Does Your Workforce Data Fly Securely in the Cloud?
For globally inclined businesses, the data cloud has become nearly indispensable. In fact, research consultancies estimate that worldwide spending on public cloud services will climb from a $70 billion industry in 2015 to over $141 billion in 2019.
Decisions to turn to the cloud for your business’s operations should be met with extreme scrutiny. There are some considerations to fully exhaust before choosing a cloud-based provider, whether your business is just entering the cloud sphere or switching providers for your accounting, IT or HR departments.
Protection Starts from the Ground Up
It’s vital that you know how your data – be it HR related or otherwise – will be protected from potential breaches. Ask your prospective provider some questions.
- Is the physical barricade secure? That is, the provider’s physical location; the one far below the cloud. Do their facilities and data centers use multiple layers of security? Note that a good cloud provider will have data centers equipped with several forms of security to control access, such as PIN restrictions, keycard access, biometric scanning and retina scan.
- Are encryption methods up to snuff? According to an article published by Entrepreneur, companies should verify that providers use the highest encryption standards available to thwart the continuously moving target that hackers present. Closely examine encryption devices that defend password and other login-related theft. Conduct some research on the latest advanced encryption standards to ensure your provider is not behind the ball.
- Is personal data firewalled and backed up sufficiently? Passwords, Social Security numbers and personal information to verify your identity obviously are among the most vital data requiring protection. Firewalls and two-factor authentication are some of the most commonly used security devices for minimizing privacy breaches. The latter pertains to a piece of information that only the user knows, supplemental to username and password.
Besides being fortressed by sufficient firewalls and user protocols, the cloud provider should be continuously backing up multiple secure locations in order to ensure your data is available no matter what incident occurs.
If you’re contemplating switching HR and payroll companies, consider a vendor that securely stores employment data via a single application – from talent acquisition, talent management, time and labor management, payroll, to benefits administration. Find out which processes the provider uses to reduce exposure of compliance violations. In addition, see whether the provider:
- has a long history of profitability
- is insured for at least $100 million
- has undergone SSAE 16/SOC 1 audits of their internal controls
- has obtained ISO-270001 certification
