Author: sunvera

In today’s age, most businesses use online payment transactions due to the convenience and security they offer, especially when compared to the use of cash or check, which are more susceptible to fraud. Not only do they allow customers to purchase your products or services with ease, they also provide a new way to capture customer data for future use.

But there’s something to be said about the security and safety of electronic transactions as well. In this article, we will look at some things that you must do in order to ensure your company’s security of payments.

 

7 Tips to Secure Your Payments

The following list offers you effective ways for online transactions carried out between your company and your customers to be protected and therefore trustworthy. 

 

1. Use Secure Payment Processors

When your customers pay for your products or services, it’s best to use a secure payment processing system that offers a high-level encryption program to protect their information from third-party access, especially since online transactions are prone to hacking attempts. Not only does this ensure the security of the data being transferred between parties, it also provides assurances to your customers.

Keep in mind that when you use online payment processors, your website should be SSL (Secure Socket Layer) compliant to provide authentication for the transactions. When you use this protocol along with high encryption methods, it makes it very difficult for hackers to scan web traffic and extract credit card information.

If you are contracting with another business for your Point of Sale (POS) system or other services, be sure to ask them what security measures they have in place before you sign anything. Also, study up on the PCI (Payment Card Industry) standards and regulations governing how your business should handle personal information including financial data.

 

2. Create and Deploy Strong Passwords

This is one of the most important things you can do to secure your payments. Weak passwords make it easy for hackers to take control of accounts. Your passwords should be strong; they must not be easily guessable, and they must not be too simple. Even the most sophisticated malware can be thwarted by a good password that includes letters, numbers, symbols, and upper-case. Make sure to change your passwords periodically as well.

If you have a password policy in place, be sure to enforce it so that your employees will follow it. Password policies can encourage better security habits and lower the risk of accounts being compromised.

Of course, you will need to constantly review your policies from time to time as technology is continuously changing and a system that worked a few years ago might not work now.

 

3. Secure Your IT Systems and Software

It goes without saying that your business computer systems and software should also be protected from cybercriminals who want to gain access and steal data. Malware and spyware can easily find their way onto your system, which is why it’s important to use reliable anti-malware software.

It’s equally important to make sure your files are regularly backed up so you can easily recover them if the worst.

Aside from malware and spyware, be aware that phishing scams are on the rise. While they don’t directly target businesses, they can turn into a major issue if your employees fall prey to them. Phishing scams usually involve fraudulent messages sent via email that appear to be from reputable sources such as banks and credit card companies, asking the user to verify personal information.

Be sure to monitor who accesses which files within your system, especially with network-connected devices or cloud storage.

 

4. Conduct Security Scans

It is also important for businesses to conduct security scans on their websites before making them available to customers. With this in place, you will immediately know if there is a problem and be able to fix it before your customers are affected.

Security scans can also be useful in detecting any suspicious activity or hacking attempts on your system. You should implement a proactive approach in stopping these threats by installing firewalls that monitor traffic coming into and out of your network, checking how files are being accessed, plugging security holes, and so on.

 

5. Preventing Payment Card Data Loss

For starters, if you’re using well-known credit cards, such as Visa or MasterCard, make sure that you are following their protocols. You do not want to lose what could potentially be millions of dollars because of some slight negligence on your part when securing this type of transaction. Take note of your local laws and regulations governing how your business should handle personal information including financial data.

You should implement a strong security system that restricts access to customer payment card data. This includes maintaining physical security and protecting against computer threats such as malware and other cyber attacks.

In general, the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is an efficient measure developed by credit card companies to protect their customers from fraud. However, compliance has been made mandatory only recently.

Debit cards are one of the more popular and convenient choices for business owners with an online store, especially since virtually everyone has one or accesses their funds via some sort of electronic banking system. Although debit cards do offer convenience and speed in making purchases at brick-and-mortar stores and many websites, they also put you at risk.

The most common way a debit card can be compromised is by having its information intercepted when entered into a retailer’s website. Hackers can also intercept data over wireless networks to glean a customer’s PIN and other key details. Downloading spyware onto your computer or buying something online with a credit card from a website that has been infected with malware is another way of compromising your debit cards.

When dealing with online purchases, always check the reputation and security measures of the retailer you are going to transact with before doing business with them. If you want to use a credit card for a transaction, look for a reputable company and not some fly-by-night operation.

 

6. Encryption Software

If your business processes online payments, make sure to use encryption software when you process your customers’ financial information. The information should be encrypted both in transit and in storage, whether that is in memory or on a computer disk. Encrypted customer data will be unreadable data to an attacker even if they intercept it while in transit. Similarly, data that is encrypted in storage can be read by hackers only if they have the key.

 

7. Adopt Best Practices for Security Training and Awareness

Finally, you should regularly train your employees about security so they are aware of their responsibilities when it comes to protecting your customers’ data. You should also regularly update them on emerging threats

Before implementing any policy involving processing credit card payments, businesses need to ensure that employees know exactly how to proceed. And while they go about this, they must keep all applicable laws and regulations in mind for added protection.

 

A Secure Payment Portal Can Help

If accepting online payments via credit card is important to your business, then you should consider using a payment portal. The entire process of employing such a system can be quite simple and is ideal for small businesses that only use the service occasionally. Using a secure portal will help you avoid common mistakes in making online transactions and protect against cybercrime, identity theft, and other forms of Internet fraud.

At its most basic level, a payment portal is a secure website that stores payment information in a location separate from the rest of your business’s computer network. This means that if a hacker gains access to one part of your network they won’t be able to gain access to customer credit card information.

 

Finally to do the best you can to provide security of online payments and of your overall information systems to avoid common pitfalls leading to breaches, make sure there’s a check next to each item on the following list:

• Stay current on all security developments
• Testing your network’s defenses frequently
• Applying security updates promptly
• Encrypting sensitive data that is stored or transmitted
• Limiting access to systems and information only to those who need it to do their jobs
• Keeping anti-virus software up-to-date
• Block packets from suspicious sources at the firewall level
• Installing a secure web browser on remote computers used by employees for accessing company networks via the internet
• Use secure web-based applications

 

Sunvera Software develops next-level software applications from start-to-finish. We are a premier software and mobile app development agency specializing in healthcare mobile app development, custom mobile app development, telehealth software, sales dashboards, custom mobile app development services, retail software development, supply-chain software, ecommerce, shopify, web design, iBeacon apps, security solutions and unified access software.

We are proud partners with Amazon AWS, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud.

Schedule a free 30-minute call with us to discuss your business, or you can give us a call at (949) 284-6300.

Ultra-wideband or UWB is a radio technology that operates in the 3.1 to 10.6 GHz frequency range, which transmits data packets in very short, low-duty cycle pulses. It was originally developed for military use but is now used in everything from computer peripherals to video games. It has the ability to transmit large amounts of data over short distances while avoiding interference with other wireless technology such as Bluetooth and WiFi. The technology can be used outdoors for high-speed links between satellites, or indoors where it competes with traditional RFID systems on price and performance.

UWB differs from conventional narrowband communication methods in that the bandwidth of the signal is much larger, and information is carried not only by the precise phase and amplitude of the carrier wave but also by its exact timing. Data rates can be high with a single UWB device.

The most common implementations of UWB are based on very short pulses, often modulated by either the amplitude or frequency of the carrier wave. Frequency modulation allows for better time synchronization which in turn increases the precision. Ultra-Wideband Technology (UWB) uses frequencies up to 10 GHz.

UWB is defined by the FCC in the United States, ETSI in Europe, and Japan’s ARIB. These specifications are similar in that they allow for use over the entire licensed UWB spectrum of 3.1 to 10.6 GHz, or in some bands shared with other applications (e.g., 2.3-2.7 GHz in the US). In many parts of the world, the 3.1 to 5.8 GHz band is shared with other service applications.

Battery lifetime can be extended by turning off the device when not needed. To save power, a mobile device typically has to stay in standby mode for a minimum time after transmitting or receiving data. If data is transmitted more frequently, the device can remain in standby mode for a minimum time.

Ultra-wideband technology (UWB) has gained a significant amount of attention due to its ability to provide high bandwidth data connections over short distances. UWB appears capable of providing data rates exceeding 20Mbps with distances on the order of a meter or less. Bluetooth, by comparison, is limited to providing data rates of about 721kbps and coverage of no more than 10 meters.

 

How Different is Ultra Wideband from BlueTooth?

Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard for exchanging data over short distances from fixed and mobile devices using short-wavelength radio transmissions in the ISM band from 2.4 to 2.485 GHz), creating personal area networks (PANs) with high levels of security. Bluetooth is a more mature technology that has been around for more than a decade and currently supports an estimated 2.5 billion devices in use by consumers and businesses worldwide with almost two million new devices being added each day.

Compared to Bluetooth, UWB supports a wider range of bandwidths (5 – 500 MHz), faster speeds (up to 480 Mbps), and different frequency ranges. UWB, like Bluetooth, is designed primarily for point-to-point connections between two devices such as one computer peripheral directly connecting with another device or communicating with a cell phone or PDA which can then forward the information on to other computers in the network.

However, unlike Bluetooth, where both ends must be simultaneously activated by an initiating device such as a laptop before any communications can begin, UWB devices may be programmed to operate in a “sleep mode” and then activated at will by an initiating device that transmits encoded signals that wake up the target device. This means that it is possible for many UWB devices to share a common data channel and can reduce power consumption and latency (the time lag between requesting and receiving information) while maximizing throughput (amount of information transferred).

 

What Are the Advantages of UWB?

• Supports much faster speeds than Bluetooth 1.2 or 2.0 (up to 480 Mbps vs. 3 Mbps)
• Operates at lower power levels (less than 100 mW) so devices can run longer on existing battery power
• Can be used in high interference areas where many types of wireless technologies interfere with each other. UWB is designed to automatically avoid channels that are occupied by other devices.
• Supports multiple users sharing the same spectrum by allowing all the devices to “listen” for an idle channel or time slot before resorting back to normal data transmission

 

What Are the Disadvantages of UWB?

• One radio chip cannot support the full range of applications currently available over Bluetooth. The typical solution is to use a BlueTooth radio for “low energy, short-distance connections” and add UWB when greater bandwidths are needed for high-speed communications between fixed points.
• Another drawback of UWB is that like Bluetooth, UWB devices must be within close proximity (within 30 feet) and line of sight to communicate with each other. This limits their usefulness indoors in large office buildings or warehouses.

 

What Are the Applications of UWB?

Possible applications for UWB include: 

• Remote control and monitoring of electronic devices such as security cameras
• Medical equipment 
• Health care information exchange
• Wireless appliances 
• Wireless LANs between desktops and peripherals 
• Television transmitters 
• Wireless microphones 
• Wireless Sonet/SDH networks 
• Short-range communications between PC peripherals when the computer platform is in a “sleep” mode

The technology could also enable people to wear small computers on their wrists that gather information from sensors placed around workstations or within manufacturing plants and then beam the data back to a central computer for analysis.

 

Is 5G Ultra-Wideband Worth it?

In comparison to existing wireless networks, 5G UWB offers many advantages.

For starters, it grants better control over the devices that connect and communicate with the network. For example, it is possible for a system administrator to identify and deactivate specific devices using built-in sensors such as microphones, cameras, and GPS receivers.

This would be useful in data centers and power plants where security is a concern or during events such as concerts where audience members should not be able to use their cell phones to capture video, text, or other information that could stream live on the Internet.

It also enables fast transmission speeds. The UWB connection between two devices would reduce latency (the delay in transmitting data) and maximize throughput (the amount of data that can be transmitted in a specific amount of time).

UWB also eliminates the need for multiple radios by using one chipset that supports both short-range personal area networks (PANs) and wireless local area networks (WLANs). It is possible to connect different devices and later deactivate and reactivate them when it is necessary to add or remove their functionality.

 

Which One Is Better for Indoor Positioning Technology?

When posing the Ultra-Wideband vs. Bluetooth debate, you find that both technologies have their own strengths and weaknesses, so it depends.

In short, UWB has a better range than Bluetooth, but Bluetooth has better connectivity. Bluetooth’s advantage is that devices can connect wirelessly without requiring line of sight, while the UWB connection can’t. Bluetooth can use existing infrastructure such as Ethernet cabling to provide Internet connectivity at a faster speed than Wi-Fi, while UWB requires a direct link between two devices to transmit data.

UWB’s key attributes are its speed and the ability to simultaneously serve multiple devices while avoiding other types of wireless traffic within the same spectrum. The potentially higher cost of device implementation may be offset by the possibility of less power consumption.

Bluetooth provides a better solution for low-bandwidth applications such as keyboards, mice, and speakers while UWB offers higher bandwidth for high-speed data transfers between devices. However USB 3.0 is already providing speeds comparable to UWB, making Bluetooth an even better choice for short-range wireless connections with its lower cost of implementation.

UWB has the potential to provide higher bandwidth for data exchange between stationary points such as desktop workstations but lacks the mobility of Bluetooth. Yet, its proposed high speed and low power consumption could be a major advantage in offering a single platform that could handle both short-range and longer-range wireless connectivity needs with flexibility and simplicity.

However, UWB alone does not provide an effective solution for indoor positioning systems. The technology may be used to enhance GPS services, making them faster and more accurate indoors, but combining UWB with other technologies can create location-aware applications that could potentially enable personal navigation devices to pinpoint our exact location within a building without the need for satellite-based communications.

Both of these technologies are promising new advancements that can lead to many of the things we’ve been dreaming about for years. Bluetooth will lead to low-cost, easily deployable systems capable of supporting everything from industrial process controls to home appliances. UWB will let us do even more with high bandwidth wireless connections but it’s possible that both technologies could be combined to create a more complete solution.

 

Sunvera Software develops next-level software applications from start-to-finish. We are a premier software and mobile app development agency specializing in healthcare mobile app development, custom mobile app development, telehealth software, sales dashboards, custom mobile app development services, retail software development, supply-chain software, ecommerce, shopify, web design, iBeacon apps, security solutions and unified access software.

We are proud partners with Amazon AWS, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud.

Schedule a free 30-minute call with us to discuss your business, or you can give us a call at (949) 284-6300.

Progressive web apps (PWAs) are web pages or websites that function like native applications or mobile sites.  They’re useful because the application shell and the data live on the user’s device, rather than having to be downloaded each time they use it.  This means that PWAs load very quickly and can be accessed from a home screen, making them more accessible and convenient than traditional web pages or websites.

Google, Microsoft, and Apple have all launched initiatives to support progressive web apps as the future of mobile. Let’s take a look at how they work, why users love them so much, and what makes PWAs so useful for businesses.

 

Why Progressive Web Apps Are a Top Mobile Trend for 2021

The beauty of a progressive web app is that it functions just like an app—it opens quickly, can be accessed from a home screen, it sends you notifications even when not open, and is easily downloaded for offline access. A progressive web app’s home screen icon behaves like a bookmark, but when it’s tapped, the app is revealed. Such functionalities make PWAs superior to traditional mobile web pages or websites.

PWAs’ growing popularity is therefore owed to their convenience and accessibility, offering the best features of both native apps and websites without being either, they’re accessible in a browser tab or from a home screen icon, so users can go back into it whenever they want. The fact that they don’t have to be downloaded, so it benefits people with low storage capacity on their phones or slow Internet connections.

One of the biggest appeals of PWAs is that, because they live on one’s device, users can open them quickly and complete tasks without having to wait around for the page to load. They load very quickly, like traditional web pages, but can also be pinned to home screens as if they were native apps.

Another reason that people love PWAs is that they feel very personal and familiar because they provide users with a seamless transition between the web page and the app—they help to transform websites into interactive, engaging experiences. People can go from using a website to having a good experience on the app in one click.

 

 

Advantages of Progressive Web Apps Over Native Apps

Progressive web apps’ advantages include cost, as they are often cheaper to maintain than a native app, and it’s easier to keep them up-to-date. Users get the best of both worlds—a website that loads quickly and an app that looks and functions like a native one. 

Businesses are drawn to them because when compared to native apps, they have faster load times, utilize less data, and can be indexed by search engines. They also take up less storage space, which means that users can update them quickly without having to clear out their devices first.

So widespread has their demand become, that there’s even a plugin enabling progressive web apps for WordPress, which allows more websites to capitalize on their benefits, but without interfering with any other plugins being employed.

PWAs have other advantages too—for example, the data isn’t stored on the user’s device so it won’t be lost if they lose or change their phone. It’s also secure, so they won’t have to worry about data theft.

PWAs are flexible and can take different forms depending on the business’s goals—they can be used for marketing purposes or as support tools that provide customer service where users need it.  They’re also cross-platform, which means that users don’t have to choose between the iOS or Android operating system, they can use either interchangeably.

 

Unfortunately Progressive Web Apps Also Have Their Disadvantages

PWAs are still in their infancy, which means that they aren’t supported by all browsers—some browsers don’t support PWAs at all while others only partially do. Right now, Edge, Firefox, Chrome and Opera fully support PWAs while Safari only offers partial support, as it doesn’t allow users to add home screen icons or full-screen mode.

Another issue that puts people off of PWAs is that there’s no standard yet, so it may change often and companies using them may need to make adjustments regularly. It’s simply another factor businesses need to consider when trying to make money online.

Some mobile devices don’t offer the same download speeds as others—that means that PWAs would take forever to download on slow networks. It’s difficult for developers to test their apps across different devices and operating systems because not all of them are compatible with the same browsers, which leads businesses to miss out on opportunities. These progressive web apps disadvantages, however, either may not be a problem for many companies, or they are likely to be remedied.

 

 

Despite This, Progressive Web Apps Have a Bright Future Ahead

Nevertheless, not surprisingly, the pros outweigh the cons, and for good reason are PWAs gaining momentum among users and businesses alike. As more browsers start to support them, there will be fewer problems with compatibility, since more platforms will also begin to accept PWAs as their apps catch up with the trend.

 

Sunvera Software develops next-level software applications from start-to-finish. We are a premier software and mobile app development agency specializing in healthcare mobile app development, custom mobile app development, telehealth software, sales dashboards, custom mobile app development services, retail software development, supply-chain software, ecommerce, shopify, web design, iBeacon apps, security solutions and unified access software.

We are proud partners with Amazon AWS, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud.

Schedule a free 30-minute call with us to discuss your business, or you can give us a call at (949) 284-6300.

 

The internet has changed the way everyone conducts their daily business. Businesses, individuals and governments all rely on information technology to run successful operations. This reliance also creates serious cybersecurity risks for these same entities. For this reason it is imperative that businesses understand what kinds of threats they face, how to protect themselves against them and why they need to take them seriously.

 

What is Cybersecurity?

The phrase “cybersecurity” typically refers to the protection of data, software and hardware from unauthorized access or attack by hackers. It is not just about preventing hacking attacks but also having a quick response plan should an attack happen, which would include restoring control of the hacked device as quickly as possible.

As businesses move more of their operations online, it makes sense to take cybersecurity seriously. It is not an exaggeration to say that a business could disappear if its website or systems are hacked into nonstop for several days. For instance, take the “NotPetya” ransomware attack in June 2017 that hit many companies particularly hard. The virus encrypted many of the files on a computer and demanded a large ransom payment to unscramble them. This is one of the most dramatic examples but, there are countless other examples of hacking leading to loss of money, data and even jobs.

As technology changes, the business world changes with it. Businesses have used computers for decades, but in recent years they have increased in power, speed and connectivity exponentially.

 

What is Information Security?

The world of information security is much broader than cybersecurity. Information Security, or InfoSec for short, focuses on safeguarding an organization’s communication and information systems. It includes taking steps to prevent breaches, but also ensuring that data is handled securely throughout its life cycle. This means not only protecting against infiltration of systems, but also ensuring employees are aware of their responsibilities when it comes to security.

InfoSec also includes privacy issues and compliance with regulatory requirements. Privacy is an increasingly hot-button issue as the amount of personal data collected about people grows exponentially. Businesses must handle the data carefully while still making it available to authorized personnel. Businesses need to take all precautions possible when dealing with personal information, including removing personally-identifiable information (PII) from data before disposal. The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is an example of a regulatory requirement related to data security.

 

Comparing and Contrasting Cybersecurity and Infosecurity

A clear difference between the two concepts is that InfoSec looks at protecting information whether it is stored on computer systems, paper records, or any other medium. Cyber security only considers digital threats, so an attack against a building’s physical structure would not be covered because it isn’t entering through a digital gateway.

While cybersecurity deals with the technology behind protecting information, InfoSec deals with how to protect the actual data itself. For instance, there are programs that limit how much employees can copy out of databases or set rules about what kind of emails people can send which contain certain sensitive phrases. There are also facilities for storing data which are highly secure, such as computer servers in very heavily guarded facilities where the only people who can access them use complex biometric authentication systems to gain entry.

 

Which is More Important?

When it comes to prioritizing your business’s security strategy, it is vital to realize that there are no absolute guarantees when it comes to data storage. If you understand the risks and follow industry best practices, you will reduce your chances of being hacked but there is always a chance that an attack may succeed, which means the only way to be 100% safe is to ensure no sensitive information is ever stored digitally.

However, this would mean that your business would need to only use paper and pencils and go back to the stone age which other than not being practical really isn’t a safe way of working either as physical records can be lost or destroyed, by fire or natural disasters for example.

The best way to protect yourself against both digital and physical threats is by adopting a multi-layered approach that protects all your company’s information using the latest technologies. While it may be an expensive investment, it will certainly pay for itself if you ever suffer any sort of data breach because one single attack could potentially put you out of business.

 

TL;DR: Which is more important? Both.

Just remember that in today’s interconnected world it is not just your business that could become the target. A data breach in one part of your business could also affect partners, suppliers and customers which will increase the number of people affected if they are not sufficiently protected. So talk to IT experts who understand both cybersecurity and InfoSec concepts for advice on how your business can best protect itself.

 

Sunvera Software develops next-level software applications from start-to-finish. We are a premier software and mobile app development agency specializing in healthcare mobile app development, custom mobile app development company, telehealth software, sales dashboards, custom mobile app development services, retail software development, supply-chain software, ecommerce, shopify, web design, iBeacon apps, security solutions and unified access software.

We are proud partners with Amazon AWS, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud.

Schedule a free 30-minute call with us to discuss your business, or you can give us a call at (949) 284-6300.

The amount of data lost to cyber-attacks or simple negligence is staggering. It’s absolutely critical that you backup your important files, but the question remains: where do you store them? The answer – cloud backup – can be a hard sell for some folks. If this sounds like you, then take a look at the reasons below and see if you need to make the switch.

 

Why Businesses Should Back-Up Data on Cloud

There’s no doubt about it – keeping your data safe is one of the most important parts of working on a computer. But, with so many ways to store information available, which should you choose? If security and reliability are some of your top concerns, then you need to back up your files on cloud. Let’s go over seven reasons why.

 

1. Enhanced Security

Something as simple as a hard drive failure can be a catastrophic event for your business. Without a regular backup regimen in place, you could lose everything from client documents to proprietary software that took years to develop. The importance of securing your data cannot be overstated, and cloud storage provides the most effective form of protection possible by storing your data off-site.

 

2. Faster Recovery

A company that loses their data faces potentially insurmountable odds of recovering without the assistance of effective backup software. If you’re lucky, you can purchase a new hard drive and reinstall your proprietary software, but restoring client files via this method is not only time consuming but entirely unpredictable. With cloud technology, the likelihood of a timely and complete restore is drastically multiplied.

 

3. Instant Access

When your hard drives crash, clients often expect you to have already been taking steps to back up their data even before they needed it themselves. If you’re not working with cloud technology, this could be an impossible task – but any company using the cloud can guarantee their clients instant access to their most important data.

 

4. Ease of Use

Cloud backup software is making big waves in the business world because it’s just so easy to use. Even if you’re not an IT professional, you can easily manage your backups with a few clicks of your mouse or swipes on your smartphone screen. The time investment for this level of functionality is almost zero, and the benefits can be exponential.

 

5. Cost-Effective Storage

When you’re running a business it’s hard to justify spending top dollar on software that doesn’t directly contribute to revenue generation. Cloud storage provides the best bang for your buck because you won’t need to purchase additional hardware or physical storage devices. Instead, your data is stored off-site so you only pay for the storage space you need.

 

6. Unlimited Backup Capacity

Having enough storage space for your files is absolutely essential, but it can be difficult to predict future data needs. With cloud backup solutions, you’ll have the ability to scale up or down as needed. You don’t have to buy more storage than you need now, and if your needs should increase, you’ll have the necessary resources available immediately. Even if you’re running low on space, your cloud provider can simply add additional storage space to their servers in minutes.

 

7. Collaborative Backup

Collaboration has revolutionized the way we work in countless industries, and is poised to do the same for business data backup strategies in the near future. With cloud technology, you and your company’s employees can easily access the same information from any device with an Internet connection at any time. This will allow teams to work more efficiently than ever before because they’ll never have to waste valuable time hunting down data.

 

Taking the time to back up your data on cloud is well worth it for any business. Not only will you be able to collaborate more effectively with colleagues, but your productivity won’t take a hit when things inevitably go wrong. With so many benefits at stake, what are you waiting for?

 

Sunvera Software develops next-level software applications from start-to-finish. We are a premier software and mobile app development agency specializing in healthcare mobile app development, custom mobile app development, telehealth software, sales dashboards, custom mobile app development services, retail software development, supply-chain software, ecommerce, shopify, web design, iBeacon apps, security solutions and unified access software.

We are proud partners with Amazon AWS, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud.

Schedule a free 30-minute call with us to discuss your business, or you can give us a call at (949) 284-6300.

If you work in information technology, chances are that your organization has a ton of “bits” of information at rest with little to no security. In other words, most organizations have a trove of data sitting on servers and backups waiting to be exploited by those who may wish harm upon them.

These bits can potentially include customer information, trade secrets, intellectual property, employee information and more. Not only is protecting this data critical to your organization, but it will also help you protect the brand and reputation of your company.

Failure to plan for such a possibility could cost immensely if sensitive information should fall into the wrong hands. Fortunately, there are easy steps you can take to logically ensure that should something happen, all bases have been covered and mitigate the effect of a breach.

 

What Small and Mid-Sized Businesses Should Know About Information Security

First and foremost, it is important to realize that the information security landscape is rapidly changing. Attempting to discuss this topic without factoring in these changes could prove challenging for those who are unaware of what today’s threats look like.

While many things remain the same, the bad guys aren’t all that different either. Information security professionals still work to protect against the same core types of attacks: website defacement, insider and hacktivist threats, and targeted data breaches.

What is different, however, is how information security professionals must now deal with those who attempt to exploit vulnerabilities in mobile devices. There are also the challenges associated with protecting “big data” as well as an ever-increasing number of cyber-threats.

Planning, communicating and creating a secure environment is key to protecting an organization’s information security. The best defense against these threats is having a solid plan in place that should the worst happen, all are well informed on what to do next.

Every small or mid-sized business should have an IT department responsible for creating, maintaining and updating their information security plan.

Having an information security plan should be just as important as having a business continuity or disaster recovery plan.

 

Key Points to Remember When Creating Your Information Security Plan

It is not a good idea to start creating your info security plan without bearing these tips in mind.

 

Keep it Simple

One of the most difficult aspects to consider when creating a plan for information security is that of simplicity. Information security professionals are constantly faced with risks that span across the organization and while every department has an interest in safeguarding information, it is important to remember that not all will want to contribute.

To create an effective information security plan, it is important to keep in mind the perspective of each department when considering how they will contribute to the effort.

 

Assume Responsibility

It is important for those involved with information security to assume responsibility as well as accountability. One way this could be done would include those responsible creating an action plan that includes provisions should something go wrong.

For example, when creating an action plan for data breach, the plan could include how a company will inform its clients and/or employees and what they will and will not say.

 

Communication is Key

Many businesses fail to update their security plans simply because they forget to keep internal and external stakeholders informed of changes or revisions that have been made. The best way to avoid this is by sending out regular emails or holding meetings that are related to information security. This helps with keeping everyone in the loop and less likely to forget about the plan itself.

 

Maintain an Information Security Plan

A common mistake businesses make when they create a security plan is assuming that they will only need it once. Unfortunately, it is important to remember that just like any other plan, an information security plan is a living document.

In fact, it is crucial from time to time to update the plan with changes or revisions as they may be necessary based on changes within the company and its peers. Without keeping this in mind, organizations run the risk of not being able to properly protect themselves when the worst case scenario occurs.

 

Creating a Good Info Security Plan: Steps to Take

There are several steps you should take as soon as possible to create your information security plan:

• Use cloud storage rather than storing data on local machines
• Use good encryption to protect data when it is in transit and when it is at rest on a computer or in the cloud. This will ensure hackers are not able to exploit vulnerabilities in the software being used even if they manage to steal some of your company’s data.
• Have strong security for physical devices where possible, although this may be harder depending on the nature of your business.
• Use a multi-layered approach to cybersecurity so an attack on one layer does not lead to a compromise of the entire system as happened with Target in 2013 when hackers made off with their customers’ credit card information.
• Use strong passwords and never reuse them.
• Keep software updated so hackers cannot exploit bugs in the code to steal data or take control of your company’s machines.
• Have a plan for dealing with security breaches and be clear on who is responsible for what during such an event.
• Create backups so if there is a problem you can restore your system to how it was before.
• Review the security plan at least annually or whenever there is a change in the company or its systems.

These are all very simple steps that can be taken at relatively low cost and can protect against security threats that will cost companies billions of dollars.

 

Creating an information security plan is a simple process and one that can be undertaken even by those in small businesses. In fact, it is a process all businesses should undertake if they haven’t already as the consequences of not doing so can be felt throughout an organization’s existence.

 

Sunvera Software develops next-level software applications from start-to-finish. We are a premier software and mobile app development agency specializing in healthcare mobile app development, custom mobile app development, telehealth software, sales dashboards, custom mobile app development services, retail software development, supply-chain software, ecommerce, shopify, web design, iBeacon apps, security solutions and unified access software.

We are proud partners with Amazon AWS, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud.

Schedule a free 30-minute call with us to discuss your business, or you can give us a call at (949) 284-6300.

In a world filled with smart devices, it’s extremely important for businesses to have a unified access system that can support all kinds of users and devices. Unfortunately, this kind of system is often out of reach because the costs associated with setting one up are too high. However, businesses should look no further than unified access to get exactly what they need.

From desktops to smartphones, the world has embraced the smart devices that are changing people’s lives in many ways. Businesses can capitalize on this immense potential by using unified access to create a single access system that allows all of their employees and customers to connect with their data securely anytime, anywhere.

 

Understanding the Difference Between Unified Access and Unified Communications

It’s important for people to understand the difference between unified access and unified communications. While they might sound like synonyms, they actually fulfill two different functions that complement each other perfectly.

Unified communications refers to an entire system that allows users to communicate with one another without any difficulty, regardless of what device they’re using. For example, a company can use unified communications to allow their employees to chat with one another from either the office or at home. This technology is extremely useful for companies that have an international presence because it allows workers from all around the world to reach out and collaborate regardless of where they are.

Unified access refers to a system that provides users with access to the company’s applications, networks, and data. This system has evolved to include smart device users as well, making it possible for people to access their systems from these devices rather than just traditional computers or laptops. Using unified access means that businesses will have a way of reaching out to all of their employees and customers no matter what kind of device they use.

 

Mobile-Friendly Unified Access

The most important thing for businesses to do is choosing or having a custom unified access solution developed that’s mobile-friendly because most of their customers and employees will be accessing it from a smartphone or tablet. For example, if a business wants to use unified access to allow their employees to view and edit any kind of file regardless of device or location, then they should choose one that is hosted in the cloud because this makes it possible for all users to obtain important files from anywhere.

Businesses can also gain access to services such as Microsoft Exchange with unified access to get the best experience possible. Options like this make it possible for employees and customers to not only use their phones to view important documents or other data, but to edit that data as well, something that is rarely supported by mobile email apps.

 

How Businesses Benefit From Unified Access

Businesses that implement unified access into their systems can benefit in many ways.

 

Easy Connectivity

Unified access makes it possible for all users and devices to connect with one another and the company’s data. This is particularly useful if a business has employees that work remotely or don’t operate within a traditional office setting.

 

Easily Accessed Data

With unified access, business data is easily accessed by employees and customers no matter what device they use. This makes it easier for businesses to share their data with people who need it rather than constantly worrying about compatibility issues that might impede the sharing process.

 

Increased Collaboration

With unified access, employees and customers can collaborate in real time no matter where they are. This is especially helpful for businesses that have a large overseas presence or work with people from around the globe on a regular basis because it provides them with an easy way to communicate and share important company data.

 

Single Access Point

Since unified access is accessible via a single app, users can access it from anywhere without any extra steps. This makes the entire process more efficient because it doesn’t require people to use multiple devices or programs in order to get their work done.

 

Easy Access To Files

Unified access makes it possible for employees to retrieve important files, documents, and other data from any device. This is especially helpful for businesses that have employees who work with large amounts of data on a regular basis.

 

What About Benefits for Small Businesses?

Unified access is helpful for businesses of all sizes because it can be adapted to meet their needs. For example, a small business might only need unified access in order for their employees to communicate with one another while a larger business may need something more comprehensive to handle an international presence or collaborate between multiple locations.

Businesses that are interested in learning more about unified access and how it can help them should contact a managed service provider for more information.

 

Sunvera Software develops next-level software applications from start-to-finish. We are a premier software and mobile app development agency specializing in healthcare mobile app development, custom mobile app development, telehealth software, sales dashboards, custom mobile app development services, retail software development, supply-chain software, ecommerce, shopify, web design, iBeacon apps, security solutions and unified access software.

We are proud partners with Amazon AWS, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud.

Schedule a free 30-minute call with us to discuss your business, or you can give us a call at (949) 284-6300.

It’s no secret that passwords are often breached, stolen, guessed, reused and simply forgotten. While they’re still the most common form of authentication for companies worldwide to control access to their systems and applications, passwordless access can improve security over the traditional username/password model by removing the human factor from the authentication process. In this article we’ll discuss the fundamentals of passwordless access, how it works, and steps involved for implementation.

 

How Does It Work?

Passwordless authentication has been devised to remove the human element from authenticating user identity against access rights within an organization’s systems or applications. It doesn’t replace passwords entirely but reduces reliance on them for validation in different ways, which will be discussed in more detail below.

While not a new concept, this emerging authentication method has been enjoying increased popularity in the media lately, thanks to several large-scale data breaches that have fueled concerns about compromised passwords and shared secrets. Passwordless access seeks to address this by focusing on alternate verification factors such as information contained within a person’s cellphone or a one-time code.

 

Why Passwordless Access is Important for SMBs

Many small and mid-size businesses (SMBs) are still relying on password-based authentication to control access to their company data, applications and other business systems. Strong authentication practices are still lacking in over 75% of SMBs, according to a recent study by Ponemon. While it’s often assumed that smaller organizations are more at risk for breaches with less security infrastructure in place, the reality is that passwordless access can be just as beneficial for these companies without requiring additional expense or complicated implementations.

As with large organizations, SMBs find themselves subject to the same data breach risks as their larger counterparts. This isn’t surprising considering they are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals for the valuable data stored on their systems. Passwordless access can help reduce this risk of compromised credentials and stolen information, simply by removing the password from the authentication process altogether.

 

Implementing Passwordless Authentication: Steps Involved

There are a few different ways to implement passwordless authentication within your business:

 

1. Implement App-Based Authentication (Google Authenticator, DuoMobile)

App-based authentication usually requires a user to input their passcode alongside username and password in order to gain access. In case of Google Authenticator or Duo Mobile, the app generates a passcode that changes every 30 seconds which is then presented to the authentication server along with password. This approach is regarded as the simplest and most effective way to implement passwordless access.

 

2. Use an SMS Passcode (e.g., Authy)

Implementing SMS-based authentication is very similar to app-based authentication but instead of using separate app, the same one is used for both password and code generation/sending. In order to implement it you’ll need to assign an additional phone number that the user will use to receive authentication codes. The good thing is that any smartphone can be used (with or without app) but this approach has its disadvantages. For example, there are numerous reports about SMS being intercepted by cyber criminals so security-conscious SMBs should consider using physical tokens for extra protection against man-in-the-middle attacks.

 

3. Use Hardware Tokens (e.g., Yubico)

Hardware tokens are physical devices that generate passcode necessary for authentication. The common type of token is USB key where user inserts it into their computer’s USB port, enters the login credentials and authenticates with a tap on the device. This approach is very secure as the key never leaves its owner but it also means that only one device can be used for authentication. Companies like Yubico or Feitian offer a variety of tokens (that differ by form factor and security capabilities) to suit different needs.

 

4. Implement Combined Hardware+SMS Authentication (e.g., RSA SecurID, SafeNet Authentication Service)

This authentication method combines the highest level of security with ease of use. The user gets a hardware token (e.g., Yubikey) and an SMS passcode delivered to their mobile device (and machine in case it is necessary). This approach provides superior protection against phishing or man-in-the-middle attacks but is also more expensive as it requires a separate mobile number for every user and hardware token.

 

5. Use Biometric Authentication (e.g., Apple TouchID, Windows Hello)

Biometric authentication makes use of the distinguishing biological traits unique to each person as a credential during the authentication process. In most cases these traits are fingerprints, face, or iris but there is a lot of research going into utilizing palm prints, heart-rate, and even smell as a unique identifier. Biometric authentication was once considered to be insecure as it has been thought that the human body could not be used for secure purposes due its ability to be hacked. However, modern security processes ensure that the biometric data used for authentication is heavily protected.

Passwordless authentication is quickly becoming an industry standard for securing online accounts. You can choose one of the listed options or implement a combination of multiple methods (custom solution) to ensure that your data is secure and dependable on password-based authentication.

 

Sunvera Software develops next-level software applications from start-to-finish. We are a premier software and mobile app development agency specializing in healthcare mobile app development, custom mobile app development, telehealth software, sales dashboards, custom mobile app development services, retail software development, supply-chain software, ecommerce, shopify, web design, iBeacon apps, security solutions and unified access software.

We are proud partners with Amazon AWS, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud.

Schedule a free 30-minute call with us to discuss your business, or you can give us a call at (949) 284-6300.

Passwordless access is becoming more widespread, with Google’s recent announcement about moving towards ‘no passwords’. Businesses are already using passwordless access for many reasons. But how helpful can it be? Is it worth investing time and money into this method of security?

Let’s start with a quick, 30-second definition.

 

What is Passwordless Access?

Passwordless access is a way for companies to allow their users to access their data securely without ever having to enter a password. Security is maintained and access is much easier for the end user.

Passwordless access can be achieved in a number of ways including NFC, Bluetooth, and through Identity Providers such as Google’s recently launched Advanced Protection Program.

Now that we know what it means, let’s see how it can help your business.

 

How Businesses Can Benefit From Passwordless Access

Passwordless access has the potential to make your company’s life easier, safer and more convenient.

If you’re thinking of incorporating passwordless access to your business, you’d better make sure that you and all your employees understand and agree with the system. If any one of them is not willing to learn or uncomfortable using it, then they probably should not bear the responsibility of having to use it.

If you are willing to make the change, then there are many benefits your company can enjoy by choosing passwordless access over traditional passwords. Let’s take a look at them individually.

 

Increasing Productivity

A lot of companies are enthusiastic about going passwordless because they see it as an opportunity for their employees to increase productivity in the office.

We are all busy people, so anything that can save us some time is welcome. Passwordless access does just that, since it makes the whole process of logging in faster and easier for employees.

While passwordless technologies usually require an additional step during authentication (i.e. using a fingerprint or facial recognition), your employees won’t have to input their passwords every time they want to access their account, making the login process simpler.

 

Making Access Safer And Easier

Passwordless access is safer and easier to use because users do not have to enter their password each time they want to access their company’s data from a different device, such as a smartphone or a laptop. Passwordless access instead unlocks and opens access with nothing but that user’s knowledge of the system – specifically their unique “knock”.

For example, Google uses push notification technology to confirm that it is really you trying to log into your account. It also requires users to complete additional security steps before they can acquire access to their data.

This new technology, which has been called “magic pins”, is also beneficial because it works on both smartphones and laptops. Passwordless access also makes using your company’s data more convenient, from whatever device you may be using.

 

Easy On Your Employees And Customers

Another benefit of passwordless access is that it is easy on your employees and customers, especially for those who are not very tech-savvy.

There are no worries about entering the wrong password and risking the security of your company’s data, nor is there any frustration related to having to enter a password each time you want to access something.

It’s also very simple for clients or customers to use: all they have to do is request access, and that will give them online access through their chosen device(s). That way, customers can access their data from the comfort of their own homes.

 

Why Passwordless Access Is Not a ‘Complete’ Solution for Company Security

Now that you know all the unique benefits of passwordless access, it’s important to also remember what it is not. It is not a system that provides complete security to your company’s data, but it definitely makes accessing their data from various devices easier and faster for them as well as those outside the company who require it.

Passwordless access does not protect against malicious hacking, but it is still important to implement additional security measures (such as Two-Step Verification) if you want to keep your data more secure.

 

Sunvera Software develops next-level software applications from start-to-finish. We are a premier software and mobile app development agency specializing in healthcare mobile app development, custom mobile app development, telehealth software, sales dashboards, custom mobile app development services, retail software development, supply-chain software, ecommerce, shopify, web design, iBeacon apps, security solutions and unified access software.

We are proud partners with Amazon AWS, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud.

Schedule a free 30-minute call with us to discuss your business, or you can give us a call at (949) 284-6300.

The ability of providers and patients to access and share health data securely places a large responsibility on the healthcare IT professionals who develop EMR, PM, and billing systems. In order for telehealth to be successful, strong information security is needed.  As more healthcare records move online with applications such as HealthVault and GenieMD, concerns remain about the ability of these technologies to keep security intact.  Critical components of information and data security in telehealth software must be developed with forethought toward challenges that will arise with cloud-based computing (where telecommunications equipment is located on the Internet, rather than in a local context).

 

Why Are Cyber Attacks So Common in Healthcare?

Healthcare is an attractive target for cyber criminals.  First, attackers can often use healthcare organizations’ own information to access medical devices like insulin pumps and pacemakers or gain access to electronic health records (EHRs).  Second, patient identities are more valuable than other types of personal data because they contain the personally identifiable information that is used for fraud.  Lastly, health care providers are not prepared to defend against cyber attacks. They often lack the technical skills and security protocols needed to protect sensitive information on their medical devices, networks, and EHRs.

 

Top Telehealth Security Risks To Be Aware Of

While telehealth is a safe and effective way to provide care, it can also be vulnerable and risky for patient and provider alike. The following are the top information security risks that need to be addressed in telehealth software:

 

1. Application Security

Without proper application security, cybercriminals can gain access to patient data through unsecured apps that are vulnerable to malware attacks. The goal of many cyber criminals is to infect an app with their own malicious code in order to steal personal information before it reaches the EHR.  One way to prevent the infiltration of malware is to use an app security framework.

 

2. Privacy

Electronic Health Records (EHRs) are often targeted by cybercriminals looking for patient data, which can be used in a variety of ways including selling it on the black market, using it for identity theft schemes, or selling it to other cyber criminals.  One way to prevent the loss of patient data is to have a solid incident response plan in place that includes clear roles and responsibilities for employees, as well as regular risk assessments.

 

3. EMR/EHR Integration

Having the ability to transfer patient information between different platforms is invaluable in today’s healthcare industry, but it also means that providers must be extra vigilant about protecting patient information.

 

4. Cloud Computing

Cloud computing increases productivity and efficiency, but can also make it easier for hackers to achieve their goals of stealing patient information or disrupting IT networks.  Therefore, it is important for telehealth security professionals to ensure that proper measures are in place to prevent cyber attacks, whether it be through encryption or strong authentication methods.

 

Other General Risks

In addition to the four biggest risks we just highlighted, there are some other things that you must be aware of in order to ensure proper telehealth security.

Some of these include:

• Insufficient training for employees on security protocols, which makes it easier for hackers to penetrate the telehealth system.  This is why it is important to have a clear incident response plan in place so that everyone knows what they are supposed to do if there is ever a data breach.
• The use of default passwords and weak security measures.  Default passwords can be easily discovered online and shared with cybercriminals, while weak or ineffective security measures pave the way for hackers to gain access to patient data or disrupt IT networks.
• The lack of endpoint protection such as antivirus software. Endpoint protection (e.g. antivirus software) can be used to both prevent and detect malware attacks.  The right type of endpoint protection will not only stop malware in its tracks, but it can also detect suspicious activity such as attempted system logins or changes to an EHR platform.

While there are many challenges associated with telehealth, security professionals have developed a variety of different solutions to reduce patient risk.  For example, they can use two-factor authentication or require passwords for mobile devices that are unique and changed frequently. It is also important for health care professionals to use anti-malware tools and firewalls.

 

How HIPAA Plays An Important Role in Healthcare Data Security

In the United States, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) regulates access to protected health information.  It is a set of security standards that includes requirements for data encryption, incident reporting, risk analysis, administrative safeguards, physical safeguards and technical safeguards.

Telehealth providers and their business associates must operate in compliance with HIPAA rules in order to ensure that they are adhering to all current federal laws.  It is important for telehealth security professionals to know the exact requirements for their company in order to build a comprehensive security plan that puts patient safety front and center.

Nowadays, cyber security risk management plays an increasingly vital role in healthcare.

While many hospitals are transitioning to become paperless clinics, the need for protecting electronic health records has never been greater. Furthermore, issues of privacy and security have increased exponentially in recent years due to hackers stealing sensitive patient information which then gets sold on the black market, putting patients at risk of fraud and identity theft. It is important for healthcare organizations to be HIPAA compliant, and by becoming aware and taking action to address the most common security risks in healthcare, your organization and patient data will be protected from even the strongest external threats.

 

Sunvera Software develops next-level software applications from start-to-finish. We are a premier software and mobile app development agency specializing in healthcare mobile app development, custom mobile app development, telehealth software, sales dashboards, custom mobile app development services, retail software development, supply-chain software, ecommerce, shopify, web design, iBeacon apps, security solutions and unified access software.

We are proud partners with Amazon AWS, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud.

Schedule a free 30-minute call with us to discuss your business, or you can give us a call at (949) 284-6300.