Cloud Based Accounting: Is It Secure?

One of the most common questions people ask us is regarding the security of cloud based accounting. We've all heard the stories of how our financial information can be stolen online, and it definitely creates cause for concern. That's why we use top level, SSL encryption for all your accounting files, which are stored on our secure servers in SAS-certified facilities. But there are also steps you can take to make sure that your cloud based accounting files stay secure.

1. Make sure you're using the latest version of your Web browser or smart phone software before you access your accounting files. - In most cases, our SSL encryption measures won't permit you to log in to your files if you're not using the latest version of Internet Explorer, Firefox or Safari. But just in case, it's important to always make sure you're using the latest software versions available, as this software will contain important security updates to make it harder for hackers to break into your files.

2. Always access your accounting files from a secure Internet connection. - On our end, your data is kept secure in the cloud. But all of our security measures won't help if you access files through an unsecured network. While one of the benefits of cloud based accounting is the ability to check your financial statements and other records from anywhere with Internet access, we recommend against accessing your Peachtree or QuickBooks files over an unsecured wireless network, such as at your local coffeehouse.

3. Follow common sense measures to protect your data. - Use a strong password with a combination of numbers and letters that no on will be able to guess. Make sure no one is looking over your shoulder when you log in to your cloud based accounting software. Don't leave your computer unattended in a public place. All of these common sense measures can help keep your financial data secure in the cloud.

If you've ever made a purchase online, you've put your trust in the same SSL encryption used with our cloud based accounting system. We do everything we can to keep your financial data and accounting records safe; if you do the same by following common sense measures to protect and limit access to your account, you can be assured that cloud based accounting is secure.

PROTECT YOUR DATA WITH CLOUD-BASED ACCOUNTING

Tornadoes and hurricanes put your company's computer servers and hard drives, and all your financial information, at risk. Natural disasters can create flooding that can wipe out all your computer systems. Power surges - even if you believe your computer is protected with surge protectors - can damage your hard drive, rendering your data unreadable. And heavy winds can even cause buildings to collapse and cause shock damage to your hard drives or servers, again, making it impossible to access your financial records and other data. It happens.

The data back-up best practices recommend having three back-ups of mission critical data, including one version off-site so that you or other authorized personnel can access it, even if you can't get in to your main offices, which could be the case during a natural disaster.

But when you rely on accounting software in the cloud, you'll know your data is safe, regardless of your back-up practices. We still recommend keeping at least one other copy of your financial accounting data backed up, because no storage system is ever 100 percent safe. But if you're looking for consistency and reliability, along with data you can access from any device with Internet access, 24/7, cloud-based accounting software is the way to go.

As we enter the worst time of year for flooding, hurricanes and tornadoes, it may be time to evaluate your data back-up systems and your accounting software. While you're at it, take a good look at your bookkeeping and accounting practices. Are you maximizing your company's potential with the right business accounting software and a bookkeeper, CPA or part-time financial controller you can trust?

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