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Small Business Computer Security, the basics

Everyone in business is aware of both the natural dependence on computers at work and the potential risks associated with storing important data. Today’s business owners are constantly reminded that their company data is at risk.

But what can a typical small business owner do to protect his network? Dangers lurk everywhere on the Internet. There are thousands of attacks or security regions that can be discussed, but I will try to focus on the three general disadvantages associated with today’s computers: viruses, spyware and traditional “hackers” who will deliberately try to use your computer system for a variety of reasons. Each of these attacks, although different, serves a specific attacker purpose, but basically translates into three things for the company: loss of performance, data loss and end result … loss of money.

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Here is a brief description of what these attacks are about and what a typical small business can do to protect its technology investments.

 

Virus: A computer virus has certain characteristics. A computer virus must be applied to another application or document to be implemented. When it is currently running, it can infect other programs or files. Of course, the analogy between computer and biological viruses stretches a bit, but the similarities are sufficient. A computer virus can have many purposes. One common goal is the desire for the virus. Many of them are harmless and are nothing more than a hacker attempt. This can slow down your computer or programs. On the opposite side of this coin, viruses cause computer crashes and delete information, can be particularly dangerous, provide someone with access to business data, or can be used with thousands of infected computers to set up warnings. Viruses are still largely transmitted via email, which you will lure to a site that will exploit the vulnerability via email.

Security against viruses: If you are reading this guide and you still do not have (this is very important) antivirus applications running on every computer, that’s a shame. For each of them you must already have anti-virus software on each computer. If you do not rush to the store and buy it. Popular applications in the antivirus industry are created by Symantec (www.symantec.com) and McAfee (www.mcafee.com) how do i activate my mcafee product key? . Larger companies may be looking for a system that will scan e-mails before them. Watch what you start in your own email address. Don’t open emails from people you don’t know, and be careful because most viruses will now fool you if you know the sender.

 

Spyware: you may know spyware under one of its many names: adware, spyware, trackware, scumware, thief, snoopware and sneakware. Due to its hidden nature, most Internet users know all the signs of spyware infection: poor computer performance, improved pop-up ads, unexplained home page change, and mysterious search results. For virtually anyone surfing the Internet, malware and adware are bothersome, but can lead to consequences such as identity theft if you don’t find spyware on your computer. Many men and women are wondering how they get spyware. Because applications are hidden in other applications, spyware is installed on the computer. For example, a pop-up window appears to set up an online casino game, and when you surf the website, it will provide you with this game, but you installed spyware with it. Another way to spyware is your favorite file. The effect can be significant. Prices paid to eliminate spyware, and total computer productivity of the consumer can accumulate very quickly.

 

Protection against spyware: spyware is a huge problem in the current computing environment. The fight against spyware begins with the use of a computer. The best protection against spyware and other unwanted software is not placing it. The following are some helpful tips that may protect you from downloading. Download programs only from trusted sites, read all security warnings, license agreements and privacy statements related to downloaded software, instead of clicking “I agree” or “OK” to close the window. Instead, click the red “x” in the corner of this window or press Alt + F4 on your keyboard to close the window, and watch out for popular “free” music and video sharing applications and make sure you clearly understand all the software contained in these programs. There are several tools if you happen to install Spyware on your computer. However, be careful when downloading these “free” spyware removal programs, and some of these eliminating tools integrate spyware with their software. The favorite product that copes well with malware is Lavasoft’s Adaware (www.lavasoft.com). Larger organizations can look for companies such as Computer Associates (www.ca.com) to ensure business security. There are cases when too many spyware is installed on your system and you need to format the hard disk and reinstall the operating system.

 

Hackers: The word hacker has many meanings for many men and women. The dictionary can define the term hacker as follows: “A man who breaks in, tries to break into a system or computer network or uses it without authorization, often randomly, for personal entertainment or satisfaction, and not necessarily with a malicious purpose. 2. [User] who is trying to access or gain access to the IT system. A computer professional who obtains unauthorized access to protected tools that are the target of a computer fan. 4. Someone who uses a computer source in a way for which it is not intended or may conflict with the terms of the Acceptable Use Policy, but is not always malicious. “ A hacker is a person with high computing ability, as you can see. The hacker will try to undermine these systems by analyzing the design of computer programs. They use a wide range of tools that can be downloaded to the Internet to exploit a vulnerability in a program or hardware program. Hackers do what they do for various reasons. Some do it among their peers, others for profit, and many others take action to make a statement. The impact of community security can lead to financial losses. Imagine a customer database being offered, if you want to inform customers that their information has been stolen, what could be the reaction?

 

Protection against hackers: I was told that no matter how good you buy, there will still be a locksmith who can unlock it. The same applies to protection against hackers. The number of people who can bypass bodyguards is very small. The next three things would be an absolute must to keep your system secure. An excellent firewall on the perimeter of the network to filter what enters and has no internet connection to ensure the security of business computers, and the importance of updates. Simply firewalls filter the information that passes through them. In fact, they are inspectors who reject and allow data based on rules. High-quality firewalls will protect your network, protecting against bad and passing data. Recommended firewalls for small businesses can be purchased from companies such as Cisco (www.cisco.com), Watchguard (www.watchguard.com) or Sonic Wall (www.sonicwall.com). Firewall vendors have many models available, so talk about network security. The main thing is that you have one set. Computer-level firewalls offer a real, multi-layered approach to security. Protecting your personal computer system strengthens and is especially valuable for companies employing employees. Most companies today have firewalls in their network, no one thinks about the laptop of the company’s president, who regularly goes home. The President brings his home and gives a convenient remote connection back to his office via a home Internet connection. The notebook is connected to the office, which provides an immediate route for hackers and viruses on the network and is unsecured. The great thing about firewalls is that you can find fantastic! Just upgrade to Service Pack 2 If you’re using the Microsoft Windows XP operating system, which offers a free and easy-to-use desktop firewall. If you don’t have Windows XP or just don’t want to use a firewall, Zone Alarm (www.zonealarm.com) provides a fantastic desktop firewall. The level of protection is to keep systems up to date. I assume that many companies use Microsoft Windows goods for most of their computing requirements, so to keep your system updated, visit only http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com. You must check for updates twice a month.

I hope it will provide you with insight into possible market threats and incentives to implement protection, although this article is based on community security. Since you have an alarm system, consider actions necessary to secure information about your company and computer network. Otherwise, the recovery costs that I promise may far exceed the costs of implementing a secure network.