Yes, it is. In fact, data in the cloud can be even more secure than office-secured data.
First, let’s consider the question of access. Who can get access to your cloud-stored data?
The answer is only those people to whom you give authority. Access is via secure password protocols and therefore your work data is as secure as your personal online banking data.
But what about that other big security issue back-ups? Every business struggles to maintain adequate back-up of all its data, so let’s look at some typical back-up scenarios and identify the weaknesses in each:
SCENARIO 1: DATA IS BACKED UP TO A USB KEY
This is a fairly common practice in a lot of small and medium businesses. You now have your data in two places the computer and the key but that’s all you’ve achieved. The little key’s security now becomes paramount. Also, USB keys have a habit of misbehaving; can you be sure the data was securely backed up? Will it do a restore if needed? Where is it kept? Who has access to it? Is it removed from your premises?
SCENARIO 2: SERVER DATA IS BACKED UP TO TAPE
This is a common scenario in businesses with network servers; the data is backed up automatically to tape on a regular basis using back-up software. The automation removes the risk of human data input error, but the data copy is still a vulnerable physical entity tapes can get damaged. And there is still some margin for human error in the handling of the tape; typically, one member of staff or more will have the responsibility of removing the tape from the premises, usually by taking the tape home at night. Can you be sure it does get removed? Will it be safe? Could the person lose it?
SCENARIO 3: NO BACK-UP IS DONE AND THE DATA IS ON ONE COMPUTER
Given the risks of the two back-up options above, maybe it’s not surprising that some businesses actually take this third risk not making a back-up at all. But it quickly becomes the nightmare scenario that can leave the business with the largest fallout from data loss if there is a fire, a burglary or some other incident.
Clearly, none of these scenarios is conducive to a good night’s sleep. In an ideal situation, you would have bank-level data encryption, disaster recovery systems, and physical security of the premises where your data is located. But traditionally, the cost of achieving all these levels of security is too high for small businesses to bear.
Cloud accounting offers the solution. Cloud providers understand the importance of the security of your data. They invest millions of pounds every year to ensure your data is secure all day, every day.
LEARN MORE ABOUT CLOUD ACCOUNTING
Even if you have always been meticulously careful in managing your data, you can see that it will be even more secure held in the cloud. And because all the supporting software is up there with it, if your computer dies or is stolen, you simply replace it while continuing to access your data via your web browser no new software, no extra costs and no work delays.
Want to learn more? We take a closer look in our eBook: What is Cloud Accounting? This is the essential guide if you’re thinking of making the switch to the cloud. We answer key questions like: What is cloud accounting? How can it help me? And how do get started? Best of all, it’s 100% free. Download it today.
Image Credit – Perspecsys Photos via Flickr Creative Commons
