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Best Ways For Small Businesses To Backup Data

Your small business relies on computers to store a variety of digital data. That data, including customer information, financial records and other confidential information, helps you run your business successfully. You also can't risk a data loss or breach that could put you out of business. For these reasons, you need to protect your data.

You could use a local backup resource to duplicate your hard drive data or opt for a cloud-based storage solution. Local backup typically allows you to recover data quickly, but this option offers limited functionality and is subject to fire, theft or water damage like the computers in your office. A cloud-based solution allows your team to sync data and share or edit documents from almost any device. Research both options and decide which one is right for your company. Here are several possible storage solutions.

Acronis

Sync data and back up your Windows or Linux server and PC with Acronis. It can perform backups in increments and offers network storage and local disk backup. All data is encrypted during transfer and storage. Certain subscriptions include maintenance and upgrades, too.

Backblaze

Manage multiple accounts under a centralized administration console via Backblaze. Your business can back up files from as many external drives as you want, and request a 128GB flash drive when you need to retrieve data. Also, you pay only one annual fee per computer.

Box

Gain access to unlimited storage through Box. It’s compatible with Mac, Windows and mobile operating systems and integrates with MS Office 365. To use Box, you must register at least three users. The file size cap sits at 5 GB, and Box offers no server backup option. You receive 24-hour customer support and can access thousands of apps and add-ons, though.

CrashPlan

You’ll appreciate automatic backups with CrashPlan. Compatible with Mac, Windows, Linux, and VMware, it offers end-to-end encryption and unlimited storage space. Purchase a PRO account with three licenses for unlimited file size and archives. Also, view real-time activity and storage use reports, manage multiple users, and access new upgrades and updates immediately.

IDrive

Upload data from local and network devices to versatile IDrive. It runs backups from your computers and a variety of servers, including Oracle, MS Exchange and Linux. Data retrieval is fast and easy, too. Store up to a maximum of 12.5TB with unlimited sub-accounts, and enjoy activity reports, remote management, and numerous other options.

Select one of these backup options to safeguard your company’s data. For additional protection, use a removable hard drive or network attached storage device. Purchase cybersecurity liability insurance, too, as you reduce your financial burden after a data loss. With these strategies, you successfully back up your small business's data and protect your company.

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Downloading Software Safely

Getting new software for the office can be a trying process. Top quality programs like Photoshop can be prohibitively expensive for a small business when you need to outfit your whole office, and the free stuff is a bit of a crap shoot. Obviously, we have to recommend against pirating. Individuals using Sony Vegas or Adobe Illustrator without a license aren't really taking a huge risk, but releasing professional work with pirated software is a recipe for a lawsuit that will wind up costing you quite a bit more than the licensing fees would have.

But then, the free and cheap alternatives bring their own risks. Check out some people's Firefox and Google Chrome browsers and you'll see about an inch of browser space and twelve inches of search bars, task bars and plugins. This is a problem you encounter when you're not too picky about where you're getting your free software. The problem is that it's more or less legal to take any piece of open source software and add a ton of stuff to the install process that the user doesn't need. They don't even need to include viruses and adware if you're actually choosing to do the auto-install without deselecting all the bloatware that comes with it.

If you can get your free software directly from the official website, then that's always the best option. Unfortunately, sometimes the official website is long gone, in which case you will want to check some forums to see if anyone has posted a legit copy to a file sharing site.

A lot of torrents for pirated software carry viruses, spamware, adware and spybots, which is another reason why they can ultimately cost you in the long run. Getting a virus off of your laptop isn't such a big deal. Getting a virus off of every laptop in your office, and out of all the software you've been distributing yourself, that's another story.

If you see someone sharing freeware on social media, just don't click the link unless the post comes from a verified account. People love to spread infected shareware and freeware on Twitter, Facebook and Youtube.

Basically it comes down to doing your research and getting your software from as close to the source as possible. Keep your security software up to date, don't trust random links or Youtube spam, and don't just click on the first download you see.

Scurich Insurance Services 831-661-5697 Website

Cybersecurity Tips When Using Public Wi-Fi For Work

Public Wi-Fi helps you stay connected on the go. With this resource, you can check work email, video chat with clients or review inventory logs in a restaurant, hotel or airport. Unfortunately, public Wi-Fi poses a security risk since anyone can see the activity you perform online. Implement several tips as you use public Wi-Fi properly and protect yourself and your company.

Avoid Phony Wi-Fi

Hackers operate man-in-the-middle attacks as they try to access your personal and business information. In this situation, you log into what looks like a legitimate Wi-Fi network, but it’s actually run by a hacker who can then follow every click you make. Solve this problem by verifying the Wi-Fi network’s name with the restaurant, hotel or airport owner or operator before you log on.

Access Only Secure Websites

Look at the website address bar for the page address that starts with an http or https. The “s” at the end indicates that the website is secure and encrypted. For this reason, only use web pages with https when you’re on public Wi-Fi.

Limit Public Wi-Fi Activity

Public Wi-Fi is convenient, and you may think that you’re not at risk if you log on for only a few minutes. However, remember that all the data you enter on your device while using public Wi-Fi could be compromised. Avoid accessing any site that requires you to enter a password or credit card. Examples include banking or financial websites, email and online shopping sites.

Disconnect from Public Wi-Fi

If you set your device to connect automatically to Wi-Fi, you increase your risk for a cybersecurity breach. Instead, turn off this feature. Then manually connect to Wi-Fi when you decide that it’s safe and secure to do so.

Utilize a VPN

For around $10 a month, you can purchase a virtual private network (VPN). It offers you an encrypted and secure connection as you surf the web. Consider using a VPN to protect yourself online, particularly when you access the internet from your smartphone.

Use your Smartphone as a Mobile Hotspot

As an alternative to public Wi-Fi, use your phone to access the internet. You still want to be careful about the websites you visit and the data you share, but this option increases your security.

Purchase Cybersecurity Liability Insurance

Despite your best efforts, your data, devices or accounts could be compromised as you use public Wi-Fi. Ensure you purchase adequate cybersecurity liability insurance. It won’t prevent a data loss or compromise, but it can protect your company’s assets if you suffer a breach.

Improve security as you travel away from the office when you follow these tips. They help you use public Wi-Fi in a safe manner as you work.

Scurich Insurance Services 831-661-5697 Website

Cyber Risks In The Shipping Industry

Over 90 percent of the world's trade is carried on ships. The shipping industry is essential for the global economy. It's also a prime target for cyber crime. Whether you work in the industry or are a consumer, understand the cyber risks in the shipping industry.

Piracy

Pirates today still commandeer ships in person, but they also use technology to compromise a ship. They can access its Automatic Identification System (AIS), Electronic Chart Display or Information System (ECDIS) then plan and execute a theft or hold containers for a ransom.

Smuggling

Drug, contraband or other smugglers can access the information system of a ship, shipping company or port. With this control, they can alter shipping records or containers and hide contraband or identify which container holds contraband.

Fraud

Cyber criminals are fraud experts. They can impersonate a company official, client or customer and gain access to sensitive information. They can also access a company's information system and introduce malware or ransomware, or they can divert, steal or alter shipments.

How to Combat Cyber Risks in the Shipping Industry

Maritime transport experts understand shipping and logistics, but they may not be IT experts. They will need training and professional assistance to navigate the cyber risks they face.

Take cyber risks seriously.

Greater reliance on technology and greater connectivity between industries increase cyber risks today. The shipping industry must take these risks seriously and plan for emerging threats and situations. Otherwise, they compromise their business, security and profitability. A cyber risk assessment gives companies personalized information on the specific cyber threats they face and then offers effective solutions.

Improve protection and loss prevention measures.

Criminals usually target the victim with the most vulnerabilities. Improving security can make the company a less attractive target for cyber crime. It reduces security holes, protects information and establishes a protocol to deal with breaches.

Train employees.

As many as 51 percent of security breaches are performed by an insider in the company who may be vindictive or simply careless. In addition to a strict vetting process, companies can train employees to:

Handle data, including file disposal, properly.
Recognize fraudulent information requests or data breaches.
Protect key information with custody guidelines.
Perform strict digital monitoring.

Purchase Adequate Cyber Crime Insurance

Despite strict measures, some cyber risks cannot be prevented. Cyber crime insurance provides a layer of protection and decreases the adverse financial impact of a cyber crime.

Secure the supply chain.

All suppliers and contractors should secure their information systems so it doesn't introduce malware or other cyber threats into connected systems.

Cyber risks related to shipping industry affect companies and consumers around the globe. Understanding the risks can improve security and protect the economy.

Scurich Insurance Services 831-661-5697 Website

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Best Ways For Small Businesses To Backup Data

Downloading Software Safely

Cybersecurity Tips When Using Public Wi-Fi For Work

Cyber Risks In The Shipping Industry