There are many factors to consider when choosing a cloud service. These choices can become even more complicated with the growing speed of digital transformation (DX, and the restructuring of management and business processes through digital technology). The amount of data being transferred and shared between companies will only increase over time.
One popular choice is Tsukaeru.net’s Tsukaeru FileBako cloud service. Its starting capacity of 1TB and easy-to-use interface, as well as the option to upgrade as necessary, provides welcome peace of mind. However, since it can be difficult to truly grasp how much 1TB actually is, let's take a look at what capacity really means.
What is 1TB? Understanding GB, TB, and actual capacity
1TB (terabyte) is 1000 GB (strictly speaking, 1024 GB). As described in the example below, 1TB of video recording time is equivalent to approximately 166 hours of Full HD video.
Currently, regardless of company size or industry, the volume of business data is becoming larger and larger, making the introduction of a cloud storage service a must. In this regard, Tsukaeru FileBako cloud storage service offers a worry-free solution with 1TB of storage (larger amounts available) and an unlimited number of users.
What is the 1TB hard disk drive (HDD) capacity of a laptop computer?
It is difficult to install large hard disk drives (HDD) in laptops, as compared to desktop computers. For HDDs, the most common sizes are 128GB (gigabyte), 256GB, 516GB, and 1TB (terabyte). When measuring data, the basic unit is one byte, and technically speaking, the next unit is 1024 times larger. However, to more easily remember, it is safe to generalize that it is 1000 times larger.
・1,000B（byte）=１KB（kilobyte）
・1,000KB=１MB（megabyte）
・1,000MB=１GB（gigabyte）
・1,000GB=１TB（terabyte）
Capacity comparison based on media type
Even though you may be aware that 1TB of capacity is quite large, it may be difficult to visualize it with just the numbers of bytes. The following chart provides more concrete examples by converting that capacity into familiar media storage capacity.
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What is 1TB of digital camera photos?
・Approximately 250,000 JPEG image files of 4MB each
What is 1TB for a smartphone?
・Approximately 10 smartphones of 100 GB each
What is 1 TB of video recording time?
・Approximately 166 hours for full HD video files; approximately 65 hours for 4k video recording
What is 1TB of music?
・Approximately 200,000 MP3 music files of 5 MB each
What is 1TB of paperback books?
・Approximately 10,000 paperbacks of 100MB each
With hopefully a better idea of how big a 1TB drive is, let's take a look at some different options.
Not all cloud storage services are the same
The chart below shows the capacity, cost, and limitations of similar cloud storage services to Tsukaeru FileBako. While each service may offer a variety of plans, the comparison is based on a standard corporate plan.
Unlimited capacity is the new norm
While the chart above shows general information about cloud storage services, it is important to remember that the current trend, especially among the larger industry players, is to offer various pricing systems including unlimited services. However, in most cases, the cost is set on a per user basis.
At first glance, it might appear that bigger is better. However, many companies find that they do not need that much capacity once they start using the service. Another issue is if a company tries to save money by sharing one account between different users, there are security concerns, such as data deletion with no record of who did it.
In addition, one of the most attractive features of online storage, the ability to centrally manage access and editing privileges for each folder and user, is lost with a shared account. As a result, important data may end up only on the manager's personal computer.
On the other hand, with an unlimited number of users, such as with Tsukaeru FileBako, it is possible to divide folders among all employees and business partners at no extra charge and share the capacity without wasting space. With the basic 1TB plan, which is sufficient for small and medium-sized business users, you can create an account for each user. It is also easy to organize and delete user accounts that are no longer needed, providing flexibility in terms of management and security.
You can learn more about Tsukaeru FileBako benefits and security details in this article.
It is obvious from looking at the different issues and options available that it is important to choose the cloud storage service that best fits your business, the number of users, and the volume and type of data to be handled.
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Tsukaeru FileBako provides cloud storage service for an unlimited number of users, and a one-year contract for the Standard plan will save you 14,740 JPY per month (tax included).
The large capacity of 1TB also makes it suitable for architectural firms, design and video production companies, and other companies with relatively large amounts of data to be processed by individual employees.
For even larger amounts of data, consider the Advanced plan, which was just released in April 2022. Not only offering a huge 3TB capacity, it has the following four new features.
The Advanced plan is available for 52,624 JPY per month (tax included) with a one-year contract.
Unlimited users + flexible options for any situation
Both the Standard and Advanced plans have an unlimited number of users, so whether you have 100 or 1,000 users, the cost remains the same. Data capacity can also be increased with no limit, according to the growth of your company and the amount of data handled (additional capacity of 1TB/ 7,480 JPY including tax), providing a flexible solution and peace of mind no matter the situation. As the system can also be operated from the website management screen as if you were using your regular Windows or Mac, there is no need for costly employee training.
To experience it for yourself, click here to learn about our free, 14-day trial!
Click here to learn more about Tsukaeru FileBako.
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Call toll-free: 0120-961-166
Office hours: 10:00-17:00
According to the results of a survey released in March 2022, the domestic public cloud service market in 2021 was 1.5879 trillion JPY, up 28.5% from the previous year. Even more remarkable is that the market is expected to grow to 3.7586 trillion JPY by 2026, approximately 2.4 times the 2021 level.
One reason for this incredible growth is that many companies are shifting their backup storage operations to the cloud. However, that does not mean everything is safe. Companies need to understand the risks and disadvantages, as well as the benefits, of cloud backup in order to be prepared for whatever the future holds.
In this article, we will focus on the disadvantages of cloud backup and explain which companies are suited for cloud backup and which are not.
What are the disadvantages of cloud backup?
While cloud storage has a number of benefits – a reduced need for onsite hard drives and greater storage capacity among others, there are also some disadvantages. These include the following:
Running Costs
Cloud backup can reduce operation and maintenance costs, particularly when it comes to initial setup costs, staff time, and construction.
However, cloud backup has a fixed monthly cost, and depending on the services that are best for your operation, this can be high.
Operations and Security are the Provider’s Responsibility
According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' White Paper on Information and Communications (2020 edition), the second most common reason for companies not using the cloud is "security concerns," accounting for exactly 31.8% of the total.
Although all cloud services emphasize the high level of security offered, they cannot completely eliminate concerns about risks such as information leaks because companies are entrusting their most important asset, their data, to outside service providers.
When considering cloud backup, it is pivotal that users review and confirm specific points referred to as the "Major Information Security Measures to be Taken by Cloud Service Providers" provided by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.
Speed and Data Transfer Volume
Since cloud backup involves storing data via the Internet, backup and restoration operations can take time depending on the data volume. In addition, since a large amount of data is transferred to a remote backup center, there are concerns about slow Internet connections, communication failures, etc. It may be necessary to set backup schedules outside of business hours, delete duplicate data, and other procedures to avoid complications for other areas of the business.
Stable Internet is Essential
Cloud backup requires that a copy of the data be securely stored on a remote, networked computing resource, so a stable Internet environment is essential. In comparison, a hard disk drive or external hard drive backup does not have that issue.
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Why do we need cloud backup?
Despite these disadvantages, cloud backup is still integral to implement for two basic reasons: disaster preparedness and ransomware protection.
In a disaster-prone country like Japan, any company can suffer damage from a typhoon, earthquake, or other disaster and lose valuable data at any time and in any form. The servers used for cloud backup are generally located in data centers that are structurally designed to be earthquake- and fire-resistant and immune to power outages. That means that even if the office becomes unusable or inaccessible for some reason, data can be restored and business can continue as long as there is an Internet connection.
Even in the event of an attack, such as the encryption of critical data by ransomware, it is possible to protect the encrypted data by backing up the data to the cloud.
All of this makes cloud backup an effective means of crisis management.
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What companies are suited for cloud backup?
Given the above requirements, cloud backup is particularly suited for companies whose data is essential to their business. DX (Digital Transformation) is currently being promoted in the Japanese business scene, and cloud backup is crucial for companies that are trying to create new value by making full use of digital technology.
What companies are not suitable for cloud backup?
For companies that already have an on-premise backup system in place and do not expect the amount of data to increase in the future, the benefits of cloud backup may not be significant. Nevertheless, even these companies should still consider this option when thinking about disaster management and the risk of cyber-attacks.
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Cloud Backup Useful in a Variety of Situations
Tsukaeru Cloud Backup provided by Tsukaeru.net is more than just a backup service. It also combines functions for protecting and using data in a single package.
As image backups are used instead of file backups, even if data is lost, it can be restored at high speed and business can get back to normal immediately.
In addition, different devices in the company can be centrally managed from an administrator account. Settings can be changed remotely, saving both time and money.
Cloud Backup Essential Component of Company Stability and Reliability
Tsukaeru Cloud Backup uses the highest level of security, which is also used by the U.S. military. All file transfers are protected with AES-256, including server-side encryption. Active Protection, an AI-based technology that shields data from ransomware attacks, instantly detects and intercepts suspicious modifications to protect data.
Tsukaeru Cloud Backup is the most powerful solution to cope with disasters and cyber attacks, both of which are increasing in frequency and intensity in recent years. Priced from 1,628 JPY per month (including tax), customers can choose from a variety of plans according to usage and capacity.
Please apply for a free trial to see how our service can meet your needs.
Click here to learn more about Tsukaeru Cloud Backup.
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Call toll-free: 0120-961-166
Office hours: 10:00-17:00
More and more industries are turning to cloud storage for their data storage needs. These organizations point to its ease of use, overall savings, and ease of implementation, but there are other things that also come into play after implementation. As you consider implementing cloud storage and which service to choose, it is important to familiarize yourself with the details. This helps avoid unexpected difficulties, misunderstandings, and differing expectations.
In this article, we tackle nine of the most frequently asked questions about Tsukaeru FileBako from Tsukaeru.net.
What is online storage?
Let’s start, though, with an explanation of online storage in general.
Online storage (cloud storage) is a service that stores data on the Internet. By comparison, on-premise storage requires an in-house information system and servers. Both of these are physical items that must exist within your organization.
While on-premise data storage systems are relatively easy to customize to meet the specific needs of your organization, they can be expensive to implement and require anywhere from weeks to months to bring into operation. They also require knowledgeable and skilled onsite personnel to manage and troubleshoot them if a problem occurs.
Cloud storage is the opposite. It is not located nor operated in-house and is slightly less customizable than on-premise storage. However, it is superior in terms of personnel requirements, the time required for setup and maintenance, and overall cost. Online or cloud storage is also advantageous in terms of data protection in case of cyber attacks and disasters, natural and manmade, both of which have become more of a threat in recent years.
However, these pros and cons are only general comparisons. When it comes time for your company to choose a service, it’s important to know which questions to ask to ensure that you will enjoy the maximum advantage and minimize the disadvantages. It’s also important to know what kind of answers you need to hear to make the best choice for your company.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many users are allowed per contract?
The number of users for our service is unlimited. This means that you can create accounts for all of your employees for a flat fee. You can also make this service available to your business partners as needed, which is a further advantage. This gives your company more flexibility when collaborating on projects or communicating about work.
Services that charge by the number of users often result in a fee each time an account is added. A result of this is that companies are not able to take full advantage of the increased capacity and flexibility a cloud storage system can offer. By offering a service with an unlimited number of users, costs are reduced while capacity is maximized.
In addition, our cloud storage system allows companies to designate different types of users such as administrator, internal, or external. User privileges can also be tailored for your company's needs on a project-by-project basis. For example, some users may have Read-only access, meaning they can see the information but cannot change it. Others may have Write access privileges, which means they can read and change information as needed. This allows each employee not only to have their own account, but the settings allow companies to decide how to organize the accounts to their advantage.
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2. Can I share files or have them edited by users who do not have an account?
Tsukaeru FileBako allows you to easily create links to share files regardless of their size. Simply copy and paste it into an email or chat message and share away! Recipients simply need to click the link to download the data. Users also have the option to set passwords for files that are deemed particularly sensitive, which is another choice companies can make depending on the business partner and project.
In addition, since the number of users is unlimited, one useful option is to set up accounts with external users you communicate with frequently. This gives your company the flexibility to quickly and effectively share information and collaborate.
3. Is there a limit to the number of folders I can create or the number of files I can save?
There is no limit to the number of folders or files you can create or save within the capacity set by the contract. The default storage capacity for our users is 1TB, or 1,000GB. This is large enough to store approximately 1 million office files (1MB per file) or 100,000 one-minute video captures (10MB per file).
For more information on capacity comparisons, please consult this article.
4. Is there a size limit when uploading files?
Just like there is no limit on the number of folders or files you can create or save, there is no limit to the amount of space available for each file as long as it falls within 1TB. For convenience and flexibility, large files can also be uploaded and shared by attaching a link in an email or chat message.
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5. Can I use it on my smartphone?
Yes, you can! In a business scene where remote is becoming increasingly more common and speed is becoming more important, the ability to access data from different locations as well as different devices is pivotal.
Tsukaeru FileBako allows users to easily access, check, upload, and download files using their smartphones. For example, this makes it possible for data to be instantly shared with company headquarters from scattered or distant manufacturing and construction sites.
If your device is iOS, you simply need to download the Rushfiles application from the App Store. If your device is Android, just download the Rushfiles application from the Google Play Store. Then, log in and start using our cloud storage service on your smartphone.
6. Can I check individual user histories?
Yes, you can. Our cloud storage service has a log monitoring function that allows administrators to view and manage each user's deletion history, upload history, login history, and more. This allows your organization to trace progress or discover where a problem may have started and learn how to counter it in the future.
7. Can I customize the service to match our brand color or add my logo?
Yes, you can! In recent years, the concepts of white labeling and Original Equipment Manufacturing (OEM) have become more and more common. This allows organizations to customize the appearance of our service so that it seamlessly fits in with their branding strategies and efforts.
Currently, Tsukaeru.net has about 150 partners stretching from Hokkaido to Okinawa, and about 90% of them are tailoring their own Tsukaeru FileBako storage service to match their brands. Companies wishing to do so simply submit the information, and we customize the logo and corporate colors for you. Delivery of the finished product takes anywhere from one to one and a half months. The pricing and contract period of the cloud storage service using the company branding option can be decided based on your sales strategies and plans.
8. What is your pricing plan?
The Business Plan for corporate customers has a basic capacity setting of 1TB and an unlimited number of users. Additional capacity can be added at any time, with an additional 1TB costing 7,480 yen per month (tax included). If paid monthly, the cost is 18,480 yen per month (including tax). However, the majority of our customers choose an annual contract, which results in a lower price.
9. Can it be used in languages other than Japanese?
Yes, the web version of our cloud storage service allows you and your users to change the language on the login screen as needed. With 24 languages available, this makes it easy to communicate with business partners around the world.
Tsukaeru FileBako
These are some of the most frequently asked questions about the Tsukaeru FileBako cloud storage service. However, as helpful as it is to consider each of these questions carefully, the best test of whether or not it meets your needs is to try it out. We offer a free trial for exactly that reason. Contact us today to learn how to get started.
Easy and safe to use cloud storage, with a full support system
We will help you establish the cloud storage service in your company with our full support system. You can contact us by phone, email, or chat, and we are available 24 hours a day for emergencies such as server problems.
Click here to learn more about Tsukaeru FileBako.
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Call toll-free: 0120-961-166
Office hours: 10:00-17:00
Cyber attacks are a growing threat that seems to have no bounds. On March 24, 2022, similar to February 23 and March 1, the government again issued an alert, "Strengthening Cyber Security Measures in Light of the Current Situation.”
For all companies, including small and medium-sized enterprises, there is a need to not only strengthen security measures to minimize the risk of infection, but also back up data for recovery in the event of infection.
Tsukaeru Cloud Backup, provided by Tsukaeru.net, is a service that combines not only backup functions but also provides data protection and usage in a single package and has become a popular choice for many companies.
Below, we will once again discuss the need for backups and examine the Tsukaeru Cloud Backup features.
Three steps to keep your company's data safe
With the incorporation of IT tools into all aspects of business and DX (digital transformation) changing how the world does business, the value of data to companies is increasing.
The following are three recommended data security steps a company can take to protect this important asset:
Save data in digital format
In addition to security enhancement, the Japanese government's promotion of "work style reform" and environmental protection are also encouraging companies to go paperless. However, the real-world implementation does not seem to be going as smoothly as expected.
According to a March 2020 BizClip survey of approximately 2,500 people in Japan, the reality of eliminating the use of paper documents in many companies has emerged. For example, 66.5% of all respondents indicated that paper is used for "contract and application documents," 57.9% for "invoices and estimates to suppliers and customers," and 54.8% for "internal meeting materials.”
The survey also revealed that 76.7% of "contracts and application documents," 64.2% of "invoices and estimates to suppliers and customers," and 56.6% of "internal meeting materials" were filed and stored in paper form without being scanned or converted to data.
When important corporate data is not digitized and only preserved in paper-based storage, it is exposed to the risk of loss, as well as disaster. To reduce these risks, company data and files should be digitized and stored securely.
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Save data in multiple locations
Traditionally, the "3-2-1 rule" has been proposed for backups. This guideline was first presented in 2012 by US-CERT, which is operated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Administration (CISA).
The term "3-2-1" means that, for critical data, there are three copies stored on at least two different types of recording media, and at least one copy is stored off-site.
Initially, this rule was considered to be too time-consuming to implement, but in recent years it has been reiterated and recommended by experts as a ransomware countermeasure. This 3-2-1 rule has become a cost-effective and feasible choice even for small- and medium-sized companies, especially with the increasing availability of cloud storage services that offer offsite options.
Use data backup tools
Backups can be implemented in a variety of ways. For example, Windows comes equipped with backup settings that allow you to periodically copy and store data on your computer to an external hard drive or another device on a regular basis.
However, since the amount of data held by many companies can be quite large, a dedicated backup tool is another option. For example, Tsukaeru CloudBackup by Tsukaeru.net not only provides backup functions but is also a service designed with data usage functions in mind, making it a highly effective and flexible solution.
Are backups really necessary?
As mentioned above, backups are the primary means for companies to protect their valuable data. However, even though many people know that it is important, they often put off creating backups for a variety of reasons. The following two issues clearly show the danger of not backing up your data.
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Company data loss = major damage
It goes without saying that data loss can be a major blow to a company.
The loss of valuable data, such as customer information or research related to product development and marketing, can cause immeasurable economic damage to a company.
In addition, the cost of recovering from such a loss can be enormous. A hypothetical example in Japan would be the flooding of an office of a small business with 15 employees. It would be impossible to continue operations. If it took one month to restore the office, including the data, the employees might have to work overtime during that time, costing the company as much as three million yen. The company would also be forced to suspend operations for that month, resulting in a loss of sales of five million yen, for a total damage cost of eight million yen.
In fact, according to a research report from Texas State University, 94% of companies would go bankrupt within two years if all internal data were lost.
Data loss due to disaster or cyber attack
According to the Global Climate Risk Index (2020 edition) published by Germanwatch, Japan was ranked 62nd from 1999 to 2018, but in 2018, it was ranked first. With recent flooding and typhoon damage, as well as the Nankai Trough and Metropolitan Area earthquakes that are expected to occur in the future, a business continuity plan (BCP) is essential for any company in Japan.
In addition, according to a survey of more than 15,000 websites in Japan conducted by Cyber Security Cloud, Inc., access by cyber attackers has increased sharply since February 16, 2022, up to 25 times more than the average of the last three months.
Not just large companies, but also supply chains have been the target of attacks, and in March 2022, Toyota-affiliated Kojima Press Kogyo suffered a cyber attack that forced the company to temporarily shut down all of its domestic plants.
An especially dangerous threat is ransomware, which encrypts and disables infected computers or systems, the connected hard disks, and data within the same network. Companies must pay a large ransom to regain access to data or systems or be forced to suspend operations. The lost profits and recovery costs can be enormous.
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Tsukaeru Cloud Backup and the functionality you're looking for!
As mentioned above, backup tools is one method for companies to protect their data. Below we examine the functionality of Tsukaeru Cloud Backup.
Main Features
Centralized management with backup, restore, security, and other functions
Tsukaeru Cloud Backup setup is extremely easy, and multiple backup targets can be managed at the same time from anywhere at any time. They can be flexibly configured, and files and folders can be restored and downloaded individually. If the entire system is backed up, the computer itself can be restored.
All of this is made possible by the "image backup" method, which backs up the entire system image, including all apps, files, user accounts, and even the operating system, all at once. This allows for the immediate resumption of normal operations in the event of data loss.
World-class encryption/cyber security features
The highest level of encryption, also used by the U.S. military, is performed before files are uploaded, and all file transfers are protected by AES-256. The server side is also securely encrypted with AES-256, and cyber security functions are also fully implemented to protect your company's valuable data.
Effective disaster recovery (DR) measures
Disaster recovery (DR) refers to the recovery of damaged systems in the event of a disaster. Needless to say, the most important aspect of DR measures is to minimize the downtime of corporate activities.
With Tsukaeru Cloud Backup, daily backups are uploaded to our domestic data center to be prepared for any contingency. In the event of a disaster, with the touch of a button, operations are switched to a standby environment to enable business continuity.
Summary
Tsukaeru Cloud Backup is the most powerful solution for dealing with the increasing risks of disasters and cyber attacks. In addition, it is very simple to use, requires no technical knowledge, and can be easily set up in five minutes.
The affordable price of 1,408 JPY per month (two-year contract), including 200 GB capacity, one desktop computer, and three mobile devices enables a low-cost introduction.
A free trial is also available, so please feel free to contact us below for more information.
Click here to learn more about Tsukaeru Cloud Backup.
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Call toll-free: 0120-961-166
Office hours: 10:00-17:00
Every year, the number of companies using cloud storage is increasing. According to the "2021 White Paper on Information and Communications (2021 edition) from the Ministry of Public Management, Home Affairs, Posts, and Telecommunications," the percentage of companies using cloud services in 2020 was 68.7% (39.4% for "company-wide use" and 29.3% for "use in some offices or departments"), up by four percentage points from 64.7% in 2019.
In regards to cloud services, there is a strong perception that "cloud services = online file servers." However, there is a great deal more to cloud services than that. In this article, we will compare cloud storage with file servers and explain how cloud storage can provide a comprehensive solution to current data-related issues that many companies face.
What is a file server?
Traditionally, file servers are used to share documents and data within companies and organizations. However, it has gradually become clear that file servers have limitations when it comes to accommodating remote work and other time- and location-independent work situations.
For example, according to a survey conducted by Keymans Net, an IT product information site for businesses, from December 2021 to January 2022, 38.8% of respondents answered that they only use file servers in the workplace, down approximately 14 percentage points from 52.3% the previous year. In contrast, 48.8% reported they use cloud storage in conjunction with files servers, up by nine percentage points from 39.8% in the same year.
The challenges of using file servers
For corporate needs, here are some of the limitations and challenges that file servers face:
Cannot collaboratively edit files
Conventional file servers basically do not allow for collaborative editing of a single file at the same time. For example, if two people are working on the same Excel file and numerical values in a cell need to be changed, they have to go through the tedious steps of one person editing first, then saving it and closing the file, and then the other person opens the spreadsheet and repeats the process. With online tools that allow free collaborative editing, such as Google Spreadsheet and Office Online, becoming more widely used, this kind of workflow can be stressful and unproductive.
Access from remote locations or mobile devices can be difficult
With file servers, access from outside the office or from mobile devices can require complex preparations and can result in a complicated system to use. As a result, many users who want to check documents while they are out of the office end up copying them to local storage in advance, which can have a negative impact on business productivity. This is becoming even more of a serious shortcoming now that remote work has become commonplace.
Time-consuming management and operation
Unlike cloud storage, file servers require companies to provide their own in-house servers, which can be time-consuming to manage and operate. If a serious problem occurs, and a quick response is essential, this could easily overwhelm a company's IT engineers. With cloud storage becoming a more common option, it makes less sense for companies to spend time and money operating their own servers.
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What is cloud storage (online storage)?
As you know, cloud storage is a service that provides online storage for files and data. However, it is important to note that “cloud” does not simply mean “cloud = online file server.”
Advantages of cloud storage
By transitioning to cloud storage, many of the issues discussed above can be avoided, and various benefits in terms of cost and security can be gained. Let’s take a look at some of the advantages of using cloud storage.
Worry-free, fixed costs
File servers can be very costly to install, and unexpected costs can occur due to breakdowns and other problems. In comparison, cloud storage requires only a monthly fee, making budget calculation and reducing unnecessary expenses much easier. This makes Tsukaeru FileBako from Tsukaeru.net an attractive option as it can be installed for only 10,780 JPY per month (tax included, three-year contract).
Enhanced security and disaster preparedness
Cloud storage is a much safer option than maintaining in-house servers as they are professionally managed by experts in server management and security measures. Furthermore, the physical server is located away from the company, playing an important role in Business Continuity Planning (BCP) preparation in the event of a disaster.
According to the “White Paper on Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism 2021” by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism, in addition to being a disaster-prone country in general, Japan is especially at risk of earthquakes, with 20% of the world’s major earthquakes occurring in this small country. In addition, flooding from torrential rain is becoming more severe and frequent. The cost of flood damage in 2019 was 2.18 trillion JPY, the largest amount of non-tsunami flood damage in a single year since record-keeping began.
The above white paper also describes future risks, such as Nankai Trough earthquakes and earthquakes directly under the Tokyo metropolitan area, a warning that companies cannot simply ignore. The time has come for all companies to prepare and implement BCP.
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Tsukaeru FileBako: Highly functional
Tsukaeru.net’s Tsukaeru FileBako is more than just an online file server. It is a file server-type cloud storage service that offers a comprehensive solution for a variety of potential problems, with low-cost fees, advanced security, a wide range of functions, and ease of use. Below are some of the unique features of Tsukaeru FileBako.
Easy & secure file sharing
With Tsukaeru FileBako, it is easy to create a shared link from the right-click menu to share files both inside and outside the company. In addition, shared links can be created with passwords, as well as expiration dates, for additional security.
It is also possible to create folders to share files only with specific users. In this situation, a group can be created in advance for easier sharing, or individual users can be selected and added as desired.
Unlimited number of users
Since the number of users is unlimited, not only full-timers but irregular part-timers or outside business partners can be freely invited as needed without additional costs.
Adding users is also very easy, and permissions can be set for access or creating shared folders.
This functionality allows the entire team, both internal and external, to securely share files, dramatically increasing work efficiency.
Click here for details about Tsukaeru FileBako!
Same ease of use as conventional file servers
Tsukaeru FileBako can be described as a “virtual drive” that virtualizes a conventional external disk, i.e., the online data can be used in the same way as a USB memory stick. Since important data can be easily stored in the cloud instead of on a physical device, it can be accessed in exactly the same way as a conventional file server. Common tasks, such as moving and copying files, creating new folders, etc., are all completed through an intuitive interface that is simple and easy to use. There is no need to synchronize as with other services, and since the cache retention period can be specified for each user’s PC client, even laptops with low-capacity SSDs can always access all company files and data without having to log in to a web browser.
Flexible file recovery
With Tsukaeru FileBako, files can be restored for up to 999 days. This useful function is handy for restoring old versions before they were edited. Additionally, even if data is accidentally deleted, it will be saved in the Trash folder for seven days and can be restored within the retention period.
Tsukaeru FileBako, with all of the above features, can be installed with a default capacity of 1 TB, starting at 10,780 JPY per month (tax included, three-year contract). A free trial is also available, so please feel free to contact us below for more information.
Click here to learn more about Tsukaeru FileBako.
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Office hours: 10:00-17:00
According to the results of a Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications survey published in October 2020, the adoption rate of remote work among prefectures (47 organizations) and government-designated cities (20 organizations) increased to 95.5%. However, in municipalities (1,721 organizations), which account for the majority, the rate appears to be only 19.9%.
In addition, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications indicates that the most common reason for not implementing remote work systems was that "consultation and counter services do not fit in with remote work" (82.7%), followed by "concerns regarding information security.”
While there is reluctance on the part of many local governments due to security concerns, it is a fact that not only companies but also governments are becoming targets of cyber attacks.
Increasing number of virus attacks targeting municipalities
In order to protect information from increasing cyber attacks, in 2015, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications published the following “three-tier measures” regarding information security for local governments.
1. Disable data export settings and two-factor authentication
2. Access control
3. Robust countermeasures against external attacks
However, as cyber attacks are becoming more sophisticated, it is necessary for local governments to further strengthen their countermeasures.
Below are three examples of virus attacks targeting municipalities:
Japan Pension Service: Data leak due to unauthorized access
This 2015 incident, which triggered the above-mentioned “three-tier measures” by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, was unauthorized external access of the Japan Pensions Service system that resulted in the leak of approximately 1.25 million pieces of personal information. The cause is believed to have been a staff member who opened an infected file attached to an email.
Hiroshima Prefecture: 23 municipalities targeted for attack
Starting on February 16, 2022, the cloud service used by Hiroshima Prefecture and 23 municipalities in the prefecture was hit with a distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack over two days. This cyber attack technique disrupts the normal functioning of a website or server by sending an overwhelmingly large amount of Internet data. As a result, the websites of the affected organizations experienced poor connectivity. However, the demands and objectives of the attackers were not determined.
Aichi Prefecture: Attack on PCR testing system
On February 5, 2022, an Aichi Prefecture employee launched the prefecture’s PCR inspection system. Instead of the Japanese text that usually appeared, there was a message in English on the screen, and the employee discovered that the system was unusable. A subsequent investigation revealed that the server managing the system’s data had been attacked by ransomware. No personal information was leaked as a result of the attack, but the server was forced to shut down temporarily.
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Security awareness when working outside the office
On February 23, 2022, the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) issued a statement titled "Reminder to Strengthen Cyber Security Measures in Light of Recent Developments.” In the statement, METI listed security measures that companies and organizations should take, as well as expanding their awareness of cyber attack threats due to the increased potential risks. The following is an examination of some of these measures.
Important digital habits in the era of remote work
Confirm that simple passwords are not used
Obviously, passwords must be used when accessing Internet services; however, the same passwords should not be used repeatedly. Also, whenever possible, passwords should be at least 12 characters in length and should consist of a mixture of symbols, numbers, and upper and lower case alphabetic characters.
Use multi-factor authentication
Multi-factor authentication refers to an authentication system that combines two or more of the three authentication factors: “Something You Know,” Something You Have,” and “Something You Are.” Recently, passwords alone are no longer considered to be sufficient security, and multi-factor authentication is beginning to be adopted by many cloud services.
One example of multi-factor authentication in use is when withdrawing cash from an ATM: the combination of the physical card as “Something You Have” and the password as “Something You Know.” For websites, "one-factor authentication" using only passwords has been the mainstream for many years. However, in September 2018, Microsoft declared the "end of the password era," and since then, multi-factor authentication has been adopted by many cloud services. Currently, the most widely used multi-factor authentication method is logging in with an ID and password (Something You Know) and entering an authentication code generated by a smartphone app (Something You Have).
Use IoT devices securely and wisely
Today, the “Internet of Things” (IoT) is everywhere, in homes and workplaces, including home appliances, automobiles, office multifunction devices, factory sensors, and surveillance cameras. Of course, government agencies are no exception.
It is important to understand that as long as IoT devices are connected to the Internet, they present the same security risks as computers and smartphones. In fact, IoT devices are already the target of malware and other cyber attacks that affect data or functionality. As far as municipalities in Japan are concerned, there have been cases of unauthorized access to surveillance cameras in rivers and other areas in 2018.
Because these vulnerabilities in devices that control the connection to the Internet are often exploited in attacks, it is important to promptly install the latest firmware, updates, and other security patches.
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Never open unverified attachments or URL links
Since its discovery in 2014, the Emotet malware continues to be a problem around the world and is reported to have resumed its attacks in November 2021, after a sharp decline in infections in Japan since April 2021. According to the Japanese Information-technology Promotion Agency (IPA), as of February 2022, the number of incidents is still increasing and continued caution is required.
The modus operandi of Emotet's attackers is simple and consistent. They trick victims into opening email attachments or clicking on URL links to infect their devices and steal email information. Not only that, if initially successful, the infection can spread throughout the system to infect other terminals, other companies, and other organizations.
Therefore, even if an email appears to be valid, perhaps from an important customer, business partner, or acquaintance, it is important to make a habit of carefully checking whether or not it is genuine before opening the attachment or URL link.
We also recommend "Tsukaeru Mail Buster" by Tsukaeru.net as another solution. This excellent service blocks junk and targeted attack emails before they reach the email server. As it is a completely cloud-based email security service, there is no need for installation on individual computers and no need to update to the latest version.
Backup data
One of the most common cyber attack threats that both government and private companies face is ransomware. According to the METI, the average ransom paid by companies affected by ransomware in Japan is approximately 114 million JPY (1.0 million USD).
One essential countermeasure is to store backup data in offline storage. In this way, in the unlikely event of a ransomware infection, the backup data can be restored after the storage is completely initialized and the ransomware is erased.
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Tsukaeru Cloup Backup
In addition to prefectures and government-designated cities, remote work is expected to be embraced by local municipalities in the future. Not only will employee awareness of cyber attack threats need to be increased, but the on-site systems will also need to be modified appropriately.
One popular solution for this situation is Tsukaeru Cloud Backup provided by Tsukaeru.net. This cloud-based service combines not only backup functions, but also protects and allows data usage in one single and convenient package.
Easy to use & security brings peace of mind
Service stability is especially important for government agencies. In this regard, Tsukaeru Cloud Backup employs an "image backup" method that creates a copy of the entire system at once, allowing normal operations to quickly resume even in the event of data loss.
The service also uses the highest level of security, the same as the U.S. military, protecting all file transfers with AES-256 encryption. In addition, Active Protection, an AI-based technology, immediately detects and intercepts suspicious modifications to files, backup data, and backup software to protect valuable data from ransomware attacks.
The affordable price of 1,408 JPY per month (two-year contract), including 200 GB capacity, one computer, and three mobile devices enables low-cost introduction.
Please feel free to contact us below to find out about a free 30-day trial!
Click here to learn more about Tsukaeru Cloud Backup.
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Call toll-free: 0120-961-166
Office hours: 10:00-17:00
In recent years, the concept of a white label product is becoming more and more common. “White label” refers to the process of a company selling, as their own product or brand, a product that is actually made by another company, called the “original equipment manufacturer (OEM).
As you may already be aware, white label products are everywhere in our lives. A common example in Japan is the “Seven Premium” products that can be found in Seven-Eleven convenience stores. This wide variety of products, ranging from sweets to bread to snacks and drinks, are white label products that are produced by other companies but sold and marketed by Seven-Elevens as its own brand. Incidentally, the iPhone that many people use is actually not produced by Apple, making it a white label product as well.
In the same way, our Tsukaeru FileBako service can be used by everyone as their own brand.
Tsukaeru FileBako: A must-see for potential OEM partners
Tsukaeru FileBako is a cloud storage service that stores data on a server connected to the Internet.
So, what are the benefits of making Tsukaeru FileBako your own brand?
Advantages of White Labeling
Currently, Tsukaeru has partnerships with approximately 150 companies from Hokkaido in the north and Okinawa in the south. About 90% of them provide Tsukaeru FileBako on an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) basis; in other words, they distribute it as their own brand.
While each company has its own products, materials, and services, they all share a common goal. The objective is not just to sell products and services, but to impress customers through what is offered. This is now called UX (User eXperience) and is the goal of all companies.
In the case of the Seven Premium products mentioned earlier, the number has already exceeded 4,000 (4,150 in FY2019), and they have become a popular choice for many people. Customers are not just buying the products because they are delicious or convenient, but because they derive comfort and ease and are willing to pay for that experience. This sense of satisfaction that comes from these products is the main reason for Seven Premium’s success.
In the same way, branding Tsukaeru FileBako will provide your customers with an “A+” experience with your service. As cloud storage services have become a popular way to handle data, many customers have come to value their use for all kinds of business operations. The specific features will be discussed later, but by branding your own Tsukaeru FileBako, your customers will enjoy an easy-to-use, simple-to-understand, and safe experience every time they use it.
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Customizable scope
If you apply to become an OEM (distributor) of Tsukaeru FileBako, we can deliver it to your company in approximately one to one and half months. The service will be customized with your company’s logo and corporate colors. After delivery, you can decide how to market and sell the branded Tsukaeru FileBako service, i.e., pricing and contract period, according to your company’s sales strategy.
Why choose Tsukaeru FileBako?
The most important question you can ask is whether or not Tsukaeru FileBako can really provide the best UX for your customers. In the following section, let’s take a look to see if it is the best choice to brand as your own.
Easy-to-use, outstanding functionality, and unlimited users
One important element in website and application development is the use of the same patterns, colors, and labels, no matter which page is open, as well as a uniform design of buttons and icons. This creates a UX interface that makes it user-friendly and for users to find what they need.
In this respect, Tsukaeru FileBako does not require a dedicated interface, and since shared folders are handled by Explorer on Windows or Finder on Mac, you can use it seamlessly and effortlessly in your daily operations.
In addition, the service can be easily used not only on office PCs but also on mobile devices outside the office. With Tsukaeru FileBako, data can be shared and synchronized between those in the field and those in the office via the mobile application. It can also be linked to multifunctional devices, allowing automatic uploads of scanned and faxed data.
Furthermore, with unlimited users, the price is the same for 100 or 1,000 users. And as your company grows, the number of users can be increased without additional fees. Since permissions can be set for each user, it is easy to manage access and share information, not only with employees but also with customers and business partners.
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Even if new OEM partners and end-users will feel at ease
One of the most important UX elements is peace of mind. In the case of food products, terms such as “place of origin,” “no pesticides,” and “eco-friendliness,” and in the case of electronics, “resistance to breakage,” “easy to use by anyone,” and “technical support” give users a sense of security. However, what about cloud services? Not surprisingly, the first thing that end-users focus on is “security.”
Tsukaeru FileBako uses AES 256-bit encryption, one of the strongest encryption technologies available. Two-factor authentication is also available. In addition, our service is well protected against ransomware, which has caused enormous damage to small- and medium-sized businesses in recent years.
Creating your own brand through the use of Tsukaeru FileBako is also attractive for creating something commonly known as a "stock business" (similar to recurring revenue model) in Japan. This is a business model in which you are paid continuously until the end of the contract period. It is not a model based on selling out, but rather one that leads to a steady and stable income, allowing you to accumulate assets (stock). It could be described as a type of a “subscription business,” a recently popular business model.
Today’s business environment is characterized by VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity). By incorporating “stock business” into your business model, you can easily predict and plan for your earnings, thereby gaining valuable peace of mind.
Furthermore, if you ever have any questions or problems with Tsukaeru FileBako, our support center is always available to help you via phone, chat, or email.
Increasing demand for cloud storage
According to the 2021 edition of the Japanese Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications’ White Paper on Information and Communications, 68.7% of companies used cloud storage in 2020, up 4.0 percentage points from 2019. In addition, 87.1% of companies indicated that cloud services were “effective” (32.5% – very effective and 54.6% – “somewhat effective”), a trend that is expected to increase in the future.
As digitization continues, cloud migration is now a necessity
While many executives understand the need for DX (Digital Transformation) to create new business models with digital technology, it is obvious that efforts to achieve this are still insufficient. The Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) cites the fact that existing systems are often built for each business organizational unit and do not allow for cross-company data utilization as one of the factors hindering DX. If the issues are not resolved, METI points out that this could cost up to 12 trillion JPY in economic losses could occur every year after 2025, referred to as the “2025 cliff.” There is a wide range of possible solutions to this problem, and cloud storage services will play an essential role.
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Tsukaeru FileBako: Easy & safe
According to the METI White Paper mentioned earlier, the most common use of cloud services was for “file storage and data sharing.” Moving forward, it is expected that many companies will follow suit and introduce cloud services to keep up with this trend.
Now may be the perfect opportunity to brand Tsukaeru FileBako to improve UX for your customer.
Please feel free to contact us below for more details, including implementation costs.
Click here to learn more about Tsukaeru FileBako.
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Call toll-free: 0120-961-166
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The Japanese National Police Agency announced on January 28, 2022, that the number of arrests related to cyber crimes in 2021 was 12,275, an increase of 24.3% from the previous year and the highest number of arrests in any year. 2021 saw a series of cyber attacks that brought social infrastructure, such as medical institutions, to a standstill in Japan. The targets of these attacks were not just large corporations but also small- and medium-sized enterprises, small vendors, and suppliers.
As these threats are becoming more common in the modern business world, in today’s blog post, we will review cyber attacks and the best ways to deal with them.
What is a cyber attack?
A cyber attack is an attack that harms a targeted computer or system through the Internet or other networks. The main types of damage include data theft, leakage, destruction, and tampering. An effective cyber attack can wreak havoc on a company’s business.
Increasing number of cyber attacks: An overview
According to the “Recent Trends in Cyber Attacks” report released by the Japanese Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications in June 2021, the number of unauthorized accesses or attacks in Japan reached 2,960 in 2019, almost double the 1,486 incidents that occurred in 2018. In addition, the number of attacks targeting remote work environments in 2020 increased by 340% compared to 2019, and the number of phishing attacks in 2019 increased by 280% in comparison to 2018.
For example, the Emotet malware, often referred to as the “scariest virus,” has been spreading globally since the summer of 2019. This cyber attack method impersonates a business partner by using actual text from a previous email exchange and sends an attachment with an embedded malicious program. The damage from Emotet is estimated to be as high as $2.5 billion worldwide.
Attack characteristics and common tactics
One of several characteristics of recent cyber attacks is the targeting of remote workers, whose numbers have increased in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. With more and more devices and computers being taken out of the office, attackers are focusing on endpoints with weak security.
As mentioned earlier, attacks are also directed at the supply chain, where security is also weaker. Once in the supply chain system, the attackers then try to break into the corporate network with the aim of accessing confidential information.
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Common types of cyber attacks
In the following section, we will examine five common cyber attacks and their modus operandi.
Unauthorized access
As the name implies, unauthorized access is a type of cyber attack in which a password-protected system is illegally accessed to steal data. In many cases, the intrusion is made by analyzing or analogizing passwords. Therefore, proper password settings and regular password changes are effective preventative measures. According to data released by the Japanese Metropolitan Police Department, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, and the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) in March 2021, the number of unauthorized accesses targeting general companies, as compared to other institutions such as government agencies and universities, has been increasing rapidly, especially since the beginning of Japan’s new Reiwa era in 2019, accounting for more than 95% of the total.
In addition, according to data released by the IPA (Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan) in February 2021, of the 135 cases of unauthorized access received by the agency in the second half of 2020, 44 cases were caused by the above mentioned Emotet virus, and 21 cases were related to ransomware.
Rootkit attack
A rootkit attack is a technique in which several malicious programs are used in combination to target a computer to infect it with a virus. If successful, the malicious software works quietly behind the scenes and continues to send data to the attacker.
Many rootkit attacks are designed to operate in the deepest areas of the operating system (OS), making detection extremely difficult, not only for ordinary security software but also for special rootkit scanners. Even if detected, it can take a great deal of time to remove rootkits and will require a reinstallation of the OS.
SQL injection
Most web server databases are composed of a database language called SQL. However, if the server security is weak, it is possible to exploit the SQL command text with a technique known as SQL injection, which can result in information being altered or leaked.
In January 2022, Nichinoken, a major cram school, announced that its website web server had been illegally accessed, and up to 280,196 email addresses of people who had requested informational materials may have been leaked. It is thought that the cyber attack method was an SQL injection.
DDoS attack
A DDoS attack is a technique in which a large number of computers overwhelm and shut down a specific server by simultaneously sending access requests. The computers used in the attack are distributed across multiple networks, making it difficult to take effective countermeasures against the attack.
In recent years, an increasing number of DDoS attacks have targeted IoT devices with weak security. In addition, there are many small-scale and highly covert attacks that aim to reduce server performance for long periods of time without causing the server to shut down. This can cause enormous damage to companies with them being unaware of what is happening.
Cross-site scripting
Currently, most websites use a scripting language called JavaScript. Cross-site scripting (XSS) takes advantage of website vulnerabilities and embeds code that exploits JavaScript functions to alter the site.
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How to deal with cyber attacks
Companies around the world face a variety of cyber attacks that can come from any direction. In order to be better prepared, the following two points are important to consider.
Need for security awareness and effective countermeasures
According to Accenture’s 2021 survey of more than 4,700 senior executives at large corporations in 18 countries, including Japan, 55% of all respondents said their companies were unable to implement effective cyber attack countermeasures, rapidly detect problems, respond to and recover from cyber attacks, and mitigate damage. This is in spite of the fact that 82% of respondents said their companies had increased their investment in cyber security over the past year and that the number of unauthorized accesses increased by 31% from the previous year.
In other words, there is not only a need to increase investment in security but also raise security awareness within the company and implement effective countermeasures. No matter how much money is spent on building a strong system, it will be meaningless if employees are not security conscious and do not follow the rules. In order to raise awareness, it is more effective for the person in charge to remind everyone on a daily basis than to hold a large training session once a year. It is recommended that regular updates with relevant information are shared to encourage and educate everyone who is involved.
Advantages of using the cloud
As mentioned above, cyber attacks have become increasingly sophisticated in recent years, and attackers are constantly targeting areas where security is weak. In addition, with the rapid increase of remote work and the use of digital devices outside the office, there is a limit to the amount of security that can be achieved within the company alone.
To cope with these changes in environment, cloud-based security measures are gaining attention. In the cloud, it is possible to prepare for the threat of cyber attacks in real-time and also to manage devices outside the company.
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Tsukaeru Cloud Backup
Tsukaeru Cloud Backup from Tsukaeru.net uses Acronis Cyber Protection, used by more than 500,000 companies in 150 countries around the world, to protect your valuable data from unauthorized access, cyber attacks, and viruses.
Easy to use + Strong security
Tsukaeru Cloud Backup is the most powerful solution to protect your corporate data from cyber attacks, as well as disaster and hardware failures. In addition, it is very easy to use, requires no specialized knowledge or complicated installation, and can be set up in five minutes.
The low price of JPY 1,408 per month (two-year contract), including 200 GB capacity, one PC, and three mobile devices, makes the service an easy and affordable choice.
Please feel free to contact us below to find out about a free 30-day trial!
Click here to learn more about Tsukaeru Cloud Backup.
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Call toll-free: 0120-961-166
Office hours: 10:00-17:00
Compared to the early days of computers, the need for backups has become self-evident, and most users, whether individuals or companies, are now backing up their data in some way. However, we need to consider whether our current backup methods are actually “safe.”
This is especially important as the digital society that surrounds businesses is constantly changing by the minute, and backups need to evolve at the same pace.
In this blog post, we will look at some of the reasons why and how every company should rethink their backup strategies.
Growing danger of data loss in a digital society
According to a March 2019 global survey by Acronis, 65% of consumers and 29% of businesses have experienced data loss leading to downtime. It is important to note that 93% of these consumers and 97% of these businesses backed up their data at least once a year.
The survey results indicate that just having a backup plan is not enough to avoid problems that could lead to downtime. The question is now not whether you have backups or not, but what is the best backup method that will bring peace of mind to your company.
Ever-increasing data volume & protection awareness
There are several reasons why the risk of data loss is increasing, even with backups. The first is that the amount of data held by companies is increasing drastically every year.
According to a March 2020 global study published by Dell Technologies, the average amount of data managed by companies jumped from 1.45 PB (Petabyte = 1,000 Terabytes) in 2016 to 9,70 PB in 2018. Furthermore, in 2019, it increased by 40% to 13.53 PB.
In addition, 81% of the companies surveyed responded that their current data protection solutions are not sufficient to meet all future data needs. They also reported that they feel that risks, such as cyber attacks, are increasing along with data volume. In fact, the average loss due to data loss also increased from USD 995,613 (about JPY 115 million) in 2018 to USD 1,013,075 (about JPY 117.6 million) in 2019. From the results, it is obvious that companies are struggling to cope with the ever-changing digital society.
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How to keep your data safe
It is highly unlikely that anyone thinks “We have so much data, so a little loss isn’t a bad thing.” In our digital society, the importance of data to businesses cannot be overstated.
Below are three of the most common ways to keep your ever-growing data safe.
Local backup
Backing up your data to a device that you have at hand, such as a hard disk, a USB memory stick, or an external hard drive, a local backup is the simplest method and has the advantage of ensuring quick data retrieval.
Cloud backup
As the saying goes, “Don't put all your eggs in one basket.” Cloud backup stores your data in a separate location from your local environment. This protects your original files and local backups from being destroyed in a natural disaster or compromised by a cyber attack that engulfs the entire network. Another advantage of cloud backup is that users can access files and data from anywhere.
Malware: Security measures
When considering backup methods, it is crucial to understand how to protect your data from cyber attacks such as malware. This is especially important because ransomware, a type of malware that infects servers and systems, and then encrypts data, rendering it unusable, can easily spread to backup data as well.
What this means is that no matter how many backups you have made, if they are accessible from a computer or system that has been infected by ransomware, there is a high possibility that they will also be infected and encrypted, making recovery impossible. This is why, even if you choose cloud backup, you need a secure backup solution with ransomware protection.
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Does your company use the cloud?
According to the 2021 White Paper on Information and Communication (Japanese Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications), 87.1% of responding companies felt that cloud services were effective (“very effective” at 32.5%; “somewhat effective at 54.6%). In addition, 36.5% of companies answered that the service they used was “data backup,” an increase from 31.4% in 2019, indicating that the number of companies choosing cloud solutions to prepare for potential data loss is steadily increasing.
Benefits of using the cloud
Based on the above assumptions, the benefits of using the cloud can be summarized by the three following points:
1. Data is stored in a remote location, reducing the risk of loss.
2. Data can be accessed from anywhere via the Internet making it less location-based.
3. Backups are automatic and hassle-free.
Tsukaeru Cloud Backup
Tsukaeru Cloud Backup, provided by Tsukaeru.net, is a popular choice of many small- and medium-sized companies for their cloud backup needs because of its high-cost performance and ease of installation.
Using the cloud: Easy & Secure
Tsukaeru Cloud Backup is based on the image backup method. With regular file backups, it is necessary to install the OS on a new machine and reinstall the required applications before finally restoring the data and files. Image backups can significantly shorten the process, allowing immediate resumption of normal operations in the case of data loss. In addition, we have introduced “Active Protection,” an AI-based technology that protects data from ransomware and other cyber attacks by detecting risks before problems occur.
For the low price of JPY 1,408 per month (2-year contract), our service provides a 200 GB capacity for one PC and three mobile devices, making it an affordable and easy backup option for your company.
We are also excited to offer a free 30-day trial to discover how Tsukaeru Cloud Backup can help you keep your data safe and secure. Please feel free to contact us below to find out more.
Click here to learn more about Tsukaeru Cloud Backup.
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Call toll-free: 0120-961-166
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In our 2021 blog series, we discussed PPAP, a file sharing method that is commonly used in Japanese companies and organizations, and its disadvantages. Approximately a year later, as PPAP is more and more viewed as an inadequate security measure, cloud storage is becoming the popular choice to replace it.
In our first blog of the year, we will revisit PPAP, examine recent developments and problems, and explain why cloud storage can be the best alternative.
Recent developments with PPAP
While problems with PPAP have been known for a long time, there have been even more recent significant developments in the past year. One of the most important has been the change in policy by Japanese government agencies.
The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology is now “Post-PPAP”
On December 1st, 2021, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT) announced the introduction of a system that will automatically save and download attached files in a cloud storage system instead of attaching them to emails after January 4th, 2022. One reason given for this change is “that in light of recent cases where malware, such as Emotet, has been able to bypass security checks through attached ZIP files with password protection, which raises concerns from a security perspective, [MEXT] is introducing this measure to strengthen security.”
While the Japanese Cabinet Office and Cabinet Secretariat had already abolished PPAP in November 2020, this government security policy change is expected to impact the private sector as well.
New types of malware attacks on the rise
When MEXT announced the discontinuation of PPAP, malware attacks were cited as one of the reasons. In particular, the ministry named “Emotet,” a cyber attack first detected in 2014 and the cause of a series of infections since 2019.
According to a JPECRT Coordination Center report released in February 2020, at least 3,200 organizations in Japan have been infected by Emotet, including Tokyo Metropolitan University (18,843 email addresses leaked), NTT West (1,343 email addresses, including customer email addresses, leaked), and Kansai Electric Power (3,418 email addresses, including external parties, leaked), and other large corporations that should have implemented more careful security measures.
While Emotet’s activities seemed to have subsided after February 2020, there was new activity in July 2020, and in November 2021, the Japanese Information-technology Promotion Agency (IPA) announced that there were indications that Emotet attacks had resumed.
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Emotet characteristics
Emotet, which even forced MEXT to change its policy, is characterized by its high infectivity and spread. Difficult to detect, it cleverly disguises itself in Word or Excel files with macros to download the malware. When the victim opens the file and clicks on the “Enable Editing” or “Enable Content” button, the macro is triggered, and the email address and contents are stolen. It can be difficult to detect the danger because infected files have frequently used names in the business world, such as “Meeting information.” Once in the system, the infection can quickly spread to other computers in the company or business partners, causing the damage to spread even further.
Significance of PPAP
MEXT’s main concern was that the PPAP method of sending a password-protected ZIP file attachment was not enough to detect and stop malware infection. In the following section, let’s review potential problems with PPAP.
Serious flaws with PPAP
As pointed out in a previous blog post, one problem is that even if a protected ZIP file and password are sent in separate emails, if a third party can gain access to one of them, it is highly likely that they will be able to obtain both. Research has verified that it can be quite easy for an attacker to compromise PPAP security in this way.
In addition, if a third party obtains the protected ZIP file but not the password, PPAP is based on the assumption that the ZIP file is still safe. However, is that really the case? Passwords can be vulnerable to someone with the right skills and a powerful, high-speed computer.
Digital Arts Ltd., an information security company, conducted a password security analysis using publicly available computers and an open-source password recovery tool. Searching at about one billion times per second, they found that, surprisingly, a 6-digit combination of upper and lowercase letters could be cracked in less than one second. An increase to eight digits only took 20 seconds. Adding numbers to the letters resulted in a password that took a little longer to crack: a maximum of about two days.
Of even greater concern is that a group of specialized hackers can increase the computation speed and processing by hundreds or thousands of times by using multiple computers and high-performance GPUS simultaneously.
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This means that there is not only a risk of malware infection with PPAP, but also a high possibility that ZIP file contents can be easily stolen.
Other identified problems with PPAP include the fact that a separate application is required to view ZIP files on mobile devices, which is an obstacle to the introduction of remote work, and that many companies automatically zip files and send passwords, which is a poor security measure. Obviously, there are some serious concerns regarding the use of PPAP, and companies would be wise to find more secure options.
Cloud storage as a secure alternative
To prevent malware infection, we all need to improve our digital literacy, avoid opening unverified attachments, and keep our security software and systems up-to-date. However, in the case of PPAP, considering the risk of passwords being compromised, a fundamental change is needed, and PPAP needs to be abolished immediately.
One of the easiest and most effective measures that companies can implement is a shift to cloud storage, something MEXT has already done as an alternative to PPAP.
Tsukaeru FileBako: Easy and safe to use
With our cloud storage service, Tsukaeru FileBako, you can generate a link to the file you want to share, and then communicate the link and its password to another party through different media (e.g., email for the link and chat tool for the password), which solves one of the security risks of PPAP. Tsukaeru FileBako uses AES 256-bit encryption, which is one of the strongest encryption technologies currently. Two-factor authentication is also available.
One benefit is that this very high level of security does not require a dedicated interface for installation. FileBako can be used immediately in a familiar and comfortable format with shared folders that can be handled in Explorer for Windows and Finder for Mac.
Instantly sync and share files via email or mobile devices
With Tsukaeru FileBako, you don’t need a dedicated application for exchanging files as you do with PPAP. You can immediately synchronize and share files for remote work and on-site communication.
The low monthly unit price of 10,780 JPY, with a default capacity of 1TB, is the same whether 100 or 1,000 users, and there is no additional fee for adding more accounts.
To experience the functionality and peace of mind of using cloud storage for sharing files, please contact us below for a free trial of our Tsukaeru FileBako service.
Click here to learn more about Tsukaeru FileBako.
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Call toll-free: 0120-961-166
Office hours: 10:00-17:00
