hybrid cloud Geelong technology group
By admin IT Support • • 0 Comments

What is Hybrid Cloud? Uses and benefits of Hybrid Cloud computing

Just when we’ve gotten used to cloud computing, along comes a change in the weather, blowing us toward a hybrid cloud model. 

But what is hybrid cloud? The term refers to a computing environment that combines both public and private cloud infrastructure. In this model, a business may store some of its data and applications in a public cloud – such as Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure or Amazon Web Services (AWS) – while keeping other information in a private cloud or on-premises data centre (or both). 

 Note that there is no one-size-fits-all model for cloud architecture – every hybrid cloud environment will be different to meet the needs and goals of the organisation or business in question. The key, though, is ensuring that your business’ hybrid cloud infrastructure allows workloads to move seamlessly between the interconnected environments. 

Benefits of Hybrid Cloud for small businesses 

  1. Cost savings

One of the most significant benefits of hybrid cloud computing is cost savings. A hybrid cloud infrastructure enables SMBs to choose the most cost-effective platform for each of their applications. Allowing them to optimise their IT spending. For example, a business can store non-sensitive data in a public cloud, which is less expensive than hosting it on a private cloud. 

  1. Scalability & agility

It provides small businesses with the flexibility to scale their infrastructure up or down based on their ongoing needs. When a company experiences a spike in traffic, it can easily scale up its computing resources to ensure that its applications remain available and responsive to users. Conversely, when traffic returns to normal levels, the company can scale down its resources to reduce costs. The hybrid cloud model also allows SMBs to quickly pivot direction. This allows for business innovation and to quickly meet changing market conditions. 

  1. Security

Security is a top priority for small businesses, and a hybrid cloud infrastructure can offer enhanced cybersecurity. Companies can store sensitive data in their private cloud, which is more secure than a public cloud. Additionally, the hybrid cloud allows businesses to implement granular access controls (granting different levels of access to particular users) and to monitor data in real time, ensuring that systems are protected from unauthorised entry. 

  1. Increased productivity

By moving their applications to the cloud, SMBs can reduce the amount of time spent on infrastructure maintenance. This then allows them to instead focus on core business functions. With a hybrid cloud infrastructure, businesses can choose to outsource some IT functions to the public cloud, such as email or file sharing, while keeping critical applications in-house, such as customer relationship management (CRM) or financial software. 

  1. Disaster recovery

Hybrid infrastructure provides small businesses with an effective disaster recovery solution. By replicating critical data and applications across multiple platforms, companies can ensure that their operations remain uninterrupted in the event of an outage. If one platform is compromised or fails, the other can take over, providing business continuity (and peace of mind). 

Disadvantages of Hybrid Cloud for small businesses 

This infrastructure offers numerous benefits for SMBs, but it is not without its challenges. Its structure may be complex to manage and must be properly configured and maintained, particularly when it comes to data integration. Businesses may need to invest in specialised software or tools to enable data to move seamlessly between their public and private clouds. Furthermore, while this infrastructure can enhance security, it can also introduce new security risks. Companies need to ensure that their cloud environment is properly secured and monitored to protect against data breaches. 

Contact Geelong’s cloud computing specialists 

Not everything belongs in a public cloud, which is why so many forward-thinking companies are choosing a hybrid mixture of services. Getting the mix right, though, is key, which is where Geelong Technology Group can help. Our IT professionals can assist businesses in Geelong and surrounds to move from an on-premises configuration to a hybrid cloud. Ensuring you avoid the possible disadvantages of the hybrid model in the process. 

For more information on moving your business IT infrastructure to a hybrid cloud model or for a free technology audit consultation, contact us online or give Geelong’s best business IT support company a call on ☎️1300 GET GTG (1300 438 484). 

Cyber attack Geelong Technology Group
By admin Data Security • • 0 Comments

Five steps to take following a cyber attack

The idea of a data breach can feel almost inevitable these days. Even if your business has crossed all of its security t’s and dotted all of its training i’s, cybercriminals are still finding new ways to attack and infiltrate SMBs. A successful cyber attack can be catastrophic for businesses unprepared for the fallout. So, getting your response right if a breach does occur is imperative. 

 If you believe your business has been caught up in a cyber attack, our top advice is to stay calm but act quickly. The quicker you act, the more likely you’ll be able to avoid disaster. Having (and practicing) a comprehensive incident response (IR) plan is, therefore vital. 

 Following are five steps your business should plan to take in the event of a cybersecurity breach. 

Gather information

The first – and possibly most important – step in responding to a data breach is to gather information. This will involve determining the type of cyber attack and what has been compromised. Was the breach caused by human error, malware, an open port in the firewall, or outdated business or antivirus software? Which systems or devices have been breached? Has your business been breached at all (remembering that it is not uncommon for scammers to claim that your accounts have been compromised in an attempt to steal information)? 

Contain the situation 

Once you have determined the nature and scale of the cyber attack, you can then prevent its spread by isolating compromised endpoints and assets. Containment will involve stopping data leakage, removing the hacker and patching the system, as well as keeping evidence of the breach for reporting purposes. The goal at this point is to limit the scope of the breach and prevent further damage. 

Notify affected parties 

After containing the situation, the next step is to notify the affected parties. This may include employees, customers, and other stakeholders. The notification should be timely and transparent, providing details on what has happened and what steps are being taken to address the situation. The notification should also include instructions for affected parties to protect themselves from any potential harm. It is absolutely vital that you understand your legal requirements and the situations that require mandatory data-breach notification in Australia. Ensure this information is part of your IR plan so that you are not scrambling for details during a crisis. 

Perform damage assessments 

Once the situation has been contained and affected parties have been notified, the next step is to assess the damage. The IT department – or an external IT contractor – should perform a thorough analysis of the data that was compromised and determine the potential impact on the business. This analysis will help inform the next steps in minimising the damage and protecting the business from future attacks. 

Increase security measures 

A data breach can be a crippling event for a business. However, it can also provide an opportunity to interrogate and strengthen your cybersecurity defences. With damage assessment complete, your IT professionals can identify and fix vulnerabilities in the system. This includes changing all passwords, patching software, updating security protocols, and enhancing network security. Post-breach security measures can also involve ongoing penetration testing, vulnerability scanning and other techniques to identify any remaining weaknesses in the system. And don’t forget that weaknesses can also include human errors. Ensure your employees undergo regular, ongoing data-security training and advise them on best-practice measures to protect their email accounts and passwords from compromise. 

Contact Geelong’s data security specialists 

If you suspect your business has suffered a data breach, or you wish to get ahead of the ball with a comprehensive incident response plan, Geelong Technology Group are here to help. Remember that prevention is the cheapest and easiest option when it comes to cybersecurity.  

 Included in our managed IT services are network security solutions tailored to your business needs. We can also assist with infrastructure assessment and IR plan implementation, so give us a call to discuss your cybersecurity and IT requirements. 

 Geelong Technology Group – servicing Geelong, the Bellarine Peninsula, the Surf Coast, Golden Plains, Colac, Warrnambool and beyond. Call ☎️1300 GET GTG (1300 438 484).