Black Friday Sale! 50% Off All Access

Don't Have Your Head In The Clouds When It Comes To Data Security In today's fast-paced, highly competitive, data-driven business environment, there are a couple of tools you just can't afford to be without.

By Quickbooks

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

You're reading Entrepreneur South Africa, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media.

Bigstock

Vital stats

Good Accounting and Payroll Software are two of the most important assets of any business. Having reliable, functional and affordable packages will go a long way in assisting businesses to succeed.

But, in this era of cyber crimes, safeguarding that invaluable information is vitally important. The harsh reality of data theft is that 65% of the victims are small to medium businesses. The cost of recovering from a data breach is about R500 000.

Globally, companies lose over R42 trillion a year as a result of data breaches. 72% of businesses that suffer a data breach will close down within 24 months.

A business fundamental

This is why data security is one of the fundamentals that any SME should invest in. With a 10GB bundle costing as little as R100 a month and 100GB costing R700, data security will prove it's worth when it is needed.

As a business, we don't expect our data to be at risk. After all, it's automatically saved on the server. The problem with this scenario is that you'll only recognise the problem when the unthinkable happens. At worst, your office building burns down and your server is destroyed, or your offices are burgled or your system hacked.

None of these scenarios come under the heading, "It won't happen to me or my business." The reality is that it can happen to you and the beauty of cloud-based data protection is that your business' data is safe and can be accessed from anywhere — even on your smartphone.

Safeguard your data

To safeguard your precious data, QuickBooks offers CloudProtect, which provides full protection. It allows you to control your data remotely, track your device using geo-locate, and wipe data off a stolen computer with your smart phone, while keeping the data safely stored in the cloud.

Here are just some of the QuickBooks CloudProtect features:

  • It's reliable and secure
  • You can connect anywhere in the world
  • It's scalable and flexible in terms of scalable infrastructure
  • Simplified administration — One robust solution for desktop, laptop and server data
  • Data loss prevention — Content on a lost or stolen laptop can be remotely wiped
  • Privacy of data — Your data can only be accessed by you.

Cloud services aren't a new, emerging trend. They're already here and you are missing out on some spectacular benefits if you aren't already taking advantage of these services. Don't have your head in the clouds, get your data into the cloud — the return on investment will be worth it.

Intuit, the developers of QuickBooks software was founded in 1983. Our mission is powering prosperity around the world. We build intuitive web, mobile, and cloud solutions that generate more money, more time, and more confidence for approximately 50 million people. Leveraging big data insights, machine learning, and powerful automation, we help consumers, small business owners, and the self-employed achieve their dreams of prosperity. Some of our industry-leading products include Mint, TurboTax and QuickBooks. Ranked the world's number 1 online accounting software with 3.3 million subscribers to QuickBooks Online worldwide we launched in South Africa in February 2018. Locally in South Africa more than 50,000 SMEs enjoy the quick to learn, quick to use accounting package that makes running the financial side of your business, easy. QuickBooks
Starting a Business

He Started a Business That Surpassed $100 Million in Under 3 Years: 'Consistent Revenue Right Out of the Gate'

Ryan Close, founder and CEO of Bartesian, had run a few small businesses on the side — but none of them excited him as much as the idea for a home cocktail machine.

Business News

The Two Richest People in the World Are Fighting on Social Media Again

Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk had a new, contentious exchange on X.

Growing a Business

How to Identify the Pain Point in Your Customers To Skyrocket Sales

Drawing from my personal experience with alcohol flush reactions, I recognize how validating this common issue in the Asian community inspired my business idea.

Thought Leaders

Success Can Come at Any Age. Just Look at These 6 Successful Entrepreneurs.

While much attention is thrown at the teen genius or the college dropout, it's important to remember that often the wiser among us can more easily navigate the road to success.

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

Science & Technology

I've Spent 20 Years Studying Focus. Here's How I Use AI to Multiply My Time and Save 21 Weeks of Work a Year

AI is supposed to save time, but 77% of employees say it often costs more time due to all the editing it requires. Instead of helping, it can become a distraction. But don't worry — there's a better way.