The COVID-19 pandemic has brought renewed attention to the importance of business continuity planning (BCP). In this article, we will explain the significance of BCP for small and medium-sized businesses and why cloud solutions are recommended for BCP implementation.
What is BCP? Why is it essential for small and medium-sized companies?
BCP (Business Continuity Plan) refers to plans and measures that are formulated in advance so that business activities can be quickly resumed in the event of a disaster, cyber attack, or other contingency.
With proper BCP measures, business operations can be continued without delay even in the event of unforeseen circumstances such as the following:
・Natural disasters such as massive earthquakes and floods
・Cyber attacks such as ransomware
・Fires in offices and other business locations
・Prolonged pandemics
Without BCP in place, it will be difficult to quickly restore and resume operations in the event of the above problems or disasters due to issues such as the loss of important documents and data necessary, damage to internal servers and computer systems that will take time to repair, or unusable or unsecure office space. This can result in a loss of trust from business partners, customers, and consumers, a risk that a small or medium-sized company or startup cannot accept.
While many people have the perception that BCP is something only for large companies, in fact, it is important for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with concerns regarding their management capabilities to prepare for and respond to emergencies.
In fact, both the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and the recent pandemic conditions have caused a series of bankruptcies among SMEs in Japan, highlighting the importance of emergency preparedness.
Cloud computing: The best BCP choice for SMEs
One common obstacle for SME implementation of BCP measures are budget and time constraints. This is why we recommend a BCP cloud solution.
Implementing a cloud solution as part of your BCP offers the following advantages:
・Data can be quickly recovered from the secure cloud server if computers or systems are damaged.
・Remote work can be easily implemented if the physical office space is damaged or compromised.
In addition, cloud-based BCP measures are inexpensive and affordable, can be implemented immediately, and do not require specialized knowledge or complicated settings, all of which makes them relatively easy to implement with limited time and investment capital.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has been offering BCP promotion subsidies for some time. However, the subsidy rate has been increased for the sixth round of applications in January 2021 in order to subsidize the cost of required BCP equipment, including countermeasures against infectious diseases such as COVID-19. These subsidies also include cloud servers and backup systems for data management due to loss of business premises or inability to come to work.
Easy and affordable crisis management with Tsukaeru Cloud Backup+
Tsukaeru Cloud Backup+, a cloud solution from Tsukaeru.net, is a new service recommended for implementing BCP measures for small and medium-sized businesses. The introduction of this service makes it possible to simply and centrally manage security measures and data backup, key elements of effective and efficient BCP. As a cloud service, there is no need for huge initial or capital investments.
Tsukeru Cloud Backup+ features
・Securely backs up applications, systems, and data on any device
・Fast and reliable restore function
・Advanced ransomware and malware protection based on the latest AI
・Intuitive operation with easy-to-understand management screen
・Simple and centralized management of all devices
・Save time and money by remotely managing end-user devices
・Visualize hard disk status in advance and predict problems before they occur
To experience all the Tsukaeru Cloud Backup+ can offer, please feel free to contact us for a free trial.
Click here for more information about Tsukaeru Cloud Backup+
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As the COVID-19 crisis drags on, many companies are continuing to rely on remote work more and more. While it is becoming more and more popular as it can lead to a better work-life balance, recently, "remote work fatigue" is becoming a common problem.
Remote work productivity: Japan is the worst!
Last month (November 2020), Oracle released an interesting study (*1) on the state of remote work around the world in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the survey, the rapid growth of remote work and the reduction of commute times has increased the number of hours worked in many countries. However, the opposite is true in Japan, where 34% of respondents said that their work hours have decreased (21% increased).
In addition, 46% of Japanese respondents said that the COVID-19 pandemic caused a decrease in productivity, significantly higher than the 15% who reported an increase in productivity. This is in stark contrast to the majority of people in most other countries who say their productivity has increased.
The power of technology to improve remote work operational efficiency
Various factors have been identified for the slow increase in remote work productivity in Japan, such as the need for experts in the subject matter to work closely together or the difficulty in creating environments in the family home that allow for concentration on work matters.
Technology, especially the cloud, is gaining attention as a means of improving remote work efficiency as of late. In fact, this prolonged remote work period has led to a rapid increase in the introduction of cloud storage and business communication tools that are ideal for remote collaboration in Japan.
Tsukaeru FileBako is ideal for remote work collaboration
Tsukaeru FileBako is the perfect solution for improving productivity and collaboration in remote work. Files are stored on a cloud server rather than in a local environment, making them accessible anytime, anywhere, and from any device, all with industry-leading security. Internal file transfers can be completed in seconds, without the need for email attachments.
For more information on the features and benefits of Tsukaeru FileBako, please check out the service details page below. We're also currently running a 30% off offer until December 22, 2020, so feel free to contact us!
Click here for more information on the Tsukaeru FileBako service.
Click here for details of the Tsukaeru FileBako 30% off campaign (until December 22, 2020)
Tsukaeru will also be hosting a free webinar on December 10 and 11, 2020, a must-attend event for anyone considering implementing cloud services. This webinar will also include case studies of Tsukaeru FileBako, so please join us if you are interested.
Click here for more information and to register for the free webinar!
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(*1) : “AI@Work” survey – Oracle Japan
The Covid-19 pandemic has changed how the world works. Due to the rapid adoption of remote work, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of cybersecurity attacks trying to take advantage of these changes. In this article, we discuss the cybersecurity you need to protect your company's data and business in these volatile times.
31% of companies experience a cyber attack “at least once a day”
Numerous studies have shown that cybersecurity threats have increased in the wake of the pandemic. According to a survey of 3,400 companies worldwide conducted by Acronis (*1) this summer, a total of 31% of companies said they had experienced a cyber attack at least once a day in the past three months, and 9% of companies are attacked at least once an hour. The most commonly reported types of attacks include phishing scams, DDoS attacks, and attacks targeting video conferencing.
IT costs continue to increase in response to remote work
Implementing and maintaining remote work has an impact on corporate IT costs. In the same study by Acronis, 92% of companies reported that they had implemented new technology and software to migrate to remote work. In addition, 72% of companies reported that the pandemic had increased their IT costs.
Companies are unprotected from the growing threat of phishing scams
In the age of remote work, cybersecurity is more important than ever. However, it can be difficult for companies to keep up with the latest cyber-attack trends in terms of effective countermeasures. For example, while one of the most common attacks is "phishing," many companies do not have effective URL filtering in place to combat this kind of attack. According to the Acronis survey, only 2% selected URL filtering as an important feature to consider when choosing a cybersecurity solution.
Tsukaeru: a one-stop-shop for all the security measures you need in the age of Covid-19
In the Covid-19 and post-Covid-19 eras, where remote work has become the norm and the risk of cyber attacks remains high, proactive and flexible security measures are necessary to keep up with the ever-changing trends. However, in the past, it was impractical for small and medium-sized businesses to implement the various software solutions and complex operations that must be managed in parallel.
Tsukaeru has recently launched "Tsukaeru Cloud Backup + (Plus)," an integrated, one-stop solution with an excellent combination of cloud backup services and cybersecurity measures required in today's world. Tsukaeru Cloud Backup + provides safety and security in the following five areas:
・Identification: vulnerability assessment, data protection map, etc.
・Protection: protection against malware/ransomware, centralized protection policies management, etc.
・Detection: hard drive health control, dashboard reports, etc.
・Support: quarantine malware, patch management built into backups, etc.
・Recovery: backup and disaster recovery, remote desktop, etc.
Experience the convenience of Tsukaeru Cloud Backup +, a perfect match for simplifying cybersecurity measures and reducing IT costs.
Click here for details on Tsukaeru Cloud Backup +.
Contact us at Tsukaeru.
*1：Acronis Cyber Readiness Report 2020 (PDF)
The Novel Coronavirus has completely changed our lives. While the first wave seems to have calmed down, for the time being, we still have to continue living with its effects. In this article, we will discuss the importance of a Business Continuity Plan (BCP) in the post-Corona age.
The need for BCP in the post-Corona age
BCP incorporates the measures and strategies that enable companies to continue operations in the event of a disaster or emergency such as a pandemic.
The current situation has taught us that an emergency can occur at any time. And even though the Coronavirus situation is calming down in some regions, there is a good chance that it could flare up again.
Japan, which experiences major earthquakes and floods almost every year, is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world. To be prepared, BCP is a basic necessity for all companies.
The Cloud is the best place for BCP
When there is a need to establish an effective BCP quickly and easily, it is best to utilize an external solution. The solution of choice is cloud technology.
With cloud services, data is securely stored separately from the physical location of a company. In this way, if an event occurs, its impact on business can be minimized. Furthermore, the cloud allows access to data and the ability to continue working from anywhere at any time, making it a perfect way to continue operations in an emergency.
Protect your data with Tsukaeru Cloud Backup
At Tsukaeru, we have many cloud solutions that are optional for BCP measures. We’d like to introduce the following particularly recommended services:
Tsukaeru Cloud Backup is a comprehensive backup service attractively priced at affordable 30 JPY per day/1 GB per 0.98 JPY. All files and folders, as well as the entire computer OS, are backup protected against ransomware and disasters. Assurance is provided by our high-level of global security and extensive customer support.
Click here for details on Tsukaeru Cloud Backup
Tsukaeru FileBako cloud file server
Tsukaeru FileBako is a file server-type cloud storage that provides excellent security and stability. Designed for smooth team collaboration, uploaded data is triple-layered in the cloud, removing the worry of hardware failure.
Click here for details on Tsukaeru FileBako cloud storage
Remote work is easy with Microsoft 365 Protection
Microsoft 365 Protection is highly recommended for companies using the Microsoft 365 subscription service. With just a simple setup, all Microsoft 365 emails and files are directly backed up to the cloud: an effective solution to protect valuable data from viruses and human errors.
Click here to learn more about Microsoft 365 Protection
Tsukaeru’s low cost, simple, and secure cloud services can provide all the BCP measures you need to protect your business from potential disasters and related risks.
Please visit the Tsukaeru website to contact us for more information.
In June, the restriction on crossing prefectural borders was lifted in Japan, and in Europe, there is a movement to gradually open borders. It seems that the world is slowly moving to the normality of the past.
However, after this unprecedented crisis, there is one thing that is unlikely to be completely restored even if the pandemic disappears: our way of working.
Three keywords for defining work in the post-Corona age
With the spread of the Novel Coronavirus, many companies experienced remote work for the first time. Now, it seems that more and more people will return to regular work in the near future, but even so, many managers believe that everything cannot be restored to what it once was.
In the post-Corona age, where productivity and work-life balance are more important than ever, the three keywords are “collaboration,” “flexibility,” and “security.”
■ Collaboration
Accelerating innovation through collaboration with other companies and the use of freelancers will become more and more common in the future. Collaboration with outside entities is an efficient way to create new value and profit in the shortest time possible.
■ Flexibility
From this experience, many will realize that remote work is in fact possible. From now on, not only large companies, but also small- and medium-sized ones, will accept more flexible work styles to some extent, according to employee circumstances and lifestyles.
■ Security
Strengthening information security is essential to promote the collaboration and flexibility mentioned above. Instead of a passive attitude of “implementing minimum measures,” a positive mindset of “always pursuing the best and latest security measures” is required.
Will cloud storage become commonplace in the post-Corona age?
In order to strengthen collaboration with others and promote more flexible working styles, it is important to create an environment that enables smooth and secure file exchange. However, project management and file version management can quickly become complicated with the use of conventional email attachments.
To meet this need, the use of cloud storage is rapidly expanding. Files can be easily uploaded and downloaded when needed and are always updated to the latest version. There is no need to keep track of which version was sent to who when. Another advantage is that it does not require labor or cost to operate the file server in-house.
Reasons to use Tsukaeru Filebako
Tsukaeru’s Filebako cloud storage service is used by many companies, organizations, and educational institutions nationwide. Here are some excellent reasons for this growing support:
■ Easy and smooth collaboration
Packed with functions that facilitate collaboration, such as shared folders that are ideal for teamwork inside and outside the company, and weblink sharing that allows hassle-free file sharing. The simple and attractive interface facilitates immediate use.
■ Fast flexibility and work style diversity introduction
Tsukaeru Filebako is perfect for remote work file exchange. The official app (iOS and Android) allows remote work anytime and anywhere.
■ Highest-level security and full support
In addition to SSL communication, double encryption with a secret key is provided. Access authority for each file/folder and device/login history confirmation is readily available. Customer support from highly-experienced in-house staff is always available to help.
To be better prepared for the post-Corona age, why not consider trying Tsukaeru Filebako? To learn more, especially about our exciting 14-day free trial membership, please contact us!
Tsukaeru Filebako service details
Please visit the Tsukaeru website to contact us for more information.
Due to the current novel Coronavirus situation, a phenomenon that can be called “last-minute remote work” is occurring. After the declaration of a state of emergency in Japan, the nationwide remote work implementation rate has risen by 27.9%. In Tokyo alone, 49.1% of regular workers are working remotely (*Persol Research and Consulting Institute). Of these, 68.7% report that this is their first remote work experience and that this unfamiliarity can cause a variety of problems.
Increasing Cybercrime
Cybercrime incidents are of particular concern for everyone. As corporate security measures are being stretched and loosened by the expansion of remote work, cybercriminals are taking advantage where and when they can.
【Increasing cybercrime】
1. Email phishing
Malicious email that attempts to trick IT department staff, management, business partners, etc. to click on links that lead to fake websites in order to steal personal and login information.
2. Malware attack
A form of cyberattack where a seemingly legitimate email contains a virus or ransomware program that is secretly downloaded when an attachment is opened or a link is clicked.
3. Video conferencing system exploit attack
This increasingly popular attack method takes advantage of vulnerabilities in widely used video conferencing software to hijack a user’s computer and send spam emails with fake video conference invitation emails.
Basic cybersecurity review
Even if your company falls victim to just one of these cyber attacks, the potential damage to finances, confidential information, social credibility, etc. is too great to risk. Now that there are greater vulnerabilities due to an increase in remote work, the basics of cybersecurity should be reviewed.
【Basic, protective security measures for remote work】
1. Thoroughly implement all email security measures
Email is the most common method for cyber attacks. In the case when there is even a small suspicion about an email, it is important to contact the sender by other means, such as telephone, and avoid clicking a link or downloading an attached file. Introducing a system that blocks such email and spam is essential.
Tsukaeru MailBuster provides email security with 100% virus and 99.98% spam blocking.
2. Avoid simple passwords
Are you using simple passwords such as “1234,” “abc123,” “qwerty,” “admin,” and even “password” to ki==log into your business computer or system? These types of simple passwords greatly increase your chances of falling victim to a cyber attack.
3. Always update computer OS and software
These OS and software updates contain very important security changes and vulnerability fixes. It is best to install as soon as the update notification is received.
4. Choose the tool with the proper security measures
The best way to effectively raise the level of remote work security is by choosing the right tools. Security should always be the top priority when making decisions.
“Tool selection” affects remote work outcomes
To achieve the high level of security needed for remote work, we recommend Tsukaeru Business Solutions. The thorough encryption using the latest protocols, detailed access permissions, and authentication system strictly blocks unauthorized logins. Tsukaeru products are equipped with the most advanced security measures for all situations.
By introducing Tsukaeru Business Solutions, you can implement remote work immediately at a reasonable cost and with outstanding security. To learn more, please feel free to contact us at Tsukaeru.
Tsukaeru Dokodemo Office can create a secure remote work environment in just a few hours.
Tsukaeru Filebako allows safe, remote work file sharing within the company (available free of charge until the end of June, 2020).
Tsukaeru Cloud Backup provides entire computer backup in just five minutes.
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In this seemingly never-ending Coronavirus epidemic, the ways people work in this country are changing in unexpected ways. It is obvious that remote work is expanding more than ever, and many people are seeing a shift in their work styles. However, this sudden transition to remote work also creates news challenges of overcoming difficulties in team communication.
Remote work is increasing rapid – but not without challenges
Due to the Coronavirus epidemic and the subsequent declaration of emergency, remote work is rapidly increasing. According to a survey conducted by ITmedia Inc. in mid-March, 64% of companies are currently implementing remote work, more than three times more than last year. As reported in the Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper, some internet service providers have seen an increase in their internet traffic in the afternoons by approximately 60% due to remote work.
While there are many voices welcoming the introduction of remote work, there are some who are confused by the difficulties of team communication due to the lack of face-to-face communication and meetings.
Smooth remote work teamwork with Office 365
Currently, Microsoft’s Office 365 is attracting attention as a tool that facilitates smooth communication in remote work situations, and its cloud-based office suite is growing in popularity.
Office 365 includes the following applications that are perfect for creating easy and efficient remote work team communication:
・Microsoft Teams – Business chat, voice calls, video conferencing, and more. Safe with a high-security level.
・Skype for Business – Conduct video calls on PC or smartphone. Simple and easy to use.
・Yammer – A versatile in-house SNS service for in-house meetings and online business training.
・Exchange – Access business email for remote work.
Perfect for improving remote work efficiency
Office 365 is packed with other useful software design to create a stress-free and efficient remote work environment. It is an ideal solution that immediately solves all remote work issues.
・OneDrive for Business – One terabyte of cloud storage allows for easy file exchange.
・Word, Excel, and PowerPoint – The latest Office products for efficient remote work.
・Microsoft Planner – Easy task management and teamwork to improve work productivity.
Full support from Tsukaeru
Tsukaeru offers Office 365 services as an official reseller of Microsoft products. A subscription to Tsukaeru Office 365 provides the highest level of support from our Office 365 specialists. If you are a business owner or a manager who is experiencing difficulties with remote work team communication, please contact us to find out how Tsukaeru can help you!
Learn more about Office 365.
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[Notice]
Currently, Tsukaeru is offering the cloud storage service, “Tsukaeru Filebako,” free of charge (until the end of June) in support of those conducting remote work in response to the declaration of emergency. For further information, please contact us.
