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.

As an online business grows, its security risks can grow as well. However, with the appropriate security strategies in place, even an online business can have a strong defense against security threats.

The sheer number of security breaches hitting businesses every day only further stresses the importance of having a strong and smart security strategy.

How An O2O Model Reduces Security Threats

One of the most effective ways to combat the security threats that come with having a vast amount of data is by deploying O2O (online-to-offline) solutions such as QR codes and RFID (radio frequency identification).

QR Code: A QR code is a machine-readable matrix of black and white squares. QR codes are used for high-speed data transfer, linking to websites or even embedding business logins in small areas.

RFID: An RFID tag is a radio frequency identification device that consists of a small chip with an antenna. The purpose of the technology is to track goods.

QR codes and RFID tags both have a wide range of security features. For example, QR codes can be read by smartphones while RFID tags need to be scanned with the appropriate reader. In addition, QR codes do not include any back-end software or data storage locations that hackers can exploit, meaning that they’re much harder to hack into than RFID tags, which can store and transmit information.

But That’s Not All!

Although the O2O technologies mentioned above are helpful for reducing security threats, the sad truth is that businesses that have an O2O model are still exposed to a number of cyber threats.

Here are some examples of how online-to-offline businesses may suffer from cyber threats:

Man-in-the-Middle Attacks

In a man-in-the-middle attack, hackers intercept an ongoing communication session between two entities. In this case, the business server and your device. In order to do this, the hacker must be able to control the communication channel between the two entities.

For example, if a business owner sets up a free Wi-Fi hotspot in the store and asks customers to connect their devices to it so they can benefit from it as well, a man-in-the middle attack could take place if a hacker sets up a free WiFi hotspot with the same name and logo of the business.

When a customer connects to a fake hotspot, their device will think it’s actually connecting to the original business’s server, but in fact the connection is between an attacker’s device and your device, allowing them to intercept all sensitive information transferred between your device and the server.

Website Gets Hacked

The business’s website can be targeted by hackers who try to inject malware, ransomware and/or other types of viruses. Once the website is infected, all visitors who go there will be exposed to these threats.

Ransomware attacks can also target mobile devices through malicious links within phishing emails. If your business’s website gets hacked, you must act quickly and contact an information security company for help with cleaning the malware off of the website and any connected systems.

Third-Party Apps at Risk

If the business uses third-party applications for its daily operations, then it opens itself to vulnerabilities. This is because these apps are not owned by the business, which means it can’t control them all. Third-party applications also have a history of being hacked, so the potential issues with these types of apps are never too far away.

If the business’s website gets hacked, all third-party apps that are connected to it can also be exposed. Hackers will identify these third-party applications and try to exploit them one by one until they find a way into the system.

What Can Your Business Do to Combat These Risks?

Even though the business model is a great way for companies to grow, it also opens businesses up to a number of security threats.

In order to stay protected from these risks, online-to-offline businesses can follow these guidelines:

• Maintain a strong backup system for your data and information.
• Use complex passwords and two-factor authentication whenever possible.
• Keep an eye out for suspicious activity from any device on your server.
• Use a security solution that offers DNS protection and the ability to block IP’s and domains.

O2O solutions can help businesses maintain security by knowing their customers better. Knowing who they are is probably the most important factor in understanding what will make them interested in particular goods or services. By keeping up with technologies that offer new ways to collect and use data, an online-to-offline business can continue on a path of growth while being proactive about security.

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.

What is information security and how can one improve it? What do we mean when we say “information security”? Is everyone talking about the same thing when they use this term? Here, we will answer some of these questions.

What is Information Security?

Information security is a discipline that focuses on protecting information from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption and destruction. It requires data to be confidential as well as authenticated. The security of your info means that only the right people have access to the right info at the right time for legitimate purpose. This is a very broad discipline as it deals with protection of all kinds of digital as well as non-digital information.

There are two main aspects involved in information security:

1. Confidentiality

Confidentiality means that only the authorized people are able to see or access something. For example, when you send an e-mail message to someone, confidentiality is ensured because you have limited who can read your email by using the appropriate mechanisms to encrypt it so that only the intended recipient is able to decrypt and view it.

2. Integrity

The integrity of info means that when people access something, they can see the correct version of data and not a ‘manipulated’ version which has been changed or altered from its original form either intentionally or by accident. For example, if someone visits an e-commerce site to purchase a new video game console, the person needs to be confident that he is seeing the correct price and not some altered version of it which has been changed by a cyber criminal in order to trick him into paying more than what the product actually costs.

Why is Information Security Important?

Information security is important for everyone involved in using, maintaining or handling information of all kinds. It is also important to organizations as it directly affects their brand value and image in the market. When an organization fails to protect its digital assets (information) properly, it can result in significant financial losses for that company.

Tips and Tricks to Improve the Security of Your Data

There are many tips and tricks that can be used to improve the security of your data. Here are some of the top ones:

1. Keep Your Systems Up-To-Date

Always make sure that you regularly update your operating system and other software you use regularly. The reason why many organizations fail to do this is because it takes up a lot of time and resources to make these updates and hence they end up skipping them and ignore security patches which are released regularly by the vendor.

2. Create Strong Passwords

You might be familiar with the phrase ‘passwords are dead’ as they lack security and can be easily guessed, but if you change your passwords regularly and create a strong one (make sure that it is at least 12 characters long and not like this: abcd1234), then you can keep yourself safe.

3. Use Anti-Virus Software

This is the easiest and most common way to protect your computer from viruses, malware and other threats that can harm your computer. However, you should not rely on anti-virus software alone, as it can’t detect or stop everything. You need a complete layered security approach which should include anti-virus software, anti-malware software, and web filtering solutions to protect your employees from visiting potentially harmful websites.

4. Avoid Public Wi-Fi Networks

Although it is tempting to use free public Wi-Fi networks when you are at an airport or shopping mall, it is not a good idea as these networks are not secure at all. Most of them are unencrypted and can allow hackers to access your traffic if you don’t take the necessary precautions. There are ways to be safe while using public Wi-Fi networks, but its best to avoid them as much as possible.

5. Always Double Check Before Clicking on Any Link or Attachment

You should never open any link or attachment from an unknown person as it might be a phishing email that looks like it has been sent by someone you trust, but actually is a link or attachment which can infect your computer with malware. You should always double check the email address of the person who sent it and if it seems to be weird, then do not click on any attached file or link in that email.

6. Use Two-Factor Authentication

Two factor authentication includes both the ‘something you have’ as well as ‘something you know’. For example, some devices or computers that are used to access a particular service might have a unique ID which is required to authenticate the user. Another common method is using a token generator which provides a temporary one-time password for accessing an online account.

7. Keep Your Personal Information Private

You should keep your personal information private and also keep it off social media as much as possible. For example, if you post a picture of yourself with a new car or bike on Instagram, then anyone can use that photo and claim to be you and apply for credit card in your name. So it is better to keep your personal information private.

8. Check Your Financial Statements Regularly

You should always check your monthly statements carefully for any unknown transactions or charges which might be unauthorized, if you notice that then immediately contact your credit card company or bank to report this fraudulent activity.

9. Use Privacy Protection Software

You should use ‘Privacy Protection Software’ to hide your IP address which is the digital fingerprint that can be used by hackers to identify who you are and where you are located. Using a VPN or Proxy Server for protecting your online activities is always recommended as it will keep all your internet traffic private.

Hackers are getting smarter day by day and they are using new methods to attack anyone. But you can stay safe by following the above mentioned tips for protecting your information online.

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.

Small businesses are an easy target for cyber attacks. Their limited resources and lack of IT staff make it difficult to properly secure their data and adhere to cybersecurity guidelines. Cybercriminals are well aware of this and take advantage.

Small business owners would be better off hiring a professional cybersecurity firm to protect their company, rather than investing the time needed to understand IT security. But it is still vital for small businesses to recognize cyber risks and know what steps they should take every step of the way.

Why Small Businesses Especially Need Cybersecurity

Small businesses are considered high-value targets for cybercriminals because they possess more valuable data than larger companies.

Most small businesses don’t have the proper security solution in place, which makes them more susceptible to attacks than an enterprise with stronger security measures.

Prevent Attacks by Understanding Cybersecurity

When it comes to cybersecurity, small businesses are just as important as large enterprises. If your business does not have the time or expertise to invest in security measures, there is no reason to think you are exempt from cyber risk; on the contrary, you should be even more aware of potential dangers and take proactive measures.

If you fail to invest in IT security, you increase your chances of becoming a victim of a cyberattack.

Best Practices for Small Businesses to Prevent Cyber Attacks

There are a number of steps small businesses can take to secure their information and prevent an attack.

Install a Firewall

A firewall is perhaps the most basic security measure small businesses can incorporate to prevent external attacks. All incoming and outgoing traffic should go through the firewall, which will filter out any suspicious activity. If you’re not tech-savvy, consider hiring a consultant to get your firewall up and running.

Protect Your Devices

Make sure all of the devices that connect to the internet (computers, tablets, phones etc.) are protected with antivirus/antimalware software and are regularly updated.

Back-up Your Data

Backups serve as a safety net in the unlikely event that your information is compromised. Ensure you have a solid backup plan no matter what happens, whether it’s an internal or external data breach.

Back up all of your important electronic files either to an external source or to another location offsite so you can restore them if they are stolen, deleted or corrupted by ransomware.

Use Strong Passwords

A cyberattack can occur faster than you may think. Therefore, the easiest way to thwart an attack is by having strong passwords for your devices and accounts that are difficult to guess or hack. The longer it takes for an adversary to get into your system, the more time there is for security measures to take effect—and the more likely you are to be notified of an attack.

Create a Cybersecurity Policy

Many small businesses don’t have written security policies, but establishing one will reassure employees that the business takes IT security seriously. It also serves as proof of due diligence against cyber liability claims. A strong security policy should contain rules on password strength, what devices are allowed on the network, antivirus software installation and updates etc.

Be Vigilant About Security Breaches

If you suspect that your business may have been a target of a cyberattack, or if it has become the victim of one, immediately take these steps:  call the police so they can launch a formal investigation. Notify your insurance agent so they can review the policy and determine if you have coverage for cyber liability. Have a cybersecurity consultancy analyze your system to find any flaws or vulnerabilities that may have been exploited by hackers.

Consult Your Insurance Company

Call insurance companies to see if they offer any special cyber liability coverage or endorsements and tailor your coverage accordingly. If you don’t have an existing cybersecurity insurance policy, consider buying one now before a large-scale attack occurs.

Keep Up-to-Date with Security Measures

With all of the current cyber threats out there, it is important to stay abreast of what steps you can take to protect your business from them.  Security professionals recommend consulting reputable security or IT firms for assistance with your security measures.  And remember, small businesses should never attempt to go alone on IT security.

It’s undeniable that information technology has transformed the way we live and work. But these advancements have also introduced a variety of risks, which is why cybersecurity needs to become a priority for every business—regardless of its size. With this in mind, if you are a small business owner with questions about security, seek the advice of your employees or an IT specialist.

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.

You’ve been told that in order for your business to be successful, it needs a mobile app. But not just any mobile app — you need a custom mobile app that is tailored to your business and your customers. Something that your customers will use again and again when they are looking for a particular product or service.

Mobile apps are projected to bring in $935 billion in US Dollars worth of sales, in-app advertising, and paid downloads. That’s an incredible amount of money generated from targeted apps that your company or organization could be missing out on if you do not have a mobile app. 

Maybe it is time for your company to consider custom mobile applications and invest in custom mobile app development.

What is Custom Mobile App Development?

Custom mobile app development is where your company develops or hires a third party to develop a mobile app that is tailored specifically to your company’s and its clients’ or customers’ needs. Unlike generic apps that have the basics, your custom app will have features not found with other apps. Maybe it’s a special storefront, an estimate calculator, or even a game. Regardless, it’s important to have the app do what’s required to convince customers to contact you or purchase your products.

Why Custom Apps?

Your company most likely has a webpage. And the CEOs of those companies may think that is enough. But it is not. You see, by 2025, experts estimate that the number of mobile users will climb to 7.49 billion, up from 7.1 billion in 2021. Those mobile users have devices that require content that is built for the small screens of a smartphone or tablet. If your website’s layout doesn’t look right on a mobile device, chances are your potential clients are going to look elsewhere for a product or service. 

But not all mobile apps are the same. If your mobile app is generic and clumsy to use, your clients and customers won’t use it. If it is complex and not intuitive, they won’t use it either. And then, you have to think about not just the customers in your country, but across the globe. Is your product only interesting to English speakers, or do you have a broad base in other countries? Your app will need to be available in different languages to ensure that your international customers are able to use it.

Checklist to Building Successful Apps in 2021

Now that you know you should have a mobile app, you now need to know how to build successful apps. Even if your business plans on hiring the job out to a custom mobile app development company, you should plan out your mobile app strategy to develop your app. Here are some basic guidelines that may help you get started.

1. Define your mobile app strategy. What does it need to accomplish? Who will be the users? What mobile platforms will you support? What do your competition apps look like? All these are important questions that need to be defined.
2. Develop your requirements for your mobile app. What must it do minimally? What are nice to haves? Will it be launched in phases, or do you want the entire app’s functionality to be present at the current launch?
3. Plan your development and launch. Do you need to have it ready by next year? Sooner? Are you creating your app in-house or are you having a third party develop it for you? Come up with a flow chart of how you want the mobile app to work.
4. Create a working style guide to maintain consistency. Like publications, your mobile app will need to use a particular style every time to maintain consistency. For example, you may want to use 10 point Times New Roman as the main font and the style guide should state that this should be the main text. That way, your app doesn’t jar the user with an unexpected font, such as 20 point Arial Black. 
5. Design the User Interface. Your users will first see the user interface, which is why this is a very important step. Choose the colors, layout, and other ways your app will appear to your customers.
6. Design a viable workflow. Customers and users will have a variety of methods to interact with the mobile app. It is up to you to determine all the possible responses a customer may have in your mobile app and provide a response.
7. Create a mock-up of your app. This can be a basic mock-up that gives you and your team an overall idea for what the mobile app looks like and behaves.
8. Create a realistic prototype that can run similar to the final version. This allows testers and beta users to experience your app and determine if there are any changes necessary before going forward with the final design. 
9. Choose your API, backend/server, and frontend mobile interfaces. The backend or server handles the database and monetary transactions. The API allows the mobile device interface and the server to interact. The frontend mobile device interface is what interacts directly with the user.
10. Develop your App. At this point, you are ready to develop your app using all the previous steps. You will need to choose the development languages at this time. In many cases it will depend on what you chose for your server, API, and frontend.
11. Test your app. Your app will have to go through rigorous testing including: functionality testing, user testing, security testing, performance testing, device and platform testing, and more.
12. Deploy your app. Now is the time for the release! That means you’ll need to release your app to the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store. Both have guidelines for releasing apps there, so be sure to follow their rules. You also must plan on support for your new app and be flexible enough to make changes to grow with your customers.

If your organization or business is looking to maintain and grow your customers, it’s important that you have a custom mobile app. Whether you choose to design and develop a custom mobile app, or whether you hire a third party to develop your app, you will need to understand the design and development that goes into creating a mobile app for your business.

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.