What is a Cloud-Based CRM System?
A cloud-based CRM is a term used to describe a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) application hosted on a cloud-based system. A cloud-based system for CRM is easily accessible via the Internet. It is easier for employees and companies to access the database anytime. As the information is securely located in a cloud, employees and other team members can retrieve customer information anywhere on any registered device.
Decision-makers running major companies have apprehensions when moving their CRM from an on-site location to a secure cloud-based CRM. Management often sees red flags when considering storing customer data in the cloud. They cower whenever they hear the word “hacking into the database” or “cyber-attack.” With frequent cyber-attacks and data breaches, company owners wonder how to secure their CRM cloud. Security is a primary concern for companies willing to transfer their CRM from on-site to a cloud-based system.
Cloud for your CRM must be Secure
A conventional CRM system requires costly software that depends on an entire Information Technology (IT) team to install and maintain the system.
Transferring from an on-site CRM to a cloud-based service is challenging, but the secure cloud-based CRM benefits exceed its disadvantages. The essential aspect of a CRM cloud is high security. Many companies offer specialized cloud services. When selecting a cloud hosting service, the company must provide a secure cloud to protect your CRM from data theft.
Cloud or On-Site CRM
Having an on-site data center for a CRM is risky compared to a secure cloud-based CRM, and maintaining a high-end IT department can be costly. Small businesses often need more resources to maintain required security measures.
A cloud-based CRM would cost significantly less due to economies of scale. This is because cloud hosting providers operate on a massive scale and cater to multiple businesses simultaneously, meaning they specialize in a particular segment. As such, they can lower their costs, making them a cost-effective solution.
Cloud hosting services provide a secure platform for a secure cloud-based CRM. These companies not only assist businesses in securing their customer data but also help provide access to your database from any location. A CRM on a cloud is much better at handling large amounts of data than an on-site CRM.
Cloud Security
The most prominent benefit of having a CRM on a cloud is that different encryption methods secure the data. Cloud hosting companies have dedicated security experts who use modern encryption systems to keep the CRM secure.
Company data in an on-site data center is prone to cyber threats, including data theft. A virus is another risk to a business’s valuable data housing confidential customer information. Cybercriminals often engage in practices where they steal essential company data to sell on the black market. For competitors, such information can be valuable for sabotaging another company’s image and redirecting the customers to their business. In an onsite RCM, you might be unable to disperse resources for around-the-clock vigilance.
However, in a cloud-based CRM, experts are deployed to keep data secure and take immediate action if any threats are detected. These experts use backups to restore the data if the system crashes due to a virus. Therefore, a secure cloud-based CRM is better than storing your data on-site.
Companies that offer cloud services are professional IT experts; their job is to give you a secure cloud for all your CRM needs. These companies are aware of the latest threats to clouds; they will always have a solution ready when you need it.
How to Have a Secure Cloud-Based CRM
All Software as a Service (SaaS) enterprises offering secure cloud-based CRM services hire IT security experts and maintenance staff of the highest caliber. It is their job to provide data security for your cloud-based CRM to avoid data breaches.
There are several protocols concerning data and access to ensure the cloud is secure. When securing your CRM on a cloud, the human factor involved in a data breach cannot be ignored. The following factors must be considered when keeping the CRM secure:
- Have a secure password
- Keep changing the password every week
- Limit and record the number of people with access to the cloud
CRM is a crucial element of their business from small to large multinational companies. Hiring a company that offers maximum security for your CRM is paramount. IT companies providing CRM cloud systems are aware of the risks and security breaches associated with having a database on a cloud. These security breaches are taken seriously by experts.
Backup Policies and Data Recovery Plans for CRM Security
Companies providing cloud CRM security have extensive backup plans and follow strict procedures to retrieve lost data if a breach occurs. The advanced and automatized backup policies help keep your cloud secure and safe from cyber threats. You can improve your cloud services using measures such as a two-step authentication service and stronger passwords.
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