In recent years, ransomware has evolved from an occasional threat to a constant risk, particularly for small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) that may not have the resources or expertise to defend against sophisticated attacks. In 2023 alone, nearly half of SMBs reported experiencing a cybersecurity breach, with ransomware and Business Email Compromise (BEC) among the most prevalent attacks.
The reality is that today’s threats go beyond traditional antivirus solutions or periodic IT checkups. The stakes are higher, the attacks are more targeted, and the financial, operational, and reputational impacts are significant. This is why outsourcing IT infrastructure, management, and security to a trusted provider has become a necessity for companies that want to ensure business continuity and protect their data 24/7.
At Cloud at Work, we understand the pressures facing SMBs. That’s why we’ve developed a holistic approach to security, offering end-to-end solutions that cover everything from hosting your Sage ERP to managing your broader IT environment. Here are our five key recommendations for establishing a robust cybersecurity posture and managing your IT environment effectively.
1. Host Your Sage ERP in a Virtual Private Cloud (VPC)
If your business runs on Sage ERP or another Sage business application, hosting it in a Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) offers unparalleled benefits in terms of security, reliability, and accessibility. Moving Sage ERP to a secure VPC reduces your dependency on vulnerable on-premise infrastructure and gives you the flexibility to access your systems securely from anywhere.
In a VPC, your Sage environment is isolated, with dedicated resources and a controlled, protected environment. This significantly reduces your attack surface, making it much harder for cybercriminals to access your systems. With Cloud at Work’s VPC hosting, your Sage applications benefit from our industry-leading security protocols and round-the-clock monitoring.
2. Consider Migrating Additional Workloads to Azure
While Sage ERP might be the core of your operations, other systems and applications are likely just as essential to your daily workflows. Consider migrating additional workloads, such as file storage, Microsoft 365, or other business-critical applications, to a secure cloud environment.
Moving these workloads to Azure or another secure cloud platform provides scalability, cost savings, and enhanced security. It also centralizes your IT infrastructure, allowing you to apply uniform security protocols and access controls across all systems. With Cloud at Work’s IaaS (infrastructure-as-a-service) Solutions, you can choose to keep Sage in a VPC while moving additional workloads to Azure, ensuring a seamless transition from on-premise IT without compromising security.
3. Secure Your IT Environment with Managed Security
As cyber threats become more advanced, endpoint protection alone is no longer enough. Managed XDR (Extended Detection and Response) offers cross-network visibility, detecting and responding to threats across endpoints, cloud services, and networks. Paired with our 24/7 Security Operations Center (SOC), XDR enables rapid threat detection and response, ensuring your entire environment is monitored continuously.
Our SOC uses machine learning and threat intelligence mapped to the MITRE ATT&CK® framework to identify anomalies and proactively stop threats before they escalate. This proactive, always-on approach to security is essential for businesses relying on Sage and other critical applications. With Cloud at Work’s new Managed Cybersecurity Solutions, you protect your technology and safeguard your operations and reputation.
4. Replace Outdated Desktop Delivery with Virtual Desktops
With remote and hybrid work now the norm, ensuring that employees can access systems securely from anywhere is more important than ever. Virtual desktops offer a secure and efficient alternative to traditional desktop delivery. Rather than relying on individual devices that can be easily compromised, virtual desktops provide centralized, secure access to applications and data through the cloud.
This approach eliminates the security risks associated with unmanaged devices and ensures employees have a consistent, secure experience regardless of location. With Cloud at Work’s Virtual Desktop Solution, your team can access everything they need in a controlled environment, significantly reducing your exposure to threats while supporting flexibility and productivity.
5. If It All Sounds Overwhelming, Consider Managed IT
Outsourcing IT management to a trusted provider is one of the best decisions an SMB can make, particularly regarding security. For many companies, managing complex IT infrastructure, applying security patches, monitoring threats, and staying compliant can be overwhelming. Managed IT from Cloud at Work takes that burden off your shoulders.
With our Managed IT services, we handle everything from infrastructure management to helpdesk support and cybersecurity, allowing you to focus on what you do best—running your business. Our team of experts provides the skills, resources, and 24/7 support you need to keep your systems secure and up to date without requiring extensive in-house expertise or investment.
Security at Work
In today’s cybersecurity landscape, a piecemeal approach isn’t enough. Businesses need a comprehensive, layered security strategy that addresses every component of their IT environment. Cloud at Work brings all these elements together in one integrated offering. We combine deep expertise in Sage environments with the advanced security capabilities that modern businesses need.
Contact us today if you’re ready to protect your business with a holistic cybersecurity strategy. Let Cloud at Work handle your IT infrastructure, security, and application hosting so you can focus on growth, innovation, and peace of mind.