Category: Cybersecurity

With the ever-changing landscape of digital space, it’s no wonder that many companies have chosen to move their services and operations onto a cloud-based platform. But, for someone that doesn’t have any first-hand experience with cloud computing, the concept can seem a bit daunting.

Cloud computing services or cloud services are gaining popularity as the go-to option for businesses looking to streamline their operations and improve their bottom line. If you’re planning to build a business and are considering a cloud-based technology platform, stay and read until the end to learn how ForeSite can help.

What is the Cloud?

In layman’s terms, cloud infrastructure is a space where you can store, process, and share data. It is housed on a remote server with multiple computers connected to the internet. Businesses can access this space through their network. Through a cloud provider, business owners can lease space on a remote server that they otherwise would not have access to. These services allow companies to store, manage, and efficiently retrieve large amounts of data. In addition, businesses take advantage of many benefits and savings through operating systems, application programs, and other services run via the cloud.

Different Types of Cloud Computing

In general, there are four different types of cloud computing. These four types are private, public, hybrid, and multi-clouds. Here are some quick definitions of each type:

• Private Cloud: A private cloud is a cloud-hosted within the confines of an organization’s network. It provides users a secure environment to access their data and applications while allowing greater flexibility. This cloud computing demands a company or an organization build and maintain its underlying cloud infrastructure.
• Public Cloud: Public cloud services are accessible to the public, allowing anyone with an internet connection and a subscription to access these services. This cloud computing service is standard for businesses looking to save money on hardware costs and storage fees.
• Hybrid Cloud: A hybrid cloud is where the components of a private cloud are integrated with public cloud services, allowing businesses to take advantage of both types of clouds at once. This type of cloud computing can enable organizations to choose what services they need from each cloud service provider and how these services will be used.
• Multi-cloud: A multi-cloud combines multiple cloud computing solutions from different cloud providers. This type of cloud computing allows businesses to access various kinds of public and private clouds and various hardware and software configurations. Due to its complexity, a multi-cloud is commonly used by organizations and businesses that require a high level of customization to get the most out of their cloud solutions.

Why is it Used for High-Tech Companies?

High-tech companies today are taking advantage of ForeSite because of its many benefits. The ForeSite platform is designed for maximum security and on-demand data retrieval. That means it is the safest online data storage and is also easy to use. Additionally, the cloud platform provides businesses with a comprehensive suite of services that can be used for various tasks in one place. These services include cloud storage, computing power, application development, software installation, testing, analytics, and more.

Benefits of Cloud Computing

To give you a better idea of what cloud computing and ForeSite can do for businesses, here are some of the benefits high-tech companies can expect:

• Security for Sensitive Data: Businesses tend to hold sensitive data. This can be anything from customers’ credit card information to employee records. Through ForeSite’s cloud-based technology, companies can keep their data safe from malicious actors and cyber criminals while allowing authorized users access. In addition, most cloud service providers offer additional security features such as encryption, two-factor authentication, and data logging.
• Operational Efficiency: With cloud computing, businesses can eliminate the need for physical servers and hardware. This allows them to reduce operating costs and saves space in their offices. ForeSite’s cloud platform also provides on-demand access to data and applications, which increases efficiency for employees who need to access information quickly or run routine tasks. This results in businesses being able to scale up or down as needed.
• Improved Collaboration Between Teams: If your business operates with multiple teams and departments, cloud computing can help improve collaboration. ForeSite’s cloud platform allows for the easy sharing of data, files, and applications across different platforms. This makes it easier for employees to work together on projects while keeping all data secure.
• Data Storage: One of the many reasons why businesses use cloud computing is for data storage. Cloud resources include an extensive array of storage solutions. As a result, companies can keep their data securely and retrieve it quickly without worrying whether it is secure, from storing different types of data on the cloud infrastructure to using a combination of cloud and on-premises data centers.
• Mobile Data Compatible: The data center solutions offered by ForeSite are mobile-compatible. This means businesses can access their data and applications from any device with an internet connection, including smartphones and tablets. In addition, unlike traditional data centers, cloud-based solutions allow for remote access to data and applications. This increases productivity for employees who are often on the go.

ForeSite Cyber Security

Aside from the benefits mentioned above, there is also the advantage of accessing ForeSite’s cyber security solutions. Due to the popularity of cloud computing resources and services, threats and attacks are rising. And with a serverless computing environment, businesses need the security of ForeSite to protect their data from unauthorized access and malicious actors.

Different Cyber Threats Where ForeSite Can Help

• Cyber Attacks: Arguably the most common type of threat, this attack is an intentional, malicious attempt to gain unauthorized access to a system’s data or disrupt its operations. This attack can be aimed at any system, from a single individual’s laptop to an entire company’s computer network. ForeSite’s cyber security solutions can provide businesses with the necessary tools and technologies to detect and protect against such threats.
• Illegal Data Breaches: Data breaches are when malicious actors gain access to an organization’s confidential data. This attack can steal customer information, financial details, or other sensitive information. Not only would this cost the organization in terms of reputational damage but also financially, as they may be liable and face legal action.
• Accidental Data Loss: Human error is one of the most common forms of data loss. Unintentional deletion or mishandling of a system’s data can lead to expensive losses for an organization. With the nature of cloud computing, where teams are working on different projects and using other applications, accidental data loss is a real threat. ForeSite’s cloud solutions can provide businesses with the necessary tools to ensure that data is backed up regularly and securely in case of an accidental data loss. In data loss, retrieval is possible with minimal disruption to business operations.

How Cloud Computing Works

The processes of working with the cloud can be broken down into five main steps:

1. Set up a cloud account and create users.
2. Set up access policies to control who has access to files stored in the cloud.
3. Please configure security settings to protect your data from unauthorized access.
4. Migrate data to the cloud.
5. Monitor and maintain your cloud environment regularly.

Set Up a Cloud Account and Create Users

First, you’ll need to sign up for a cloud service provider (CSP) and set up a cloud account. Some popular CSPs include Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud. Once you have an account, you can create user accounts for your team members or employees using the cloud. This will allow them to access the cloud and any resources or files.

Set Up Access Policies

It’s essential to set up access policies to control who has access to your cloud resources. For example, you can set permissions at the user or group level and specify precisely what actions each user or group can perform (e.g., read, write, execute). This helps prevent unauthorized access to your data and ensures that only authorized users can change your cloud environment.

Configure Security Settings

To protect your data from unauthorized access, you’ll need to configure cloud security settings for your cloud environment. This can include setting up firewall rules, implementing secure authentication methods (e.g., two-factor authentication), and encrypting data at rest and in transit.

Migrate Data to the Cloud

Once you have your cloud account set up and your security and access policies in place, you can begin migrating your data to the cloud. This can involve transferring files and databases from your on-premises servers or another cloud provider to your new cloud environment. Various tools and techniques can be used to migrate data to the cloud, such as data migration services or software.

Monitor and Maintain Your Cloud Environment

After your data has been migrated to the cloud, it’s important to monitor and maintain your cloud environment to ensure that it runs smoothly and efficiently. This can include checking for software updates, monitoring resource usage, and troubleshooting any issues that may arise.

Different Cloud Computing Services

From now on, it is important to know the types of cloud computing services that are up for grabs. Here’s the overview of each:

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)

IaaS is a cloud service that enables you to access and manage resources such as servers, networking equipment, storage, and more. This eliminates the need for businesses to invest in physical hardware for their IT infrastructure resulting in cost savings. Some of the most notable IaaS engines are DigitalOcean, Amazon EC2, and Google Compute Engine.

Platform as a Service (PaaS)

PaaS enables developers to create and run applications on the cloud without having to worry about managing the underlying infrastructure. This is a cloud environment that supports web application and deployment. Throughout the application’s lifecycle from the building, testing, and deployment, PaaS takes away the need to maintain hardware and software. Some of the most notable PaaS vendors include Windows Azure, AWS Elastic Beanstalk, and Google App Engine.

Software as a Service (SaaS)

The most common cloud service type, SaaS, is used by many organizations daily. SaaS allows the application to be accessible on the web. This can be anything from an app or web browser. There are some programs that offer free SaaS, such as Google Drive and Dropbox, so make sure to explore them.

Quentelle LLC Uses the Cloud—Why?

Fast Application Deployment

One reason organizations utilize cloud computing services is the ability to deploy applications without scaling and maintaining physical hardware quickly. This helps to reduce the turnaround time of new projects, allowing you to focus on more important tasks.

Communication and Collaboration

Another use of the cloud is to facilitate communication and collaboration between teams. With cloud services, you can easily share documents, media, and other business-related information with your colleagues in real-time. This makes it easier for teams to stay connected and be productive even when they are working remotely. Some of the popular cloud-based apps are Zoom and WhatsApp.

Entertainment

Ever wonder how Spotify can handle daily uploads from thousands of artists? It’s all thanks to the cloud — the same technology that is used to store and stream music, videos, and other digital assets. Netflix, Hulu, and other streaming services also utilize cloud technology to store, transmit, and deliver content to their users.

Data Analytics

Quentelle LLC has been utilizing the cloud for the purpose of data analysis. By storing vast amounts of data in the cloud, we can quickly identify patterns and trends essential for making decisions. With the help of cloud computing, you can gain insights into customer behavior and precisely target specific markets. This will give you an advantage in how you must allocate your resources.

Streamline Business Processes

Salesforce, Slack, and other business applications are designed to streamline the process of running a business. With the help of cloud services, you can manage your pipelines and tasks more efficiently, allowing you to react quickly and increase productivity.

Store Backups

Again, data loss is one of the major issues that organizations face. Not only is it costly and can compromise your company’s revenue and reputation, but it is also time-consuming to recover the data after a system crash. Unfortunately, there are also times when recovery is impossible. That is why you should always have backups of your critical data stored in the cloud so that if a system crash occurs, you can quickly restore the lost information.

Contact Quentelle LLC Today

With the advancing technology, increasing online security threats, and the demand for better solutions, it’s essential to have a trusted provider to help you manage your day-to-day operations and provide you with comprehensive cyber security. Not only will this help you with your bottom line, but it will also give you peace of mind that your data is safe.

As a business owner, knowing your options is essential, rather than going with what is popular. You have to consider many things, such as the features, costs, and other essential factors, to ensure that you get the best solution. For example, the type of business you have, your budget, the technology you will be using, and if your current technologies can be integrated into the cloud should all be considered.

If you need assistance with your cloud computing needs, contact Quentelle LLC today! Our experienced and dedicated team can provide you with the expertise to help you decide which type of solution best suits your business. You can contact us by calling (888) 565-5515 or emailing us at info@quentelle.com. You can also fill out the contact form on the website, and our team will be more than happy to answer any questions you might have.

Despite the constant threat of a network security breach, far too many small business owners are ill-prepared to withstand the damage that a cyberattack brings. A staggering 43% of SMBs have no plan whatsoever to defend against or mitigate the effects of a security breach. Even worse, 60% of SMB owners do not acknowledge the risks in the first place. 

Fortunately, there are a number of small-scale interventions you can take to help protect your assets. 

Set Up Appropriate Employee Access

Not every employee needs access to every element of your network. Setting up user-defined roles can pay dividends in the long run. Take the time to make sure each employee has access to the systems they need in order to do their job, but restrict access to functions that fall outside their job role. This can help to mitigate human error. 

Perform Regular Software Updates

We’ve all been subject to mandatory, automatic updates on our personal computers. Many people choose to turn off or delay those updates when it comes to their personal, home computer system. Those updates are essential for system security purposes, however, and they are doubly important in a professional capacity. They can help bolster system security against the ever-evolving world of malware. 

Encrypt Sensitive Data

Never leave critical customer information or financials out in the open. Using an encryption method can help prevent potentially bad actors from utilizing your information should they get ahold of it. This is especially important if you are sending information across networks to clients, vendors, or other business partners. 

Employ Email Filters

Phishing scams derive their power from convincing your employees that malicious emails are from a trusted source. On the surface, emails like this may look like they are from a known source when there may be subtle, telltale signs that they are not. An email filter can help catch fallacious pieces of mail, helping to eliminate employee error from the equation. 

Educate Your Staff

They say that the best defense is an offense. The most surefire way to mitigate the risk of cyberattacks is to diligently train your staff in best practices. Employee awareness can go a long way in keeping your company safe from hackers and malware. 

Enlist an Enterprise Solution  

Cybersecurity threats are unfortunately common and incredibly varied in their method of attack. The average small business is extremely susceptible to attacks. Sometimes a small business owner can make all the right moves, employ industry best practices, and engage in proactive employee education and still incur a costly and damaging digital attack. Sometimes the only choice is to recruit a professional partner to help implement an enterprise security solution. Quentelle can help your small business set up security monitoring, network security, and email protection. Please contact us today to find out more about our services. 

You may think that it can’t happen to you. You’re just a small business owner; what could you possibly have that would entice a hacker? A lot as it turns out.  Did you know that more than 43% of all cyberattacks are aimed at small to medium-sized businesses? In fact, Forbes even puts that number as high as 58%. The average small business owner cannot afford to turn a blind eye toward digital threats. They have just as big a stake as larger, more well-protected companies. 

SMB Cybersecurity: Some Alarming Stats

It’s not just the frequency of attacks aimed at the SMB sector, it’s the disastrous and long-lasting damage that they cause. 60% of businesses unfortunate enough to get caught in an online breach close within a half a year. That’s because the average cost of a successful cyber attack on a small business is $200,000, although that number can range into the millions based on the nature of the business as well as their market. 

It’s a problem that isn’t going to go away anytime soon. During the past year, filled with a near-continuous stream of turbulent ups and downs, cyber crimes against small businesses increased a staggering 424%. Small business owners need to prepare themselves for the reality of a breach, but the disheartening truth is 47% of all SMBs have no idea that they even need to be concerned about a cyberattack. 

Education and awareness are the keys to protecting your company and its assets. 

Types of Cyberattacks

What constitutes a cyberattack exactly? Perhaps SMB owners refuse to acknowledge the presence of digital dangers because the terminology is so vague. Your SMB is vulnerable to an incredibly-wide range of attacks. 

Malware

By far the most common type of cyberattack comes in the form of malware. Malware literally means bad software, and is a catch-all term for malicious code and software that worms its way into your company’s network. Malware includes:

• Ransomware
• Computer viruses 
• Spyware

Malware is designed to obtain sensitive data from your company’s systems or hijack an aspect of your network. For example, ransomware will encrypt important data, requiring that you pay a fee to regain access. 

Phishing Scams

Phishing scams usually use email as their avenue of attack. This scheme involves fooling the recipient into believing that the email comes from a familiar, reputable source. Phishing emails use perceived familiarity to get the recipient to divulge sensitive info such as passwords, login credentials, and financial information. 

DDoS Attacks 

In recent years, a new type of cyber attack has surfaced: the Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack. A DDoS attack involves an abnormally-high number of network requests being sent to a central server from multiple points of origin. The goal is to overwhelm the server and crash the network, disrupting your business’s ability to operate, resulting in lost revenue. 

SQL Injection

For a skilled hacker, an SQL (Structured Query Language) is an incredibly easy exploit to pull off. This type of attack involves sending a malicious piece of code —sometimes through a pathway as simple as an internet search query— that gives the hacker access to read, update, and delete sensitive data on a network. While the coding necessary to achieve this is complex, the avenue of exposure is fairly straightforward. 

Employees as a Liability 

Regardless of the cyberattack’s method, it’s important to keep a critical eye on your employees. The unfortunate truth is that 52% of data breaches come as a result of employee error. Malware and phishing scams are by far the most common types of attacks. 

Phishing scams are the equivalent of a digital conman; they use familiarity and manufactured reputability to entice employees to click harmful links or download damaging attachments. Through gullible employees, hackers are able to steal sensitive data or insert malicious software into your system. 

In order to combat the legion of scams circulating the internet, it’s necessary to view your employees as a digital liability —at least where cybersecurity is involved. If you start with that basic mindset, you can easily take remedial and proactive measures to protect your company’s assets.