enfuse, Author at Voice and Data, Inc.

Common Misconceptions about Colocation Hosting Services

Posted on March 23, 2017

While exploring the option of colocation, businesses face a lot of confusion. The concept of colocation is still misunderstood by some sectors of the industry and several misconceptions continue to hinder companies from opting for colocation services.

Here is a list of urban legends about colocation cleared out for you!

1. Is colocation the same as managed hosting?

No, managed hosting is similar to colocation in the fact that both services are conducted in a place that is not owned by the business. But in managed hosting the facility as well as the hosting servers do not belong to the business. In colocation, the business owns the software as well as the server but uses the space of the provider.

2. Colocation is very expensive

Colocation is slightly more expensive than managed hosting but it is generally much cheaper than building your own space for accommodating the additional servers. Clients pay for the space and one must remember that the protection for the space (both virtual and physical) is also included within the cost.

3. Convenience is an issue for the IT personnel in colocation

The colocation provider will allow the client to control most equipment remotely. However, occasionally, the IT staff must visit the facility for equipment upgrade.

4. Security is a major concern while opting for colocation

Colocation providers equip their data centers with multiple layers of security and the data is better protected than when it is hosted in-house. The provider also promises 24/7 support.

Commonly Overlooked Cyber Security Vulnerabilities

Posted on March 15, 2017

The financial and reputational damage caused by hackers to an organization can be devastating; Yet many organizations fail to properly protect their network.

Here is a list of the commonly overlooked cyber security vulnerabilities within an organization.

Vulnerabilities caused due to injection flaws

When untrusted or unreliable data is sent to an interpreter, injection vulnerability occurs. These flaws are quite common and can be detected while analyzing the code. A cyber-attack that is caused through an injection flaw can result in loss of data or exposure of sensitive data. In some cases, the cyber attacker can use the injection attack to gain complete control over the system. The most common type of injection attack is SQL injection vulnerability.

Buffer overflow vulnerability

When an application sends more data to a buffer (more than it can actually hold) then the buffer overflow vulnerability condition is born. There are different types of buffer overflow attacks and they are most commonly used to target web applications and desktop applications.

Exposure of sensitive organizational data

Data can be exploited while it is stored, in transit or resting in the backup. Proper encryption with appropriate key generation and management is essential to control such threats.

Understanding the motivation of cyber attackers and adopting the right counter moves is very difficult to achieve. Understanding the most common vulnerabilities could be a great approach to maximize organizational cyber security.

What are the best benefits of working with a colocation service provider?

Posted on March 9, 2017

As technology advances, more and more organizations are opting for colocation rather than running their own data center. The colocation service provider hosts the equipment of the client in its data center and provides everything required for the smooth functioning of the system. Read on to find out the benefits of working with a colocation provider.

Enhanced scalability

Scaling up or scaling down your computer needs as and when required is possible only when you work with a colocation service provider. Drastic changes (or seasonal changes) in projects would otherwise involve hiring and firing of staff and other equipment which is certainly an unhealthy sign for any business.

Better protection

When you work with a reliable colocation service provider, your servers are subjected to top quality security measures like circuit cameras, biometric scanners, alarm system, personnel security and so on. Implementing multiple security measures in your in-house data center would cost you much.

Stable environment

When you are moving your location, expanding your offices or having trouble with frequent power outages, colocation service provider can come to your rescue. The colocation service provider will have all the backup options in place and ensure there is no interruption in service and dissatisfaction among customers. Colocation is the best option during natural disasters too.

Lowered costs

When you are working with a colocation service provider, you are only paying for your own equipment and not the entire datacenter. However, you are awarded the best IT infrastructure possible for the best possible cost.

Some Myths about HIPAA Compliance Debunked

Posted on March 1, 2017

HIPAA also referred to as Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 was established to protect sensitive patient data by healthcare organizations. Achieving 100% HIPAA compliance is possible only when there are sufficient technical processes in place. To understand the concept of HIPAA compliance better, let us debunk the most common myths about the issue.

Myth 1: HIPAA applies to hospitals only

A healthcare provider or an organization that offers cloud-based applications or services for a healthcare provider must abide by the HIPPA requirements. Any organization that deals with personal health information either in the physical or electronic form will not be exempt from HIPAA compliance demands.

Myth 2: HIPAA compliance check must be done only once

A HIPAA compliant entity must go through the assessment each time the organization undergoes a change internally. Experts recommend organizations to reassess their vulnerabilities pertaining to patient information annually.

Myth 3: HIPAA compliance is yet to be well-explained and well-understood

It is true that HIPAA compliance is somewhat complex to comprehend but with the number of online resources available today, understanding HIPAA is simple and effective. The federal health information page has also outlined the guidelines of HIPAA compliance in detail and can be easily understood.

Myth 4: It is not necessary for cloud service providers to offer auditable facility in order to be HIPAA compliant

It is very important for your auditor to assess and approve an IT environment of being HIPAA compliant and this can be achieved only if the cloud service provider allows complete access to the site of cloud storage.

3 Common Problems that can be tackled through video surveillance

Posted on February 23, 2017

A place of business can be prone to problems of all types. While many employers seem to have realized the benefits of video surveillance for their workplace, a few others question the idea of using cameras to spy employees. However, in reality video surveillance is not a hindrance to employee freedom but a tool to aid their safety and well-being within the workplace.

Read on to find out the common organizational problems that can be resolved through the installation of video surveillance.

Checking inappropriate behavior among peers

Harassment (both sexual and psychological) is not an uncommon problem in today’s world. Many employees face these problems through their peers and in some cases through higher officials. In order to promote a healthy organization culture, such unwarranted behavior must be curtailed. Video surveillance places a check on such issues and also serves as a proof in case of trouble.

Deter incidents of theft

As a company you may have several security checks in place for the money that moves in and out of the company every day. But doesn’t a workplace contain more valuable documents than just money? Confidential trade secrets can be sold to another company or competitor by the employees or any outsider. With video surveillance, the chances for such incidents have diminished drastically.

Meeting the safety standards

From handling work tools to using elevators, safety of the employee is one of the most important parameters for any organization. With the video surveillance system in place, all safety standards will be met at all times.

Top 4 Reasons Why Colocation Is Ideal For The Web Hosting Of Your Small Business

Posted on February 21, 2017

If you are looking to integrate the features of large companies into the framework of your small business, Colocation is the right hosting option for you. As the owner of a small business, you might not have the luxury of hosting your own web servers or dedicated professionals to manage and design your site, however you can effectively implement Colocation which allows you to share someone else’s bandwidth. Here are the top 4 reasons why Colocation is ideal for your Small Business.

The cost of bandwidth

Colocation will cost you more than standard Web hosting but much less than the comparable amount of bandwidth in your workplace. Adopting this technology will ensure that you get higher bandwidth and improved redundancy for your network connections.

Better Outage protection

When you adopt colocation, you are already paying for backup power and power generators to protect your business from prolonged power cuts due to system faults or natural calamities.

Additional security

In the present business market, cyber security is one of the major horrors of both small and large business owners. Colocation is equipped to provide your systems with additional security. Your server is rest assured to be maintained and stored in a secured environment.

Maintenance of your server

At an additional cost, Colocation will offer you services to maintain and manage your server so that you do not need server providers who might be at a distance or a dedicated team of IT professionals to do it for you.

How To Make Your Organization HIPAA Compliant?

Posted on February 14, 2017

HIPAA is the acronym for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act which sets the standards for safeguarding sensitive patient data. If your organization deals with PHI or Protective Health Information, it is imperative that it maintains all the required physical as well as the network security measures to secure invaluable information. This Act was introduced in 1996 much before the digital evolution and therefore the language can be perceived as complex and difficult to comprehend. Here is a guide to enable your organization to maintain HIPAA Compliance.

In order to ensure the privacy and security of your PHI, you need to address the following four rules.

HIPAA Privacy Rule

The HIPAA Privacy rule establishes the National Standards for securing PHI. It tells you to prevent in unauthentic use of disclosure of PHI and to report any kind of breach notification. This rule also binds your organization to render an accounting of disclosures and adhere to the requirements of the security rules of HIPAA.

HIPAA Security Rule

This rule is in place to address the technical as well as non-technical safeguards which your organization needs to put in place to secure PHI. It is to be mentioned here that the HIPAA Security rule binds and protects PHI whether the information is stored digitally or in printed copy.

HIPAA Enforcement Rule

This rule binds any kind of past or ongoing investigations, penalties or trials of organizations which have failed to be HIPAA compliant.

HIPAA Breach Notification Rule

The HIPAA Compliance allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services to contain a list of breaches which has compromised PHI resulting in affecting 500 or more individuals. Therefore, if your organization has breached HIPAA, it is imperative to report the Secretary of Health and Human Services of the same.

3 Tips to Build a Cyber Security Culture at the Workplace

Posted on February 7, 2017

Almost all of us are aware of the horrors of cyber criminals and how they can hack into intellectual corporate property causing the compromise of secured customer information. Although it is everyone’s duty to assist his/her organization against targeted attacks and security breaches; The importance of cyber security needs to be strongly delivered from the top management at all times. Here are three tips to build a sound cyber security culture at your workplace.

Maintain a sound password policy

Maintaining a proper password policy includes rendering the required access to the systems as per the nature of the job of the employees. Change the passwords frequently and conduct periodic checks to ensure that all the employees are on the same page.

Train the employees on Workplace security

Conduct regular trainings and certifications for employees to be able to identify suspicious cyber activities and how to report them. Educate them on how they can use the resources available with them to analyze and report potential cyber threats. Share incidents of cybercrimes with your employees and discuss how your organization is equipped to combat such incidents.

Act as a Role Model

If you function in the capacity of a senior manager, it is up to you to enthusiastically advocate security objectives and adhere to them. As an executive leader, ensure that you practice what you preach. Maintain a clear desk policy and ensure that you lock your system whenever you leave your desk. Such practices will encourage your employees to contribute to a positive and secured working environment.

HIPAA Compliance is Critical for Your Business Success! Here are the Reasons

Posted on January 9, 2017

Information and technology management is an important aspect for your business. This is because, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) states that all protected health information must be strictly protected — and that any breach of such information must be reported immediately. Moreover, this act has expanded the scope of who was responsible for meeting HIPAA regulations by including any third-party business associate that handles or processes personal health information for a covered entity like a hospital, insurance company, or medical provider.

Here are the benefits of HIPAA compliance,

Data Encryption

The HIPAA act insists that the data should be encrypted at rest in the data centers where it resides, in transit across the Internet, and to and from the cloud. Even if the data is not encrypted in the server, then it would become easier for employees to access it and results in data breach.

Strong Backup and Recovery

The HIPAA act demands the following requirements for storing confidential data,

Backups must reside in certain locations
Retrieval of data through access control and login monitoring
Data must be kept available even in times of disaster
Destroy old storage systems
Do not reuse old storage devices

A trusted HIPAA compliance provider holds Business Associate Agreements, Privacy and Security Rule Risk Assessments, and other documents ready for your perusal and implementation to understand the complexities of IT support and improve efficiency and productivity.

Author: enfuse