Data security - cloud and outsourcing

We consider the security of your computer systems, and how to minimise the risks of data loss within the cloud and where some or all services are outsourced.

Cloud data storage and outsourcing can often be more secure than using internal resources however there are some additional things to bear in mind. We consider issues which should be taken into account when reviewing the security of your computer systems. At C Charles & Co Ltd, we can provide guidance on data security in the Finsbury Park, London area.

Many companies are now completely reliant on the data stored on their network servers, PCs, laptops, mobile devices or in the cloud. Some of this data is likely to contain either personal information and/or confidential company information.

We have a related factsheet that covers the conventional data security considerations.

Here we look at some of the issues to consider when reviewing the security of your computer systems, and how to minimise the risks of data loss, within the cloud and services are outsourced.

Whilst cloud data storage and outsourcing can often be more secure than using internal resources, there are some additional things to bear in mind when some, or all, of your data is not held on-site.

Audit use and storage of personal data

Consider the potentially sensitive and confidential data that is stored in the cloud by your business.

Find out what is happening to that data and which controls are in place to prevent accidental or deliberate loss of this information.

Risk analysis and risk reduction

The key question is - if all or some of this data is lost who could be harmed and how?

Once that question has been answered, steps to mitigate the risks of data loss must be taken. Here are some steps that should be undertaken to reduce the risk of data loss:

  • ensure that the cloud provider or outsourcer will not share your data with a third party
  • check which countries the data will be stored and processed - this could have data protection implications
  • ensure that you can take local backup copies of your data
  • a data subject has the same rights of access wherever data is being stored, so ensure that a subject access request can be facilitated
  • try to minimise the amount of personal data stored in the cloud, or with a third party
  • what happens if the provider becomes insolvent? Have a contingency plan in place
  • is the data encrypted - if so have you got access to the keys and who else has access to the keys?

There are many resources available including:

ico.org.uk/media/for-organisations/documents/1540/cloud_computing_guidance_for_organisations.pdf

How we can help

Please contact us if you require help in the following areas:

  • performing a security/information audit
  • reviewing cloud and outsourcing/third-party agreements
  • training staff in security principles and procedures.

If you are in the Finsbury Park, London area please do contact us and we would be happy to help with data security issues.

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Testimonials

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After working with Nicholas Charles for a year, we brought him on to join our board advisory team for BankToTheFuture.com because of his unique combination of financial tax advice, commercial understanding and ability to introduce the right connections at the right time. Nicholas has provided tax advice to our investors, facilitated introductions to investors as well as help us to implement controls and procedures to get the right balance of compliance, responsible procedures and good business practices. If you want somebody that understands the commercials of business and deal making combined with the technical skills of finance, tax and increasing shareholder value, Nicholas Charles is your man.

Simon Dixon | CEO & Co-Founder BankToTheFuture.com
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Nicholas has been an active supporter of our charity, and the Charles Group have sponsored our last three summer parties. He understands family businesses like ours but more importantly the need to give back to the local community and the life changing differences that can be brought about by charities. This is why we quickly became a client of the Charles Group. Nicholas appreciates that having a purpose greater than the individual needs of members can bring a family closer together as well as inspire the next generation. We admire Nicholas’ authentic approach towards Family Prosperity.

Paul Strank MBE and Irene Strank MBE | Founders of Paul Strank Roofing and the Paul Strank Charitable Trust
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I have worked with the Charles Group for 2 years on some very exciting projects and his ability to listen, provide objective advice and support my goals and ambitions has been a tremendous asset to me and my businesses. Nicholas cares deeply about those he works with and seeks to ensure great outcomes for all.

Penny Power OBE | Serial Entrepreneur
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The Charles Group has been our trusted accountants since we founded B-Engaged in 2013. Over the years, they’ve become an integral part of our journey, consistently going above and beyond to help us save money, optimize our structures, and minimize tax liabilities. They are more than accountants—they are key partners in our success.

Ehsen Shah | Founder and CEO of B-Engaged: Sports Marketing Activations Agency
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From our early days as a startup to becoming one of the largest suppliers to Assos and River Island, The Charles Group has been a constant and invaluable partner. They’ve played a vital role in reducing our overheads, analysing and advising on client profitability, setting up our internal bookkeeping systems, and providing invaluable business guidance. Their expertise has also helped us manage and reduce our growing tax liabilities. The team at The Charles Group has truly become part of our business family.

Gabby Chrysanthou | Director and co-founder of Loaded London