other natural disaster as could happen with paper-based accounts or anything stored on a computer, disks, USB, memory cards or sticks. Just because almost every business is now doing it is not a good reason to follow, but by talking with IT Solution specialists on the Gold Coast you can get a good idea what it could do for your business. The following are five benefits of cloud computing for your business 1. SCALING INFRASTRUCTURE Using cloud-based infrastructure is inexpensive, cost-efficient and demand-responsive. It removes the problem of the inherent unpredictability of servers when overloaded. If your customers are cut off in the middle of accessing your data due to overloading you are most likely to lose business. With scalable cloud-based infrastructure, fail-proof systems can kick in and you’ll not lose contact during critical business moments. The beauty is you only pay for what you use so this is a very economical solution; you no longer have to pay for a massive server space you rarely use. 2. CLOUD-BASED OFFICE SYSTEMS The need to email documents is long over, a collaborative work environment on cloud-based office systems mean multiple users can work simultaneously on the same set of documents. This saves time and misunderstanding as everything is in real-time. This also has the effect of reducing the workload on IT professionals so they can work on data analysis and helping to further reduce costs while targeting your optimum audience REMOTE WORKSPACE By using a cloud-based office system, both you and your whole business is no longer location dependent. This allows for flexibility in your company while reducing costs by eliminating the need for physical office space. You are also able to have a more inclusive workforce where childcare and disability are no longer a hindrance 4. BIG DATA ANALYTICS Finding out who your customers are, what they want, like and search for, are vital. IT Solutions on the Gold Coast can help you cater to their needs with cloud computing. This gives you all the necessary data collection and processing power to make better business decisions at the right times as you adjust to your customers changing needs. This can all be done on the “cloud” with faster internet speeds than possible using land-based office equipment. 5. BACKUP AND RECOVERY Having a cloud-based storage system means you have protection against security breaches and instant backup of all records as needed. Using cloud-based Managed IT Services on the Gold Coast can help free up not only your time and cash flow, but it is also a great way to increase your workforce without the huge capital outlay needed for office space as a cloud-based office is not location dependent.
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Have You Backed Up Your Data?
In today’s world, backing up your computer is extremely important and while many people do back up files to their computers hard drive, this is ineffective if you have a complete computer breakdown. Your best option is backing up to an external hard drive to protect your files. This device should be stored separately from your computer and keep in mind it is still at risk of damage, theft or loss. It is also important you are regularly backing up to the device to ensure all backups are up to date and all your recent work has been saved. While we often mean to do this it can be forgotten, leaving your work unprotected. Another option that is also safe and very effective for securing files is an online cloud service. This means files stored online are safe from damage on your computer in the event you run into a problem, and you will still have remote access to your information from any computer with internet access. This will allow you to restore files quickly and easily to your computer from a secure online server. Most cloud services offer some level of backup almost as a consequence of the intended function. Files that are uploaded to the cloud are also safe from disk failure as you have copies stored in the cloud. You want an online back up that will back up all of your computer’s files and not just ones in a synced folder structure. You want to back up anything you would regret losing. To avoid confusion cloud-based storage refers to storing your files on a providers server rather than your computers hard drive. There is not an actual cloud, it refers to the ability to access your files through the internet. Your data is encrypted while on the servers for protection. You can access your files through an app or software you can install on your computer. If you temporarily lose internet connection the service just pauses until the connection is restored.
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Why Cloud Computing Is Perfect For Small Businesses!
Why use cloud computing? Cloud computing you access to your business data and applications from any location on multiple devices at a reasonable price. The cloud gives small businesses access to technology that may have previously been out of their reach allowing them to compete with both other small businesses as well as larger ones. Many traditional desktop applications are disappearing, e.g., many accounting software vendors no longer offer desktop software – they chose to move their products to the cloud and offer cheaper, online subscription-based services that are perfect for small businesses. WHY CLOUD COMPUTING CAN SAVE YOU MONEY • You don’t have to pay for someone to do tasks such as install and update software, install and manage email servers and/or file servers, run backups – the cool part of cloud computing is that all the responsibility of maintaining the service or application is the responsibility of the cloud vendor, not yours. • No need to purchase software. Besides the benefit of not having to buy software programs and install them on your own servers/computers, using cloud applications will save you money. • You may be able to consolidate your separate application needs into one cloud service. For example, Google Business Apps includes email, a calendar scheduling application, Google Docs for creating documents and presentations as well as online file storage. Microsoft has also added cloud services with Office 365. It can be purchased by annual subscription and includes online video conferencing, Skype and instant messaging connectivity. • Reduce your system hardware. File storage, data backups and software all take up a lot of space on your servers/computers. Cloud computing, uses someone else’s servers to store all the data instead, freeing up your in-house computer equipment for other purposes or you may no longer require it. • A cloud computing application will make integration easier. Because most cloud computing applications include an Application Programming Interface (API) you should be able to find “compatible” applications rather than having to pay to have the applications you want to be integrated customized for you. Cloud computing applications are regularly updated, so you don’t have to waste time and money doing it – and it has the benefit of always having access to an application’s latest features and functions.
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Cloud Computing And Your Business
WHAT IS CLOUD COMPUTING “The Cloud” is becoming one of those modern new terms (like mouse), that used to be something in nature but now is something new, to do with computers. So what is “the cloud”, why do people keep talking about it, and can your business benefit from it? The cloud is simply a bunch of interconnected servers, computers and infrastructures which are available to be used over a network. (IE. An internet connection) So an example of a cloud service may be a service that enables you to store or backup data somewhere out of your offices. Google Drive and Dropbox are great examples of cloud-based data storage facilities which you may have heard of already. Despite the misnomer, cloud facilities are still earth-based servers, large facilities of safe servers which, due to their interconnectivity enable fast and seamless scaling. Often the servers are interconnected across national borders, which is why the impression of being everywhere globally is relevant. This also helps with ensuring reliability, obviously in the case of natural disaster in one region. WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF CLOUD COMPUTING So what are the benefits of Cloud Computing and can your business benefit from it? One of the big advantages of cloud computing is that it takes the reliance off PCs for running specific applications. Cloud computing enables both data storage and the running of applications. Therefore PCs and laptops don’t require certain software or applications, these too run in the cloud. What this means for a business is you can access your business-critical data and programs from any computer or device, from anywhere in the world. All the data syncs to the cloud. The software and technology allow all the work to be carried out through a web browser so you don’t need programs installed on the computer or device, this means with the right access credentials, your team can do their work from an internet cafe in Turkey if they have too. Another benefit is reliability. Because many physical servers are all connected, if there are problems with one, others step in and carry the load. A user will never even know of these server issues. WHAT ARE THE DISADVANTAGES OF CLOUD COMPUTING The most immediate disadvantage of moving to a cloud-based business system is your business becomes reliant on an internet connection. If your internet goes down (and let’s face it, Australia’s internet providers aren’t the best in the world) your business stops, or shifts to the nearest cafe with wifi. Another risk is security. Ultimately with cloud computing, you are giving your data to someone else for safekeeping. Some services are more secure than others. If you would like to know more about cloud computing and whether it is appropriate for your business, please call us on (07) 5520 1211. We’d love to chat with you about how your business may be able to benefit from cloud-based services.
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