DEVsource Technicians

Security

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Today more than ever it is essential that your business is protected. Just as you would not leave the front door of your office open you cannot afford to have an OPEN door into your network, and open door to files and confidential company data, internet or email. Most business owners understand that complete, end-to-end network security is something they should have--but it’s something you probably don’t. And how can you? With security threats coming from a multitude of sources and no end in sight to the new attacks that are frequently launched on both networks and PCs, keeping up with all these threats and figuring out just what to do about them is challenging The risks of not adequately securing your business network and PCs are huge, however. Remember: It’s not just your data that’s at risk from attacks from viruses, spyware, hackers and others. Any customer data stored on your computers--including Social Security numbers, bank account information and confidential data, such as key sales and marketing data--is at risk as well.

During a recent 24-hour monitoring period, computer security software firm Trend Micro recorded 69 million attempts by hackers to gain unauthorized entry into business computers.

The DEVsource Solution

Now that you’ve got some idea what you’re up against, is there anything you can really do to protect your business? Absolutely. First we help you develop a plan that addresses both education and technology. It’s critical that you educate your users on what they can do to make sure they’re not potentially compromising security (safe user habits for reading and acting upon e-mails can prevent many virus attacks). And make sure unauthorized users (for instance, family or friends) don’t use your business’s computers.

Next, we can help you develop a comprehensive technology plan to address all aspects of security. Make a complete list of the security you already have in place, with an eye toward sniffing out vulnerabilities. a plan that is a complete, end-to-end network protection, and make sure there are steps in place to regularly update your security. Then we revisit your plan several times a year to ensure it continues to meet your needs and addresses new security threats that continue to evolve. Our planning includes the following security essentials:

  • Antivirus protection. Every PC on your network should have antivirus protection. There are plenty of inexpensive, effective antivirus programs on the market for small and home offices.
  • Antispyware protection. Spyware has become increasingly malicious, difficult to detect and difficult to remove. An antispyware program that frequently downloads updated definitions and monitors activity in the background is important, given the insidious nature of spyware.
  • Firewall. A firewall is designed to block unauthorized access to computers and networks. Firewalls are available in hardware (as standalone network security devices or integrated into network routers) or as software. A software firewall is particularly important for laptop users who travel. Firewall software is usually included in internet security suites, which also offer antivirus, antispyware, and other tools. Some software firewalls are even available in free, basic versions.
  • Virtual private network (VPN). A VPN creates a secure “tunnel” between a computer and an unsecured, public network, such as the internet. VPN technology offers an important layer of protection for your business’s weakest security link--mobile users. VPN security can be integrated into some network devices, such as intelligent routers, and turned on or off as needed.
  • Wireless security. If your business uses a wireless network, at a minimum, you should use password, WEP key or some other method to block unauthorized users from gaining access.
  • Secure network hardware. Ideally, your company’s network should be protected by routers with comprehensive, built-in security, including integrated firewall, VPN and an intrusion prevention system.
  • Data protection. Implementing regular backup procedures is a simple way to safeguard critical business and customer data. Setting permissions and encryption will also help.

The bottom line is, would you like DEVsource to be in charge of your computers, your network and your data--or would you rather leave that up to a hacker?