Is it safe to keep my business data in cloud software?
Cloud software can be safer than spreadsheets on personal laptops if the provider keeps each company's data separate, uses encrypted connections, takes backups, offers strong logins and role-based access, and has a clear privacy policy. Your own habits matter too: strong passwords and removing access when staff leave. PalmGro Flow keeps each workspace in its own sealed database.
Questions to ask a provider
- Separation: is my company's data kept separate from others?
- Encryption: is data encrypted in transit (HTTPS)? Are secrets like passwords encrypted at rest?
- Backups: how often, and can I get my data back?
- Access control: can I limit what each employee sees?
- Login security: strong passwords, login alerts, two-factor options?
- Staff access: when does the provider's team look at my data?
- Privacy policy: what is collected, what is shared, how long it is kept?
- Leaving: can I export my data, and what happens to it after I leave?
Your side of security
- Unique, strong passwords for every user.
- Remove access the day someone leaves.
- Give each person only the access they need.
- Do not share logins.
- Keep client passwords in an encrypted vault. See storing client passwords.
Cloud or self-hosted?
If you prefer full control on your own server, a self-hosted copy is an option. See self-hosted vs cloud.
How PalmGro Flow helps
On PalmGro Flow's online plans, each company gets its own separate database, sealed from every other company. Access is by role and permission, the Vault stores passwords encrypted, and the owner can see login activity. The Security page and Privacy Policy explain the details.
Questions people ask
Can the software provider see my data?
A good provider limits access to support (with your request), security and legal needs. Read the privacy policy.
What if the provider shuts down?
Choose providers that let you export data and explain what happens when service ends.
Is my data safer in Excel on my laptop?
Not necessarily. Laptops get lost, files get shared and there is often no backup.
PalmGro Flow brings your team, clients, tasks, attendance and money into one place, on phone and computer. Try it free, no card needed.Set it up for your team in minutes.