The Pearl system and software structure is designed to give you the ultimate safety when it comes to preventing unauthorised access to your account.

Each client has a totally independent database within our system, unlike some other web based solutions that group client data in the same database.

The administration screens are protected by 128 bit Thawte certified SSL.

Your data is hosted by Rackspace, the UK's leading supplier of safe and secure servers in high tech data centres with power failure backup, 100% uptime guarantee and superb technical support.

We include daily backups within the licence fee, so you can restore information at any point should you make a large data entry error.

If you have any questions about the way our system is designed to maximise your protection, please just get in touch.

Many of our clients could not afford the level of protection we offer before their transition to the Pearl system; since we have the ability to apply our experience and expertise to all our clients, you get the best for a very reasonable price.

 

Here are a few brief pointers to make your online experience safer:

Do not use Pearl on a shared internet connection: this means any connection which others have access to including:

• An unsecured wireless network (one which you can connect to without any password)
• An untrusted local network (one which others in the building have direct access to over the same network hardware, for example you are connected to the same router/switch)
  

Ensure you have the latest antivirus software
This prevents easy access to your machine by malicious software                      

Do not store your passwords in your web browser or anywhere
Modern web browsers bring up a "Do you want to store this password" dialog box. Clicking yes allows anybody who uses the computer to log in to your account.
Text files and paper are not a secure method of password storage. Only an encrypted area is suitable for storing passwords, and this in turn must be secured by its own password.

Do not use the same password for multiple applications
Once a single password is compromised, all your accounts are vulnerable 

Do not choose obvious passwords
Your pet or child's name is not a suitably difficult password to guess. Bear in mind that any information you present on social networking sites may be used in an attempt to access any online accounts you hold.
A good, cryptic password includes a minimum of 8 characters and a mixture of uppercase, lowercase and numeric characters 

Be sceptical of email you receive
Any email you receive should be considered an initial communication - verify any important information you have received in this manner to avoid 'phishing' attacks. These occur when users are tricked into revealing sensitive information by a maliciously phrased email. 

Always log off and shut down your PC overnight
In case of an intrusion to your property 

Ensure mobile devices are safely stored
Laptops and PDAs may hold a wealth of information - they should be password protected at boot up and in Windows, as well as physically secured to a holding point if left overnight if possible 

Securely shred any documents and safely delete any files you discard
Free file 'shredders' exists for PCs that prevent the scraps of deleted files being reassembled into a meaningful file

Pearl takes your data security seriously by encrypting your passwords and regularly backing up your data. A chain is only as strong as its weakest link: if your passwords are not well chosen or somebody is able to install a tracking program on your machine you risk unauthorised access to your account.

These pro-active steps should be considered in all online transaction environments, from email to online banking, to secure you against potential attack.