If you’re considering software for your business, you might be wondering how secure your data will be. If you’re moving away from pen and paper you will have considered the increased accuracy and efficiencies software provides. And permanence too – no lost records, no physical storage and quick access to any of your records. But is it safe?

The majority of ABC Software’s products operate online and data is stored in the cloud. We often hear of the cloud, but what actually is it? The cloud is a term used to describe a remote system that can store and process data. Its storage space and processing power make it more efficient than traditional on-premise hard drive storage. It also offers greater security.

Cloud servers are located in data centres world-wide. For example, ABCgrower data is stored in the Azure Australia geography. Database backups are replicated across other regions. Off-site storage, regular backups and 24/7 suspicious activity monitoring offers greater protection against cyberattacks than other options. Cloud storage means you can access your information on any device with an internet connection and can recover your information if your physical device is lost or damaged.

As with any system, data breaches are possible and in the event of a cloud attack you are relying on how your service provider handles it. The recent fault with an update issued by cybersecurity company CrowdStrike is an example of an infrequent, though significant event. Microsoft estimate that CrowdStrike’s update affected 8.5 million Windows devices. While this is less than one percent of all Windows devices it included the devices of many organisations that run critical services.

It is vital your software  provider has an Incident Response Policy in case of a security breach, and a Business Continuity Plan in case of a disaster. ABC Software’s Business Continuity Plan was well tested in February 2023 when Cyclone Gabrielle hit Hawke’ Bay, causing flooding of the ABC Software offices and left the city without communications for three days and power for seven. The company was able to continue running throughout, without impact to its services and without any data loss or exposure.

There are many and varied steps software companies take to protect their clients data from threats and vulnerabilities. For example, ABC Software’s Inhouse Security Policy includes Role-Based Access Control to restrict users access to information, Zero Trust security which requires users to be authenticated, authorised, and continuously validated before being granted access to data, and Multi-Factor Authentication for accessing sensitive systems.

Ultimately, any system has vulnerabilities to data loss and business interruption, from a paper timesheet in a downpour, loss of internet connectivity in a storm, to a malicious cyberattack. On balance, if you chose a reputable software provider with a multi-faceted security policy, you can rest assured your information is well protected.