Is Encryption Software Worth the Hassle for LA Distributors?

As an LA distributor, you have far bigger things to worry about than whether your network information is encrypted – things like are your inventory levels accurate, is the right product in stock, are orders filled, delivered, and invoiced. Right? Wrong!

Take a minute to think about the information that’s stored within your company’s network - the emails that you send and receive; the personal information of staff and customers; your customer list, your price book, your proprietary intellectual property;

the things that make your business unique and successful. It would be devastating if any of these things were to fall into the wrong hands. Manufacturing and distribution has always been thought of as a very physical industry, but it relies on technology as much as any other market sector. You need to be doing everything within reason to keep your electronic records secure.

Here are a few of the reasons why encryption software is a valuable way of securing your data.

Encryption protects your data completely

Regardless of whether your network is hacked, emails are intercepted, or files are electronically stolen, they will remain safe as long as they’re encrypted. Encryption software is incredibly clever these days, and only those with the access key will ever be able to decode your company’s information – anything else would take far too long to be worth it.

Encryption can defy manipulation

How many times have you heard about data leaks in the press recently? Regardless of whether a hacker wants to use your private information for their own ends or not, it is still vulnerable in the public domain. Encryption can prevent this from happening and alert verified users to the fact that an attempt has been made to expose data.

Encryption will increase your company’s compliance

By now, you’ll be used to security audits, changing legislation, and the many pages of protocol that you need to follow as an LA distributor; you’re being trusted with a lot of sensitive data, after all. It is up to you to ensure that your security standards are up to snuff ensuring your customers’ trust in you. Encryption software is one of the strongest ways of addressing this issue.

Encryption software can transcend devices

Your business operates on many different technical levels - including shipping computers, office laptops, smartphones, and tablets; there’s usually a ton of data involved and spread across a variety of devices. And they all need protecting. Remote working poses its own security risks as data leaves the safety of the warehouse and travels through the ether. Encryption software adds an extra layer of protection ensuring that your employees conduct their work securely.

Did you know that less than half of all big businesses choose to encrypt their data? With this percentage decreasing with the size of the company. This isn’t the percentage you want to be a part of.

Of course, the benefits listed above are not the be-all and end-all of encryption software, but they should give you a little nudge towards installing your own security measures. While these are all great benefits, the question still remains – Is it worth the hassle? The reason for this question has more to do with the fact that the added layer of protection encryption software adds also adds additional costs to running your IT. Some of the downsides include:

The added cost of the encryption software itself
The cost of ongoing updates
The additional time it will take to support this additional layer
The added complexity for your IT department to have to deal with

Is it worth it? Only you can decide that. But, if you’re concerned with securing your information then there’s nothing stronger to help you do just this than encrypting your information.

If you’re still confused about the benefits of encryption software, or would like to learn more about how such programs can assist your business, please let us know. Additionally, if your network is encrypted please share your thoughts or experiences in the Comment field below.

If you own or manage a distribution or manufacturing company in Los Angeles, and you’re looking to stay up to date on the latest technology, be sure to download your free guide, How COOs at Los Angeles Distributors and Manufacturers Get More Done: A Guide to Productivity, Data, Staffing, Delegation, and Making It Home for Dinner Most Nights.