What Can a Cloud Backup Provide Your Organization?

Cloud, data recovery, ,
12
Dec 2017

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Cloud backups have rapidly become the market leader in terms of backing up data, but what exactly can a cloud backup system offer your organization?

You only have to take the briefest of looks at the IT press to see just how popular cloud backups are, they’re positioned as the future and they’re allowing us to do new things with our data. And it’s not without good reason, cloud backups are probably the most important evolution that data storage has ever seen.

No organization should be without a cloud backup as one of its storage options, so it’s time to understand exactly what it can provide for your business.

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Why You Need Your Data in the Cloud

There are a huge range of benefits on offer from cloud backups, so let’s concentrate on some of the most important:

  • Constant access to your data – As long as you have access to the internet, you will be able to connect to your cloud. And this means that even if you’re a remote worker in the middle of Europe, you’ll still have exactly the same access to the same files as your co-workers in New York. This accessibility can seriously improve your business as employees no longer have to face timely waits whilst files are emailed over and, even better, all the relevant files can be accessed at any time of the day.
  • Energy Efficient – We live in an age where being green is highly important for both the planet and an organization’s public perception. And, thanks to cloud backup providers hosting multiple clients on their servers, everyone’s carbon footprint is seriously reduced by adopting cloud storage.
  • Offsite storage offers enhanced protection – Storing every copy of your organization’s files on site certainly provides quick access and can facilitate a quick restore in the case of a data emergency, but what if a different type of emergency hits your organization? Natural disasters can absolutely obliterate physical data sources, so keeping a backup off site – such as in a cloud system – provides you with an additional option for retaining and then restoring your data.
  • Cost and Space Savings – A cloud backup service reduces the need for your business to purchase and make room for physical storage systems. Almost all cloud backups go through a specialist provider who provides their own hardware offsite. Not only does this allow them to minimize their costs as they’re able to build a huge database of users who are renting their space, but they’re able to pass these cost savings onto your tariffs. And that’s one of the most attractive benefits of cloud storage.
  • Reduces Your IT Worries – Running a business is a highly difficult and time consuming cost, so having to worry about your storage capabilities is something you could really do without. With the explosion in cloud service providers ready and willing to provide offsite storage, this is a task that you can ship out to a third party and allow yourself to concentrate on making your business as successful as possible.

For more ways to secure and optimize your business technology, contact your local IT professionals.

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5 Mistakes to Avoid when Backing Up Data

Backup and Recovery, Cloud, External Hard Drive, Flash Drive, Security, , ,
14
Nov 2017

 

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Backups are crucial for keeping your organization’s data safe and readily available in the case of any data emergencies, but you need to backup correctly.

Your data holds an untold amount of value for your organization, so you need to ensure it’s looked after and handled correctly. Backing this data up should be one of your organization’s primary objectives and, in truth, you’re probably already doing this to some degree. However, are you doing it correctly and to the best of your abilities?

There are so many different methods and techniques used for backing up data that it’s possible you’re not utilizing them all correctly. Let’s take a look at 5 of the biggest mistakes you’re making and how you can avoid them.

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1. Not Backing Up What You Need

We use so much data now on a day-to-day basis that it’s difficult to keep track of exactly what we use and how much value it has to our operations. And this is why so many organizations fail to back up their data effectively. It’s vital that you carry out a rigorous analysis in order to prioritize the data which has to be backed up. Naturally, business objectives and operations change, so you need to regularly audit your data to maximize the value of your backup.

2. Only Backing Up Once

A backup can be the difference between your business being able to operate and being stranded in a scenario where there’s no data to operate with. However, what happens if your backup data is corrupted? Or if your storage options fail? Therefore, rather than relying on just one backup format, rely on several. Backup to optical drives, hard drives and cloud systems to guarantee you can retrieve your data when you need it most.

3. Not Testing Your Backup

It’s nice to have all your data backed up in case of an emergency, but do you know for sure that it actually works? And do you know how to fully retrieve your data? This knowledge is essential for ensuring you can reinstall your data, so you need to run regular tests to make sure that your backup routine works effectively and that you know how to execute it.

4. Running Out of Backup Space

You may have the most fantastic and effective backup system in place to take care of your data, but what happens when you run out of storage space? Well, you’ll find that you simply can’t store all the data you need to and this could be disastrous for your organization. This is why it’s very important that you assess your storage needs not just for the present, but also for the future as preparation is key when it comes to storing data.

5. Not Automating Your Backups

We live in such a busy age that it’s getting increasingly more difficult to stay on top of everything and backups are no different. Whilst manual backups may give you a sense of control, they’re also opening you up to failure as humans are more than capable of making mistakes or simply forgetting to start the backup process. Most backup systems have automatic capabilities, so don’t make the mistake of relying on your memory, automate the process.

For more ways to secure and optimize your business technology, contact your local IT professionals.

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What is Cloud App Security an Do You Need It?

Security,
10
May 2016

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Cloud computing is becoming more common in every business’ operations. Some benefits are set to be enhanced with Microsoft’s Cloud App Security.

Mindful that businesses want to maintain the protection and visibility of their data, Microsoft has designed Cloud App Security to provide this level of control. With more and more businesses moving to the cloud, it could prove to be a very clever move by Microsoft.

To help you understand the benefits of Cloud App Security, I’m going to take you through the basics of this exciting new service.

Employees and Cloud Apps

Employees – just like consumers – absolutely love cloud apps due to their ease of use, but what employees aren’t aware of is the security risk; with employees using, on average, around 17 cloud apps, this opens up a significant number of routes into your network.

These cloud apps are referred to as ‘shadow IT’ as they’re not software/hardware which your businesses IT team will be supporting. Or will have even acknowledged as accessing the network.

91% of companies allow their employees to have access to the organizations cloud, so, as you can gather, the impact of all these routes into your business could cause major issues if security processes are not adhered to.

Employees are human and humans make mistakes, so preparing for this is essential!

The Workings of Cloud App Security

Cloud-Security

Microsoft is keen to clarify that Cloud App Security isn’t about breaching employees’ data usage or habits, but more that it gives businesses a better understanding of how much data is leaving their network and the ramifications of this.

There are three main elements which make up Cloud App Security:

  • Data Control ­– This component allows IT teams to use routines and protocols to control how much data is shared and lost through the network. The policies employed here can either be default, pre-set controls or custom made ones.
  • App Discovery – Using a risk assessment scoring method, Cloud App Security identifies individual cloud apps on the network and evaluates their risk.
  • Threat Protection – By analyzing user behavior and any data anomalies, Cloud App Security delivers threat protection for your various cloud apps.

Cloud App Security operates through two simple steps:

  1. Uploads Network Logs for Analysis – This function allows businesses to take snapshots of network logs of any device on the network and then upload them for analysis. This provides clear and instant visibility.
  2. Connects Sanctioned Apps – Cloud App Security allows you to approve access to apps with just one click. This allows the service to then scan the cloud for app specific data usage.

Do You Need Cloud App Security?

Cloud App Security is an intriguing service and one which should help businesses sleep a little easier at night. There’s a level of cloud app visibility which is currently out of reach for most businesses, but Microsoft, among other cloud app security service provides, makes this readily available.

Cloud computing is a relatively new technology, so this means it can be easily exploited. Cloud App Security, therefore, helps you stay ahead of any potential exploits by providing readily available visibility and analysis of outgoing data through cloud apps.

For more ways to secure and optimize your business technology, contact your local IT professionals.

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6 Reasons Your Business Needs Cloud Computing

Cloud, Internet
03
May 2016

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You’ve probably heard a lot about cloud computing over the last couple of years, but what is it? And, more importantly, how can it benefit your business?

We don’t want to bog you down in lengthy technical details, so we’ll just fill you in on the basics of cloud computing. In a nutshell, cloud computing dispenses with the traditional local servers and, instead, uses a network of remote servers – which are based online – to process, manage and store your data.

So, the basic premise seems fairly simple, but, apart from saving you a few square feet in your premises, what are the real reasons your business needs cloud computing?

  1. Hassle Free Updates

Cloud networks are setup by suppliers and then rented out to clients, so the maintenance due on your end is virtually zero. And this can be a real time saver; you only have to look at the number of security updates which arrive almost daily and require significant time to be approved and installed.

  1. Enhanced Accessibility

One of the jewels in cloud computing’s crown is the level of accessibility to resources it offers. As long as employees have an internet connection then they can access your cloud. This is a fantastic feature of cloud computing as it allows employees to work from home or on the move. And it’s this flexibility which offers employers the chance to reduce office size and overhead.

  1. Cost Savings

Cloud data storage costs are relatively low when compared to the hugely expensive hardware required for onsite storage. Hardware costs are not the only savings you will benefit from. With all your servers located offsite, you’ll quickly discover that the need for in-house IT expertise has reduced. Although I’m not suggesting you completely get rid of your IT support, you will find that it’s less stretched and cuts can be made.

  1. More Eco Friendly

Businesses are looking for more and more ways to reduce their carbon footprint and cloud computing helps you to help the environment. Physical servers have a ravenous desire for electricity, so it’s a constant drain on energy resources as well as your utilities bills. With cloud storage, however, the servers only respond to demand, so there’s less energy usage and less cost.

  1. Better Collaboration

Document control is a tough task when several people are working on the same file and having to email it back and forth. Not only is this a time consuming procedure, but human error is always hovering around the periphery e.g. one user may fail to send the most up to date document back. With cloud computing, though, every employee is able to access the same file from one central location. This ensures that everyone is, literally, working on the same page.

  1. Reduced Data Loss

The funds and technical know-how required to avoid or repair data disasters are often stumbling blocks for small business thanks to costs. The beauty of cloud computing, though, is that the cloud networks suppliers are highly experienced in data recovery. And the added bonus is that the cost of this expertise is spread across a huge database of clients, so costs remain low.

Final Thoughts

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Cloud computing is helping to make everyone’s lives easier, so it’s crucial that your business starts investigating it as a viable network option. Anything that enhances your businesses productivity and competitiveness with cost savings should never be ignored.

For more ways to secure and optimize your business technology, contact your local IT professionals.

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How Important is Cloud Security for Small Businesses?

Security,
09
Feb 2016

Cloud Computing

Cloud computing allows you to run programs and store data on the internet and is a world away from the traditional method of physical installs and servers.

It offers flexibility, enhances collaboration and reduces overheads, but many businesses are wary of cloud computing. Sure, it’s a new way of doing things, so this is always going to induce a little anxiety. However, there have also been numerous headlines about the cloud’s security which has raised concerns.

To try and sort the myths from the facts, We’re going to take you through the security aspects of cloud computing.

Cloud Security Breaches are Big News

We’ve all heard a scare story about the cloud becoming breached and the most famous of these is probably ‘The Fappening’ which saw Apple’s iCloud breached to obtain personal photos of celebrities.

The Fappening, naturally, was distressing for those celebrities involved, but also brought to the public’s attention that maybe data isn’t that secure up in the cloud. Matters haven’t been helped by similar concerns being raised such as the possibility that stealing millions of Apple iCloud passwords can be achieved with a simple phishing email.

However, there are always going to be hackers, so is it fair to label cloud computing as a proposition which is too risky? Or is it just a simple case of monitoring the cloud’s security as you would any other type of network?

A Secure Provider is Essential

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With cloud computing being a relatively new phenomenon it’s not a surprise that there’s a little ambiguity over whom exactly is responsible for what. Cloud vendors are more than happy to provide you with the infrastructure to start cloud computing, but the levels of security are going to vary between providers.

Many cloud vendors may expect your in-house IT team to take on at least some of the responsibility for your cloud network. The problem is, though, that cloud computing is such a new form of networking that most in house IT teams simply don’t have the necessary knowledge to secure their cloud effectively.

Therefore, with the threat landscape ever expanding, it’s important that you identify a cloud vendor who can provide a fully experienced team of personnel to monitor the cloud’s security. The costs, obviously, will increase, but for the peace of mind it brings, it’s relatively small change.

Increasing Your Cloud Security In-House

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Now, I know that I just said it’s not a good idea to take on cloud security yourself, but there are certainly ways you can help maximize it at your end!

Remember that your whole network can become compromised by the smallest mistake. This is why it’s essential that you take the following steps:

  • Remind staff of the importance of choosing strong passwords. I always feel that it’s a good idea to insist on the need for a number, symbol and uppercase letter in a password. It may mean that they’re harder to remember, but it also means they’re harder to guess.
  • Increase the level of authentication required for even the most basic applications e.g. instead of just asking for a username or password, follow this up with the need to enter a code sent by SMS to approve access to certain network areas.

Should You Move to the Cloud?

The cloud is, undoubtedly, the future of computing and will prove to be a significant factor in businesses remaining competitive. It’s always difficult to break from the traditional methods of working, especially with security concerns ever present, but as long as you ensure security is tight then it’s the logical step forwards.

For more ways to secure and optimize your business technology, contact your local IT professionals.

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