Cloud Accounting Security: What you Need to Know

February 20, 2024

As businesses continue to transition to cloud accounting solutions, understanding the importance of cloud accounting security is crucial. Ensuring the protection of sensitive financial data is essential for maintaining trust with clients and safeguarding the integrity of your business operations.

In this article we will outline to you what to look out for when choosing your cloud accountancy provider.

Is cloud accounting safe?

Cloud accounting is a secure and reliable way for businesses to manage their financial data. One of the key reasons behind its safety is the use of encryption technology to protect sensitive information. Cloud accounting providers prioritise data security with advanced measures like firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and regular security audits.

Is cloud accounting secure?

Secure data backups provided and disaster recovery options within this software, ensure safety against hardware failure and natural disasters. Advanced security features, encryption methods, and reliable backup systems offer businesses peace of mind in managing financial information.

How is data protected in the cloud?

In cloud accounting systems, data protection is crucial for safeguarding sensitive financial information. Encryption plays a key role by converting data into a code that can only be accessed with the correct decryption key, ensuring confidentiality during transmission and storage.

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) in cloud accounting systems adds a layer of security by requiring multiple forms of identification for access, reducing unauthorised entry risks and enhancing overall system security.

Automatic backups

Cloud accounting systems provide a secure and reliable way to store financial data, offering automatic backups to ensure that all information is consistently saved and protected. These automatic backups are crucial in safeguarding your data against unforeseen events such as hardware failures, cyber attacks, or accidental deletions. By having regular backups stored in multiple locations, cloud accounting systems offer peace of mind to users, knowing that their data is secure and can be easily recovered in case of any mishap.

Physical storage

When we talk about storing data in the cloud, it may sound like our information is floating around in cyberspace, but in reality, it’s all housed in physical servers. These servers are powerful computers that are specially designed to store and manage large amounts of data. Data centres are facilities that house these servers and other IT equipment. They are equipped with advanced security measures, cooling systems, and backup power supplies to ensure the safety and accessibility of the stored data.

Data centres are strategically located around the world to ensure reliability and speed of access for users. When you upload a file to the cloud, it is broken down into smaller pieces and distributed across multiple servers within the data centre for redundancy and efficiency. This helps in ensuring that even if one server fails, your data remains safe and accessible. Data centres play a crucial role in the functioning of cloud services, acting as the physical foundation that supports the vast virtual infrastructure of the internet.

Cloud Accounting software is encrypted

Cloud accounting software utilises encryption to securely move and store data, ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive financial information. Encryption involves encoding data in such a way that only authorised parties can access and decipher it. When data is transmitted between the user’s device and the cloud servers, it is encrypted using complex algorithms, making it unreadable to anyone attempting to intercept the information. This process helps prevent unauthorised access and protects the data from potential cyber threats.

Activity log & digital data trails

Cloud accounting software creates digital data trails similar to paper trails but with enhanced efficiency and accessibility. These trails track all system activities, providing transparency and traceability for accurate financial records, change tracking, and regulatory compliance.

Digital data trails in cloud accounting software provide advantages over paper trails by being easily accessible, searchable, and offering features like timestamps and audit trails. This enhances visibility, accountability, and facilitates auditing and financial analysis, promoting better decision-making and financial management practices.

How to increase data security in cloud accounting

Secure passwords

To enhance data security in cloud accounting, use strong passwords with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Regularly changing passwords reduces the risk of undesired access, limiting potential damage from compromised passwords.

Two-Factor authentication

Implementing two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to cloud accounting systems. In addition to entering a password, users must also verify their identity through a second method, such as a text message code or a biometric scan. This significantly reduces the chances of unauthorised access, as even if someone obtains the password, they would still need the second form of authentication to log in. Two-factor authentication is a powerful defense mechanism against potential breaches.

Team training

Regular training on online security and common scams for team members enhances data security in cloud accounting by raising awareness about cyber threats, improving vigilance, and reducing risks like phishing attacks. An informed team is crucial for maintaining a secure cloud accounting environment.

Set up user permissions

Setting up user permissions based on roles in cloud accounting enhances data security by granting access only to necessary information, minimising unauthorised access and data breaches. This strategy reduces the attack surface and maintains a secure system.

Hire an expert

Hiring an expert to handle your accounting can take away all the stress and ensure that everything is taken care of properly. It’s important to ensure that you’re hiring the right accountant for your specific needs. Do your research and choose a reputable accounting firm or individual who has experience in your industry and can provide the services you need, with the right software.

A cloud accountant handles your accounting needs securely and provides real-time updates on your financial situation. This is especially helpful for small businesses or individuals who may not have the resources for an in-house accountant or are worried about the security of their company’s financial information.

Why choose CloudAccountant.co.uk?

CloudAccountant.co.uk is straightforward and hassle-free. Our team has over a decade of experience in the industry and knows how to navigate the ever-changing financial landscape. With experience in different industries, we can assure a tailored solution that works for you.

We are partners with the award-winning accounting software Xero and FreeAgent, which means you can manage your finances quickly and easily. We also work closely with transactional software systems such as LinkMyBooks, A2X and Dext to support multiple aspects of your business. Whether you are selling online or managing your expenses, we have software integrations that can help record information quickly and efficiently.

If you’re considering switching accountants, we make the process simple. Our dedicated team will guide you through the process and ensure a seamless transition.

Get in touch!

Need more information about Cloud Accounting Security? If you’d like know how we can proactively support your business with your our cloud accounting software, you can contact us by emailing info@cloudaccountant.co.uk, calling us on 01625 546 232, or simply fill in the enquiry form.