Did you know that solutions for backing up Office 365, Microsoft’s classic cloud service, are gaining popularity recently?
Office 365 is a well-known subscription-type service that allows Word, Excel, Exchange, etc.to be used anytime and anywhere via the cloud. It also works with online storage, such as OneDrive, for greater flexibility and productivity. For more and more businesses, it is the preferred solution as part of work style reforms. However, why is backup needed when Office 365 data is in the cloud in the first place? In this article, we will discuss five reasons.
1. Office 365 does not provide support for user errors or problems in local environments.
As Microsoft only provides a platform, it does not take responsibility for data loss due to user errors or problems with customers’ computers or servers. For example, if a file is mistakenly deleted by an employee or a company computer error, the file will automatically be deleted from the Office 365 cloud. It is dangerous to rely solely on the trash function to recover a file as it will only be stored for 30 days in the cloud. After that time, it will be permanently erased and unrecoverable.
2. All Office 365 user data is lost if the account is deleted.
If employees leave a company and delete their Office 365 accounts, all user emails, etc. will be completely lost. In many cases, the email data of former employees can be valuable at a later date. It is possible to keep the account of former employees but that will increase license fees indefinitely, creating an unnecessary cost.
3. Backup is indispensable to protect against cyber attacks, such as ransomware.
If a PC is infected with ransomware and files are maliciously encrypted, those files will be uploaded to the Office 365 cloud. It is possible to restore files up to several previous generations, but there is a limit to the time period and generation that can be restored. It is impossible to restore files to their most current state before infection unless it is noticed immediately.
4. As service failures are surprisingly common, overconfidence is a risk.
Microsoft’s cloud is certainly stable, and there are almost no serious problems on the service side. However, minor service failures often occur, so it is important to not become too overconfident. In fact, a number of companies were affected, including several failures in a row in the fall of last year, creating email system instability. Regular backups are vital to prevent business interruptions even in the event of a service failure.
5. Countermeasures are required for internal threats.
Corporate security threats come from both internal and external sources. External backup of Office 365 data is the most effective way to protect against all threats, such as deliberate file deletion by disgruntled or vindictive employees.
For Office 365 backup, we recommend the low cost and popular Office 365 Protection from Tsukaeru, which can completely protect and backup Office 365 emails, files, and folders quickly and easily. For more information, please visit our Office 365 Protection service page.
For inquiries, please contact Tsukaeru here.
The active use of the cloud is spreading in various industries, and the medical and healthcare industries are no exception. In fact, these fields are in the limelight for cutting-edge cloud utilization. Let’s look at how the cloud is used in the industry and why it is being increasingly introduced.
Rapid expansion of cloud utilization in the medical and healthcare fields
Among the wide variety of cloud utilization in the medical and healthcare fields, the primary one is cloud backup. Medical institutions possess vast amounts of data vital for diagnosis and treatment, such as electronic medical records and CT scan images. However, that data is often stored only on location at medical institutions and can be at risk to damage or loss due to natural disasters. Cloud backup is attracting attention as the safest, most efficient, and cost-effective way to mitigate that risk.
In addition, venture and major IT companies are accelerating their entry into the “cloud x healthcare” field. Over the past few years, services, such as online medical examinations, cloud-based medical history books, and health management apps are providing new cloud-technology solutions for the medical and healthcare industries. There is a growing excitement for this cloud fever.
What is the reason for this increasing introduction of the cloud at medical institutions?
The background of this trend is the wave of computerization in medical institutions. The penetration rate of electronic medical records at medical facilities has reached 43% according to a Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare survey (2017) and is expected to increase to 63% in two years. As more and more medical information is digitized, the need to safely store data separately from the medical facility has never been greater.
As the majority of Japan’s population is quickly aging, the importance of the medical and healthcare industries is also driving IT companies to enter the market. In the United States, which also has an aging population, medicine and healthcare are already some of the hottest topics in the cloud industry.
Protect your medical information with Tsukaeru Cloud Backup
In response to the expanding needs for cloud backup at medical institutions, we have been making preparations for the handling of medical information with our “Tsukaeru Cloud Backup.”
Currently, our system and operation management are being improved to comply with the requirements of the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry and the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, including the “Two Guidelines from Three Ministries” regarding the handling medical information electronically. Scheduled to be completed soon, these changes will make it possible to use Tsukaeru Cloud Backup at medical institutions while complying with all ministry guidelines.
Click here for details about Tsukaeru Cloud Backup
Tsukaeru will be exhibiting at the “Cloud Computing EXPO Japan Autumn” at Makuhari Messe from today until the 25th (Friday). Please stop by and learn about our popular cloud products, including Tsukaeru Cloud Backup. Please see the official website for event details.
When it comes to Business Continuity Planning (BCP), cloud backups have become a crucial component. As its many advantages become more well-known, an increasing number of companies have begun to utilize cloud backup services as replacements to on-premise data storage. What does this mean for the future of the cloud backup market? How much change will we see and what exactly is driving it?
The Cloud Backup Market Will Expand Significantly by 2025
According to a recent report from Verified Market Research, the cloud backup market was worth approximately $1.29 billion (¥ 139 billion) in 2016. This same report predicts that the market will rise to about $10.25 billion (¥ 1.1 trillion) by 2025. This means that from 2017 to 2025, the cloud backup market will have grown by an average of 25.9% every year.
Why this Rise in Popularity?
The growing demand for cloud backup can be ascribed to the rapidly increasing volume of data that must be processed by modern companies. Businesses across the globe are gradually becoming paperless and this means that data is now stored in electronic files. While many companies still use on-premise backup methods, the majority are beginning to recognize that this requires a much higher capital investment. On-premise backups see a spike in costs as soon as the capacity for data must be increased and there is a higher likelihood of seeing performance problems. With cloud backup, however, companies can increase or decrease their data capacity depending on their needs and this can be achieved flexibly, without incurring any large costs.
The benefits of cloud backup have also become more recognized among Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) and startup companies – this has been a major driving factor behind the market expansion. Since SMEs do not have the same human and financial resources as large enterprises, cloud backup has become the most attractive and effective backup solution. Unlike on-premise methods, cloud backup does not require any server management or maintenance, and it doesn’t need significant initial investments.
Powerful Security Measures with Tsukaeru Cloud Backup
Tsukaeru Cloud Backup has proven to be a highly effective cloud backup solution, offering powerful security measures that even prevent data loss in the event of a disaster. Data centers are located a short distance from Tokyo and Kansai in the Nagano Prefecture, an area known to be resistant against tsunamis and other disasters. When emergency strikes, this location is the ideal place to store your important data.
This cloud backup solution is also equipped with Active Protection, the latest AI-based technology that protects data against malicious ransomware. Encryption is performed with AES-256 and data is transferred safely with only the highest level of security.
If you’re interested in the benefits of cloud backup, try a 30-day free trial of Tsukaeru Cloud Backup today.
By now, you’re well aware of the importance of cloud backups – but you may be wondering, “How can I make a complete backup of all my company’s data and protect my business from data loss?” The process may seem daunting at first but the truth is, you can succeed with just a few simple steps.
Back-Up your Data to a Familiar Device
If you do not make regular backups, it’s time to change this and start backing up now. The next logical question is “To where?” USB flash drives, external HDDs, DVDs, and other more rudimentary backup locations are perfectly acceptable. Making the backup at all will be hugely beneficial to you. These familiar devices make backing up quick and easy, making file-recovery a far more seamless process when a data loss incident occurs.
Make This Backup Offsite
If you already have a local backup, consider making an offsite backup at the same time. When data is stored offsite, the risk of loss is significantly lower, making it an ideal backup solution for your BCP measures. Cloud backup services are the best choice for making offsite backups as all data is stored safely away from your company.
Automate Backups
Many backup services offer the option of automatically backing up data at a fixed time. This requires no extra effort on your part. Tsukaeru Cloud Backup is one of these powerful backup solutions with an automatic backup function. When backups are automated, users do not risk losing data if they forget to backup manually. This feature makes backing up a lot more convenient and in the long run, it could save your business from disaster.
Test the ‘Restore’ Function
After installing new backup software, it is highly advised that you test the ‘Restore’ function to ensure data can be restored correctly. There have been many cases where users were unable to restore their data because the original data has disappeared. To prevent future losses, make sure to test your software beforehand so you are fully aware of how it functions.
Back-Up Applications
It is common for users to back-up files and folders, but what about frequently used business tools? For the most effective safety procedures, get in the habit of backing up entire applications. This way, if software installation discs get lost, there is no risk of losing this software as well as the data embedded in it.
Cloud backups allow you to make a complete backup of your entire OS including apps, files, folders, user settings, and much more. In the event of hardware failure, all essential information can be restored to any hardware from a complete system image. This eliminates the need to reinstall your OS and applications. Tsukaeru Cloud Backup offers all these benefits so you can feel safe and assured at a low cost.
Learn more about Tsukaeru Cloud Backup
As more companies introduce Office365 into their central operations, more cyberattackers are coming up with means of accessing this new pool of data. For companies using Office365, long gone are the days where security measures can be brushed aside. They, too, are among the many who must take safety precautions surrounding data and sensitive information. Let’s take a look at the current situation and the countermeasures one can take.
Office365 is a Major Target for Cyberattacks
Usage of Office365 has risen considerably in both Japan and the world in general, and it is considered one of the most successful business services today. Currently, about 80% of companies on the ‘Fortune 500’ list and 70% of ‘Nikkei 225’ companies make use of Office365 products. Some Japanese companies who are avid users include Toyota, Japan Airlines, Yamaha, Softbank, Rakuten, and many others. Office365 sets a high standard for every business environment and to many, these services are absolutely essential.
Unfortunately, as it has risen in popularity, so has it become a bigger target for cyberattackers. Attacks on Office365 accounts have been increasing and diversifying over recent years. Most recently, attacks have started to target administrator accounts that perform software integration and mail system management. These accounts tend to be overlooked in terms of security and when accessed illegally, this violation is harder to notice. Once an administrator account has been hijacked, there is a risk of attackers gaining more advanced access over the entire Office365 system.
Phishing is More Sophisticated Today than Ever
Emails containing phishing ploys to steal Office365 login IDs and passwords are becoming far more sophisticated. For example, targets have been receiving emails that are responses to existing email threads. This means that when the dangerous email appears, it is from the real email addresses of a previous customer or client (these accounts were hacked as well), with the same email subject, and when the email is opened, it will have all prior exchanges quoted at the bottom. In other words, it looks no different from an ordinary email. Unless you pay a lot of attention to the content of the email, it can be difficult to recognize it as a phishing scam.
If you suspect you’ve been sent a phishing email and you try to send an automatic reply to the sender, it is likely you will have this email returned to you.
Taking Security Precautions
Right now, you’re probably wondering, “What measures can I take to prepare for these cyberattacks?” The first thing you need to do is back up all your Office365 data. If you back up all your data, including emails and files, on a daily basis, you will not lose any important data in the event of an emergency.
Office365 Protection is an effective new solution that completely backs up and protects all Office365 data including information on Exchange, OneDrive, and SharePoint. With Office365 Protection, you can finally get peace of mind for a low price of ¥ 580 a month.
Click here for details about Office 365 Protection
Microsoft’s Recommendation
Did you know that Microsoft recommends backing up Office365 data? According to their terms of service, they advise protecting all content and data using third-party applications and services. Follow their expert advice and protect your data with Office365 Protection, an official Microsoft reseller just for you. check whether you're facing 0x80070422 Error or not.
Natural disasters, fires, system failure, cyber-attacks: these are some of the many brutal risks a company can encounter. How well we respond and how we continue business activities after these unforeseen situations will determine the company’s strength and fate. This is particularly true in Japan, where powerful earthquakes are known to occur. There’s no telling when one might strike. Why not take this opportunity to consider your Business Continuity Plan (BCP) in the event of a disaster?
Companies and BCPs Today
A recent survey conducted has shown only a shocking 15% of companies have developed a BCP. According to this statistical survey, responses that a BCP had been developed, was in the process of being developed or development was being considered totaled to a surprisingly low 45.5%.
The most frequently cited reason for not developing a BCP is not having the necessary skills and not knowing how to go about formulation. Though many companies recognize the need for a BCP, it appears as if most aren’t sure exactly what formulation entails.
So what measures are necessary for business disaster prevention? What can businesses include in their plan for business continuity? Here are some examples:
Tips for Improving Your Disaster Recovery Plan
A BCP and disaster recovery plan are pointless if they’re not practical. Here are some tips for creating a successful recovery plan:
Determine the appropriate response for different levels of disaster
Is it a big earthquake that causes massive damage? Or is it system or power failure that strikes unexpectedly? The correct response to these occurrences will vary depending on the scale of damage and the type of disaster. It’s important to consider these different types and levels of disasters, and identify the response that suits each one best.
Review content on a regular basis
Your BCP and recovery plan will not always be up-to-date. As soon as you start introducing new software and communication tools into your company, you’ll need new safety measures to safeguard this data. To ensure your plan is always up-to-date, make sure to review your BCP and recovery plans once every year.
Keep data security in mind
Data security should never be forgotten in your BCP. If your business falls prey to cyber-attacks such as ransomware, you may suffer damage that’s equal to or greater than a natural disaster. Recovery measures should be developed with cyber-attack risks in mind.
Take advantage of the cloud
Cloud solutions are an effective tool for BCP and recovery planning. With the cloud, you can take simple, affordable, and highly effective disaster countermeasures. For example, with Tsukaeru Cloud Backup, business data can be backed up safely in a data center away from the company. And with Tsukaeru Dokodemo Office, employees can continue work from home in the event of a disaster.
If you’re interested in advancing the BCP measures of your business but you don’t know where to start, we highly recommend using these cloud tools.
Learn more about Tsukaeru Cloud Backup here and Tsukaeru Dokodemo Office here.
And as always, please feel free to contact us.
In recent news, Malwarebytes, a leading cybersecurity company based in California, has reported a shocking new finding. Ransomware attacks against companies have risen by over 500% in just one year. This revelation has shaken the IT industry, and many have been left wondering: what could have possibly triggered such a shocking spike in cyber attacks? Who among us is most likely to be the next target?
For a period that was as fleeting as it was hopeful, it appeared as if ransomware would become an epidemic of the past. After its peak in 2016, ransomware cases gradually began to decline, replaced by less severe attacks from cryptocurrency mining viruses.
The Attackers Shift their Target
While at the surface it seemed like ransomware was defeated once and for all, many changes were occurring behind closed doors. Namely, a shift of target by ransomware attackers.
A report published every year by the US Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) has shown that ransomware cases in the United States have decreased from 2,673 in 2016 to 1,394. And yet, the loss from ransomware has jumped from $2.4 million to over $3.6 million.
While ransomware cases have decreased, the cost of damage has risen significantly. What does this mean? Instead of attacking individuals, ransomware attackers have shifted their focus onto companies that are capable of paying more hefty ransoms.
Corporate Damage Skyrockets
In early 2019, the number of corporate ransomware cases was reported to have increased by a whopping 521%. The report by Malwarebytes indicates that this surge was caused by ‘Troldesh,' a ransomware virus that is thought to be of Russian origin. This year, it has wreaked havoc across the United States.
Is Backing Up Data the Solution?
Many people believe ransomware is no issue, as long as backups are made every day. Is that really so? Yes, and no. Backing up data can be an important safety precaution in the face of ransomware attacks, but it doesn’t always succeed in preventing them. If your data is backed up to an internal server that is always connected to your regular server, then guess what? Ransomware will likely also infect your backup server. Be mindful about your backup location and who or what has potential access to it. For a higher chance of security, we recommend using the cloud for your backups.
If you’re a business owner or involved in IT security, make sure your defenses against ransomware are formidable. Take all safety measures possible, before it’s too late.