Information Technology is now the lifeblood for almost
every business today. Large or small, we are all now very dependant upon
email, internet access, databases, accounting software etc.
It follows that system "down time" or data loss / corruption can have serious consequences for our businesses and so it makes sense that we should do all we can to protect our systems and data.
Threats. These can come in many different guises: hardware failures, virus/malware attacks, un-authorised access, human error etc. so it makes sense to take all reasonable precautions in order to prevent what might be catastrophic events from occurring.
Viruses/Malware. First and foremost every server/PC/laptop on a network should have reliable up to date anti virus software installed and running. Remember that, usually businesses are not allowed to use free versions of anti-virus software and in any event the purchased option will give better protection.
Passwords. It is essential that a business has a password policy in place and that this policy is stictly adhered to. Passwords should be strong and changed frequently, in addition no user should allow their password to be known by anyone else.
Internet/Network. A good reliable and secure router are a must, this will hide your network from the internet and correctly configured will allow secure remote access whilst helping to block un-authorised access and attacks that might disable your network.
Policies. This is always a sensitive area but is vital that a business has policies detailing what is and what is not acceptable use of the Internet, Email and company network. It is just as important that all people are aware of and have signed up to these policies.
Data. There are many considerations in respect of company data: data should be backed up regularly and backups stored off-site. Steps should be taken to ensure that only people that need access to data have access and consideration should be given to whether data can be copied to USB pen drives etc. It is important to remember that you probably hold data that is subject to the data protection act.
Laptops & Mobile Devices All such devices need extra precautions in respect of security. Apart from the obvious of not leaving them on display on a car seat they should have power on passwords and hard drive password set just in case they are stolen.
If you have any concerns then why not take advantage of our experience and expertise. Call us to arrange for a security audit, it might just save your business.
Case Studies Just 2 of several that we have been involved with:
1) Lack of a good anti-virus software due to an attack the customers broadband was cut of by their provider and as a result 2 days production were lost.
2) A supplier accessed their personal email using a customer PC and network, the person forgot to log out of the email and when it was discovered some very offensive material was on display - the police were involved.
It follows that system "down time" or data loss / corruption can have serious consequences for our businesses and so it makes sense that we should do all we can to protect our systems and data.
Threats. These can come in many different guises: hardware failures, virus/malware attacks, un-authorised access, human error etc. so it makes sense to take all reasonable precautions in order to prevent what might be catastrophic events from occurring.
Viruses/Malware. First and foremost every server/PC/laptop on a network should have reliable up to date anti virus software installed and running. Remember that, usually businesses are not allowed to use free versions of anti-virus software and in any event the purchased option will give better protection.
Passwords. It is essential that a business has a password policy in place and that this policy is stictly adhered to. Passwords should be strong and changed frequently, in addition no user should allow their password to be known by anyone else.
Internet/Network. A good reliable and secure router are a must, this will hide your network from the internet and correctly configured will allow secure remote access whilst helping to block un-authorised access and attacks that might disable your network.
Policies. This is always a sensitive area but is vital that a business has policies detailing what is and what is not acceptable use of the Internet, Email and company network. It is just as important that all people are aware of and have signed up to these policies.
Data. There are many considerations in respect of company data: data should be backed up regularly and backups stored off-site. Steps should be taken to ensure that only people that need access to data have access and consideration should be given to whether data can be copied to USB pen drives etc. It is important to remember that you probably hold data that is subject to the data protection act.
Laptops & Mobile Devices All such devices need extra precautions in respect of security. Apart from the obvious of not leaving them on display on a car seat they should have power on passwords and hard drive password set just in case they are stolen.
If you have any concerns then why not take advantage of our experience and expertise. Call us to arrange for a security audit, it might just save your business.
Case Studies Just 2 of several that we have been involved with:
1) Lack of a good anti-virus software due to an attack the customers broadband was cut of by their provider and as a result 2 days production were lost.
2) A supplier accessed their personal email using a customer PC and network, the person forgot to log out of the email and when it was discovered some very offensive material was on display - the police were involved.