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The concept of cloud computing is simple: your business can run its applications online instead of having to download and install them to local machines or having to run your own internal company server. Cloud computing makes your business run smoother by securely storing your important program files and other data off-site and by effectively managing those files for you. But as computing on the cloud becomes both more convenient and more widely accepted, security is also becoming a larger concern. What are the major security risks here and how does enterprise cloud computing software like NetSuite address them?

The major security risks with NetSuite

First of all let’s discuss some common misconceptions about cloud computing. Your data is not suddenly “accessible” to everyone, or even the other users sharing your cloud storage servers. If this were a true cloud computing wouldn’t make much sense at all. In reality Netsuite and other other cloud computing providers understand that the security of sensitive company data assets is a top concern for businesses. They ensure “application-only access” for users – meaning that users cannot ever access the underlying database and thus pose a security threat to other cloud users. Users have inherently limited access no matter who they are. Your data is kept safe on the cloud through a combination of deterrent, preventative, responsive, and corrective protocols. In simple terms this means that NetSuite has policies in place to deter breaches through threat of high level prosecution, to respond quickly and appropriately to any potential issues as they arise, and to use these situations to swiftly correct and strengthen their security infrastructure.

NetSuite data encryption

From a strictly preventative standpoint NetSuite’s use of cutting-edge data encryption (the same level used by banks), high-security user password guidelines, and limitations on which IP addresses can access a user account are just a few of the ways they are keeping your company applications and data secure. By controlling employee access to data assets and to the system as a whole you are effectively ensuring that employees uphold your security policies consistently.

Data loss with NetSuite

Another common concern is about data loss. How do cloud computing providers address the possibility of massive server failure and keep my company’s data records alive? NetSuite’s Data Management Plan provides multiple layers of data redundancy across several locations to ensure that you never lose access to your company data. Backups of all your most pertinent applications and data assets are completed continuously. NetSuite’s data redundancy policies across different physical locations also mean that if you experience data loss on your end they’ll be able to restore your data rapidly and reliably.

Another common concern about cloud computing is the question of data deletion. Does my data continue to exist somewhere in the cloud even after I delete it? In other words if cloud data management means copies and backups across multiple locations then how does this affect the status of files my business actually wants deleted (forever)? This issue deals directly with cloud computing’s adjustable data retention and deletion policies offered by companies like NetSuite. You are able to delete data the cloud (forever) but it will require a bit more effort and forethought. First consider your business’s specific needs for data retention and disposal then work with cloud support to set the appropriate guidelines for your company’s data management needs.

Next steps for NetSuite Cloud Computing

Getting your business to make the leap to cloud computing is no small transition and as with all transitions you’ll need a well-informed plan in order to begin. Although NetSuite is a market leader with extensive security infrastructure in place to minimize risk from the issues mentioned above, no system or company can remove all the risk associated with having your data in multiple physical locations and managed by a third party. It’s important therefore to thoroughly understand the risks that cloud providers are protecting you from and the specific solutions and security measures that they are offering. Knowing your own business needs and asking the right questions will minimize your company’s exposure to data security or file corruption issues.

Engage in a business software review today to see if NetSuite is right for you.