Small businesses today are either using information technology to its full potential, or at least plan to. They face the ever-present security threats to their data, servers, web sites, apps, mobile devices and in-house PC networks. The strategies and knowledge required to address these disparate technology problems and come up with viable and affordable solutions to them is often far beyond the capabilities of much better-funded and better-staffed corporations. It is understandable that small businesses can feel overwhelmed.
If you’re a small business owner, C-level executive, manager, or just curious on how to harden your IT security, check out this post Network security tips you can start using today.
Managed IT Security
The answer, standardize IT security and use best practices. Network technology is well-understood enough to create predictable results. There are several categories of technology solutions that IT security companies can deploy. As with most complex subjects, mastery through education and training. This is one of the key issues in any information technology context. Nothing generates more value in the long term than competent training. Your biggest ROI happens here. Training combined with complete and easy-to-access documentation will improve your computer security.
Training
Train employees in the various means by which computer networks, mobile applications and web sites become compromised. This type of thinking makes future attempts to secure a company’s technology assets much easier and effective. Industry veterans call this “secure think.”
This kind of thinking is valuable, as it reduces the possibility of a successful attack. Train employees to work together to solve complex problems and to avoid IT security mistakes.
Services
When comprehensive training is either impractical or outside the reach of a company’s budget, hiring an outside company to manage IT security is a good solution. Deploying services like a SonicWall or virtual private networks is not only far less prone to mistakes when performed by an expert, but the ongoing maintenance of such systems no longer poses a time or budgetary challenge. Small businesses therefore are able to devote more time to their customers.
However, while it is true there are some set and forget solutions, the truth is safety rots like code. It is always best practice to charge someone with the responsibility of watching the door. A computer network requires someone with the requisite training and experience to recognize common problems.
Platforms
Computer viruses are more destructive and more expensive now than ever before. Knowing how to detect, quarantine and remove viruses from business computer systems and networks is likely not a subject that can be picked up in an afternoon. This is why most small businesses should find an IT security company to help them keep their systems clean.
Long ago, this was something that could be done CPU by CPU, but today, with networks subsuming cloud servers, wide ranging device types and continual platform updates, it isn’t possible to tailor virus detection at the machine level for any network larger than a handful of workstations. This is one reason that managed IT services are as popular as they are.
Final Thoughts
Speaking with an expert in IT security Austin is one of the best ways to address threats and neutralize their effects. At the very least, a consultation can be an educational experience and a way to learn the options without betting your network on trial and error. Take advantage of all that has been accomplished in this space to make your data safe. If you’re serious about getting your IT security straight, sign up to see if your business qualifies for our free IT analysis today!