Network Security

Network Security

Why should I be concerned?

Everyday business are faced with ever changing threats against there network security. These threats enter computer networks and can take form in many different ways. Threats include viruses, Trojan horses, spyware, spam, hackers, Denial of Service attacks, and even disgruntle employees. These threats affect businesses large and small and can have a devastating affect in a matter of minutes or can degrade a network over a period of time. The threats are really the same for small, mid-sized, and large corporate networks; the difference is, who is managing the computer network. For small and mid sized businesses the need to outsource IT services and security is now a viable option with the advent of technology that enables outsourced technology companies to implement, maintain and secure a network that will continue to perform for a business while giving the business owners and decision makers peace of mind that there information is secure. Monitoring and maintaining a computer network includes many tasks such as corporate antivirus protection, spyware management, spam filtering, firewall protection, maintaining and updating Windows software, and industry best practices for network security. Some of the largest threats to any business come from internal sources such as misconfigured servers that are missing antivirus software or missing or disgruntled former employees.

Antivirus - Most issues affecting computer networks come in the way of computer viruses. Viruses enter a computer network through an insecure or misconfigured firewall, email attachment, or browsing unsafe websites in the Internet. Approximately 70,000 viruses are created each year and cost businesses billions dollars a year.

Spyware - Nowadays spyware has become one of the most disruptive and time consuming interruptions for business users to date. Pop-ups, website hijacking, and website redirection are just a few of the annoyances that occur on a daily basis. Most spyware issues can now be alleviated by installing programs that actively monitor and block spyware activity. With the proper instllation and configuration, most if not all issues can be overted.

Spam - Spam is synonymous with email. Everyday our email inboxes are filled with emails that advertise just about everything. Employees spend a significant amount of time cleaning out spam which takes up productive hours in a day. With the proper management and maintenance spam can be alleviated in its entirety.

Firewall - A firewall is the first line of defense in protecting a computer network from hackers. Most firewalls now offer services and features that give business owners the peace of mind that there computer network is secure including intrusion detection, content filtering, email filtering, and anti-spyware just to name a few.

Windows Updates - 95% of desktop computers in today�s businesses run a flavor of Windows based operating system. Microsoft now ships there desktop operating systems with a built in Windows Update Service. This service in itself is a powerful tool in protecting a computer from a newly identified security issue. In many instances this service is not configured in a way that ensures that Windows is continually protected from security flaws or is managed by your server.

Computer Usage Policy - Every business, whether it�s a large corporation or a small local business, should have a computer usage policy. This policy should be written in a way so that each employee understands the rights and responsibilities of using the computers in that business. The policy should address topics such as email usage, Internet access, and downloading/installing unlicensed applications to company owned computers.

Network Security - Network security do like most computer related task require a good foundation. With reliable networking equipment that has been configured with security and reliability in mind and continual monitoring, your computer network will be secure and reliable. Network security is at the core of a reliable network. Security issues come in all shapes and sizes from the annoying to critical. To alleviate the issues a competent team up to date in the latest security technology will solve these issues before they occur.

Wireless Security - Wireless networks have made mobility a top priority for many businesses. Laptop and PDA users no have the ability to roam freely within a wireless network.

Password Policy - One of the most overlooked and yet basic security measures are a password policy. A password policy that requires you to change your password on a regular basis, a minimum of eight characters, using a letter and number combination is the best practice for any network. This solve many issues including protecting against hackers.

Call us today for a free Walk-through and Network Evaluation. We can help minimize your company's vulnerabilities.