Cloud security and cloud unified communications
The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is changing how companies operate. If you’re working remotely, how do you keep your team together, and how can you improve your cloud security? Let’s take a look.
Cloud unified communications
A recent study showed that nearly 67 percent of organizations already make use of cloud unified communications, and this figure is only expected to rise as the pandemic lockdown continues and employees increasingly work from home. So, how does it actually work?
Cloud-based UC lets your employees communicate instantly, wherever they’re located. It brings together email, voice calls, video conferencing, and text messaging all within one convenient platform, so there’s no need to switch between different applications. It doesn’t matter what device your employee uses, either – with cloud-based UC, they can access the platform from any device with an internet connection.
So, why should you introduce cloud unified communications into your business? Here are three key reasons.
1. Improved collaboration
With cloud-based UC, employees can collaborate like never before. Your team can work on documents together in real-time, and they can instantly exchange ideas and solve problems. Collaboration is how great ideas are born.
2. Increased productivity
Since UC makes it easier for employees to collaborate, it cuts down on the time it takes for your team to make decisions and devise strategies. Less time spent on administrative matters such as sending follow-up questions by email gives your team more time to work on important, more productive tasks.
3. Enhanced communication
Cloud UC upgrades your entire communications strategy. Now, employees can switch from a voice call to a video chat with just one click, and they can monitor their inbox without leaving the platform. Cloud-based UC reduces the risk of miscommunication because employees can quickly see the most recent message exchange.
Tips for securing your data on the cloud
Recent surveys show that while roughly 90 percent of companies are already using cloud-based services, privacy, and regulatory issues are still major concerns. Now that you and your employees are all working remotely through cloud-based platforms, cloud security is more important than ever – luckily, it’s never been easier, either.
Encrypt files
File encryption is a key way to keep data safe in the cloud. Unless someone has the “key” to unscramble and open the encrypted file, they can’t access it. You should always encrypt your most sensitive data.
Use firewalls
Firewalls protect your business data from external threats. They stop malicious outsiders from infiltrating your system. They also block unwanted network communications so you can get on with running your business without worrying about hackers.
Set authorization levels
Just because you’re all working from a unified cloud doesn’t mean that every employee should have access to the same files. You can password-protect certain files so only authorized personnel can access them.
Train your staff
Files are typically very secure in the cloud, but it’s important that your employees understand how to properly safeguard data and protect sensitive information. Ensure that your staff knows how to use the cloud safely, and appoint someone to answer any security questions.
COVID-19 and UC
With cloud unified communications, you can increase staff productivity and foster a real sense of workplace continuity despite the Coronavirus lockdown. And, with the right security solutions, you and your team can communicate and innovate without worrying about data privacy. For more information on UC and cloud security, contact us.
