Security plays a vital role in the discussions around the choice between on-premises and cloud solutions. Our observation is that the on-premises option is quite often perceived as the safer option simply because of the proximity of that data and the idea of having control. The interesting question, of course, is if that assumption is correct and what today’s reality looks like, where is your ERP data safest – in your data centre or the public cloud?
Rightly so data security gets a lot of attention these days because many parties have an interest in accessing, controlling, or even hijacking your data. In today’s highly competitive markets, organisations are forced to be super careful with their data for several reasons.
So, where is your valuable data safest? Let’s consider this question with a focus on an on-premise situation. The first topic to think of is the level of professionalism you need. Hackers are becoming more sophisticated at a rapid pace, so this level must also continue to increase. Ideally, you are always one step ahead of these hackers. So, it would be best if you considered your IT staff’s professional level, experience, mentality, size of your budgets, and ability to fill vacant positions.
The second topic is the depth of your knowledge. How knowledgeable is your IT staff today? When was the last time that you’ve got a fresh perspective by hiring a new colleague? What is the size of your budgets for training and inspiration? Is that enough to keep up with the pace? And what was the trend for these budgets in recent years?
The third topic is the breath of your knowledge and experience. To what extent can you cover all the applications, databases, operating systems, and reporting tools your organisation uses today? Are you happy with the answer?
The fourth topic is physical access to your servers. How accurate is the access control to your server room? How many different people have access? Do you have any idea what colleagues and external vendors do in this room? And please don’t forget the employees of the cleaning company working after closing hours.
And finally, audits. How often do you have a professional EDP audit performed? Delivered by an external company that tells you where the weak spots in your security strategy are. And how accurate are you in following up on their advice?
Rough estimates tell that 40 percent of all companies using on-premise solutions don’t make a daily back-up of their data. Is that shocking news for you? And are you sure that your organisation belongs to the other 60 percent? Let’s face the facts. In today’s world, data security is of vital importance. You have to run a business and focus on your customers, employees, and the desired results. And data security is not your core business.
In 2020, Microsoft won the Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure contract awarded by the Pentagon, the United States Armed Forces headquarters. Probably the organisation that values trustworthiness most of all companies around the world. And has most to lose! This contract could potentially remove the nervousness in many companies about security in the cloud. Microsoft has 3.500 cyber-security engineers and invests $1 billion a year in cybersecurity. There is no need to argue that the security in the Microsoft data centres is way better than the server room and IT staff of the average SMB company. Including yours?
Do you have any questions regarding the security of your data? Get in touch with us here at Sci-Net Business Solutions!
hello@sci-net.co.uk
