From major companies like the Target data breach, to North Korea putting Sony to shame, computer and network security has never been anymore important than now. Think about the information that flows through your network and is stored on your computers, email, and file server. Some things you’d probably like to safe guard are intellectual property, trade secrets, client data, and internal information. Now think of the impact a data breach would be for your company, how would you be affected? and would you be able to recover from a major loss? These are both two very valid questions every business owner should ask themselves when considering the security of their computers and network.
If you’re not convinced yet that IT security matters, check out our post on the common IT issues with small businesses to learn more.
How To Avoid Computer and Network Security Threats Faced By Small Businesses
Most small business owners I discuss computer and network security with think they’re protecting their data from a hacker group of vigilantes on a quest of wrong doing or from their tech savvy criminal-minded competition teamed up with Sauron (LOTR). In reality, the biggest computer and network security threat is a lot closer to you than you think. What is it you ask?
[Suspense]….
The biggest threat to your computer and network security is you, your company, and your employees. Shocking? Think about how most crashes and breaches happen. It happens from within, and sometimes totally by accident.
Some examples are:
- lack of computer user permissions and security management
- leaked passwords from staff
- open wifi network (free wifi everyone)
- weak passwords (password123)
- outdated computer security software
- the “I love to open spam email and click strange links” user
- the “I love to download everything on the Internet” user
- mismanagement of computer updates
- carelessness on strange or new websites
- and my favorite – “forward this chain mail to 20 friends or you’ll never meet true love” user
To avoid most common computer and network security threats, work with your IT service provider to create a computer and network best practices guide and discuss it with your team. In this guide, clearly outline the do’s and don’t s of your computers and network. Include examples of things to look out for so that your team is on alert for these types of security breaches.
Some other things to consider are make sure passwords are used for access to everything and are changed frequently – including your WiFi! Also, install a good anti-virus on all systems on the network and be sure it is set to scan automatically and frequently. Lastly, keep the computers updated with the latest OS updates (Windows) and be sure automatic updates is kept on.
By doing just these simple things you’re already in a better situation than most. To get started, we’ve put together a best practices guide that you can download, print, and discuss with your team today. It clearly outlines some of the standard best practices followed by many business owners to help ensure the security of their computers and network. To download your free Best Practice Computer and Network Security simply complete the form below at the end of this post and be sure to select the correct download.
For more information or to schedule a meeting with our IT solutions business experts call or email us today.
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