Cumulus Security
Cumulus Security Overview
The sophisticated permissions options available in Cumulus go far beyond what's possible in operating systems and most DAM systems. Access to virtually all aspects of the system can be controlled on a per-user basis. With some Cumulus editions, permissions can be set for entire groups in a single step.
Access control options available in the various editions of Cumulus range from status advisories, such as "Not Approved" or "Verify License," all the way to making files completely invisible and inaccessible to certain users or groups.
Access to your metadata can also be controlled. This ensures sensitive comments or internal information about a file is not seen by your customers unless you want it seen. Metadata access control also provides a virtual "digital signature"—if a field restricted to a manager is edited, you know that manager actually made the edit. This is extremely important for distribution approvals.
Version control offers an additional layer of protection by ensuring that only the most recent version of a file is ever used. (Access to older versions is available to users you choose.)
Internet-safe Access
Users who access your system via the Cumulus Web clients never have direct access to your original files, which shields your valuable assets from Internet dangers. In fact, multiple layers of protection stand between Web visitors and your files, including RSA-encrypted logins, the HTTPS Web server and firewall you choose, the server on which your assets reside and, of course, the permissions system of your Cumulus Server.
No DAM system offers a more diverse, powerful security model for Web access.
You can even automatically limit the availability of your assets over the web to watermarked or low-resolution images. Cumulus creates variants like these on the fly, so there's no need to catalog redundant files, and it makes it easier for you to update the controls you use. Even better, watermarking options include invisible "robust" marks that can withstand edits, even if a portion of your protected document is copied into another file. You can even embed unique information into each asset you distribute, such as the purchaser's name, making it easy to track where your licensed assets go.
Advanced Options for Absolute Security
Advanced options available in some Cumulus systems include:
- Per-asset and per-category control—Easily set specific access control for individual files and categories, offering the ultimate in control flexibility. Templates can be used to make the process even easier.
- Dynamic rules-based access control—Base a user or group's access to certain files on conditions rather than static permissions. Example: A press release is cataloged into Cumulus and available to your employees, but it becomes available to the Press only after the embargo date expires. Or, another file becomes available for distribution only after authorized managers have seen and signed off on it.
- Stand-by Cumulus Server license—Have a backup machine ready to go in the event of hardware failure. You can even use your stand-by machine for load balancing of the Web Publisher Pro Web client, which is helpful under high-traffic conditions.
Safe and Easy
Powerful access control does you no good if it's too complicated to set up, or if you need IT intervention to make changes. Using Cumulus, all permissions are set by check boxes and drop-down menus. Any user can be authorized to make the changes, and no programming or advanced technical knowledge is ever required. To ease the process further, all settings are made also affect user access through the Web clients, so there's no duplication of effort.
