Computer threats are not just a hassle, they can decimate a small business.
Ransomware, while not a new threat, has returned to prominence in recent years and gained notoriety in the area when the University of Calgary had to dish out $20,000 after its computer systems were infected.
Simply, ransomware is a cryptovirus that encrypts computer files and makes them inaccessible and irretrievable without the decryption key, for which the hackers charge thousands of dollars.
Making the attack more nefarious is the fact it infects a system’s entire network, including backup files stored on any connected devices.
It is for that reason offsite storage – often referred to as cloud storage – is so important, according to Mark Paffrath, owner of Tremar Computer Solutions.
“If you don’t have offsite storage, you will lose your business,” said Paffrath.
Aside from the thousands of dollars that could potentially be paid to unscrupulous hackers, Paffrath said businesses hit by ransomware are also forced to rebuild their systems from scratch using paper records.
“It wipes out your whole network,” he said.
Recently, Tremar installed a fibre optics connection that will allow it to offer cloud-based storage and data restoration as part of its diverse range of computing solution services.
Not only does that put Tremar in a position to offer a service unique to Cochrane, it also puts a familiar face to what is often an enigmatic service.
“In talking to people of my generation, they are skeptical of the cloud. They ask, ‘Where is my stuff?’” said Paffrath.
Through Tremar when people back up their information – which includes sensitive material ranging from financials to personal files – Paffrath said it eliminates the unknowns.
“You know where your data is and you know who is running it,” he said.
That personal interaction is what Paffrath said sets a locally-based cloud service apart.
Paffrath said customers can tour the data storage centre – a second data centre is planned for Calgary in the future – and benefit from rapid customer support during the week and on weekends.
Not only does someone answer the phone between 7:30 a.m. and 9 p.m. on weekdays, weekend emergency response time is less than an hour.
Paffrath said Tremar also runs top of the line security software and his staff has all worked for him long term and have undergone extensive screening, including police security checks.
