Cloud-Based v On-site - Security

Cloud-based vs Onsite Security

Security is a top priority where accounts payable processes and sensitive data are concerned. Whether there is an onsite or cloud-based solution in place, it is vital to be able to identify security risks and take the proper steps to mitigate them when choosing a solution. It is essential for education institutions to explore the security benefits of both onsite and cloud-based accounts payable processes and how cloud-based solutions could be the future of security for schools.  

Onsite security

When implementing an onsite accounts payable software and process, there are a few key insights to consider. You will be required to install software to your internal servers, as this may be generally considered to be the safest option as it is kept within company premises; it will mean that you will be responsible for securing your data and maintaining the overall security of the system.  

Due to the requirement of internal management of software's, a dedicated IT department would be required to keep systems running effectively and prevent data breaches. Without a dedicated IT department focused on data security, there could be a potential risk of data breaches. This can happen when hackers attempt to target your servers to steal sensitive information, without the proper and maintained firewalls in place, hackers are able to breach systems without trouble.  

The 2022/23 Digital transformation in education survey revealed that 41.3% of IT staff have concerns about Intrusion Detection/ Prevention within their schools, as attackers are finding new ways to bypass security measures.  

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Cloud-based security

Cloud-based automation and security has its own set of benefits. When considering cloud-based automation, it is essential to know that your data within the cloud is stored remotely, typically within a data centre. These data centres are highly secure and involve security measures such as authentication, access controls and privacy safeguards on site.  

Cloud-based accounts payable automation provides built-in security features. Alii, for example, offers single sign-on and multi-factor authentication. This feature provides users with the ability to log into various applications using the same credentials and occasionally provides one-time passwords to ensure the validity of sign-ins to keep your business protected from scam risk. Another feature is automated checks which offer the following capabilities, Business number/Bank account, internal supplier details validation and purchase order matching; this makes automated checks against master records to ensure the validity of suppliers and invoices and delegations of approval.  

Cloud-based accounts payable automation also has the ability to perform data backups. When actions within the software are performed, whether those are a PO, delegation or a note, the cloud can perform automatic data backups, ensuring that data is always protected and accessible.  

Cloud-based accounts payable automation provides different security solutions that outweigh the benefits of onsite solutions in terms of the security of data. With a vested interest in data security and the ability to perform automated authentications and data backups, with constant updates to keep up with changing technological landscapes, it's a no-brainer for businesses looking to protect their data.  

Alii offers invoice fraud detection software that includes the following capabilities:  

• Business number validation - make automated checks against business master records to ensure supplier validity.  
• Internal supplier details validations – Automatically check whether the supplier details on the invoice match the master supplier records.  
• Duplicate checks - Automatically make sure the received invoice is unique.  
• Purchase order matching – Automatically identify whether the invoice references a purchase order and whether the supplier and purchase details match what is on the invoice and automatically import the PO approval if it matches.  
• Bank account verification – Automatically validate that the bank account listed on the invoice matches the one in supplier records.  

The digital transformation in education survey revealed that 39.9% of schools are struggling to maintain their firewall technology due to the use of manual processes and double handling to manage their IT processes.  

The security of accounts payable processes is becoming a more considerable concern for education institutions as technological advancements continue to rise. The two solutions, being cloud-based and onsite, both have their individual benefits. Cloud-based automation is the better option for businesses looking to save time, costs and have their data stored in one secure center.  

Alii protects your accounts payable processes by using our fraud detection engine. We offer integrity checks of BSB, account numbers and previous purchase orders, multi-level approvals and multi factor authentication. Ensuring your accounts payable processes are safe and protected.

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