Tag: cloud

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Cybersecurity Best Practices for Small Businesses

Cybersecurity image

We’ve blogged about it before, but it’s always good to return to the subject of cybersecurity. The reality is, every business is going to suffer a cyber attack. Each day your business goes without protection is one day closer to that happening. Check out the below to ensure your assets are covered.

Things to consider

Facebook was down for a total of six hours on Monday, October 4. If it can happen to them, it can happen to you too.

Something else to consider is your cloud. Currently, less than one-third of businesses monitor abnormal behavior across their cloud environment. More important than the cloud however, is your email. Currently, 94% of breaches enter through the email.

When looking to protect your digital assets, think of your enterprise wide system, and what you need to do to cover your bases. Check out some below tips for small business from the FCC.

FCC Cybersecurity Tips

  1. Train your employees. Make sure your employees know to use strong passwords, and the information below.
  2. Keep clean machines. Make sure you’re operating on the most updated software.
  3. Get a firewall. Also ensure employees that work remote have a firewall installed on their system.
  4. Backup important information. By this point, this is a given. But it’s always good to have a reminder.
  5. Create accounts for employees. This prevents use of business computers by unauthorized individuals (in other words, your children).
  6. Secure your Wi-Fi.
  7. Use best practices when it comes to online banking. Ensure your bank is using the most recent anti-fraud software available.
  8. Limit employee access. No employee should have access to all data. If you can, also limit what software they can download.
  9. Passwords/authentication. Currently, two-factor authentication is the safest way when it comes to securing your passwords.

If you’re looking for more information to guide you in owning a retail business, subscribe to American Quilt Retailer today. Already a subscriber? No worries—join our Facebook group for insights and dialogue from industry specialists like you. And don’t forget, you can always purchase single issues if you prefer that instead.

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Cloud Storage: What is it, does my business need it, and more

Cloud storage

Want to know more about cloud storage? Check out this post to find the options available to you.

What is cloud storage?

Firstly, what is it?

According to Wikipedia, cloud storage is “a model of computer data storage in which the digital data is stored in logical pools, said to be on ‘the cloud’. The physical storage spans multiple servers, and the physical environment is typically owned and managed by a hosting company.”

Secondly, does your company need it? Consider some of the below advantages.

  • Remote work: The past year highlighted the importance of this availability. Cloud storage allows all your employees secure access to company files no matter where they’re working from.
  • Protection: Cloud storage isn’t considered a true back up, but it does a great job protecting your files.
  • Security: Over half of cyber attacks target small businesses. Most storages offer robust security as one way to protect yourself against hackers.
  • Cost effective: Get the ease of paying $5-$15 a month per employee without the hassle of owning and maintaining a server.
  • Productivity: Cloud storage doesn’t shut down. Moreover, that means your employees can work in different time zones without worrying about accessibility.

Cloud Storage Options

Finally, there’s a lot of storage options available to you. Check out some of these suggestions, and after that, read more about them here.

In conclusion, the best option for your business will depend on what you’re looking for.

If you’re looking for more information to guide you in owning a retail business, subscribe to American Quilt Retailer today. Already a subscriber? No worries—join our Facebook group for insights and dialogue from industry specialists like you.