ARI Provides Clients with Multi-Layered Data Security

If I outsource with ARI, how can I be confident my financial data is protected?

Protecting our clients’ financial data is our highest priority. To accomplish this, ARI utilizes Microsoft’s Azure cloud computing environment, which safeguards your data and provides fast and reliable access to your financial information 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The Microsoft Azure cloud platform houses data in the cloud for 95 percent of Fortune 500 companies and provides multi-layered data security and warehousing for ARI’s client data. More than 100 geographically redundant physical Microsoft data centers mean that should local disasters or weather events occur, business operations can continue uninterrupted. Data recovery is fast and reliable.

By storing data on the Azure cloud, we eliminate dependency on local office servers and power supply companies and enable clients to access their files anytime using various desktop and mobile devices.

What is Duo multi-factor authentication, and why is it important?

Research shows that 80 percent of security breaches involve compromised passwords. Our clients use Cisco’s Duo multi-factor authentication to log in to their remote desktop to access financial data. Duo protects data by using a second source of validation, like a phone or token, to verify user identity before granting access. It is engineered to provide a simple, streamlined login experience for every user.

Can I get my data back if I leave ARI?

ARI’s Client Engagement Agreement addresses this issue in depth. In summary, if a client no longer requires ARI’s services, all records, data files, and other information related to the business will be promptly returned.

What support is available if I encounter IT issues?

To help manage its IT infrastructure, ARI partners with ADNET Technologies, a preeminent technology services provider. ADNET is an independently audited and reviewed SOC II; Type 2 Compliant managed service provider with offices in Farmington, Connecticut, and Albany, New York. This means your financial information will comply with all cybersecurity audit requirements both now and in the future.

There is always a knowledgeable ADNET professional on hand to assist clients with IT issues. Their support team is available from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern time at 860-409-1700, and engineers are available outside normal business hours to assist clients with urgent needs.

Our clients typically contact ADNET to resolve issues directly related to accessing their accounting files; however, should support be required for issues outside this scope, ADNET is available to assist, and ARI will bill the client for ADNET’s time.

Does ARI recommend additional cybersecurity best practices to clients?

As general guidance, we remind clients about personal computing best practices, such as using reliable anti-virus software, regularly updating all desktop and mobile devices and software, and utilizing a reliable, secure internet connection.

If you have additional questions related to client data security, we would be happy to discuss them with you. Feel free to reach out to us or give us a call at 860-659-3955