Small Business Security

1. Protect the business against malware — that basket of threats that includes spam, viruses, phishing and spyware. There are comprehensive anti-malware packages that offer blanket protection as well as specialized, more potent spot solutions if your business has been particularly vulnerable to certain attacks in the past. Set them to update automatically and check that all hardware has the same level of protection. Be sure to renew the software licenses, which often means yearly. Set up spam filters to meet your individual requirements rather than automatically accepting the default settings.
2. Deploy hardware and software firewalls, which block unauthorized access while permitting authorized communications. Hardware firewalls are installed on network/wireless routers and protect against incoming threats. Software firewalls are set up on each computer to protect against outgoing threats. Some expertise is needed to set them up and you may need help to do so.
3. Protect against denial of service (DOS) attacks that flood a business Web site with so many requests that it slows to a crawl or attempts to crash a system totally. Anti-DOS software can protect against attacks and most firewalls are designed to as well. Be sure your data is backed up regularly so if a DOS attack does crash your system, it can be restored quickly with current data.
4. Password protect! Set up best practices for your workers to follow to the letter, including the requirement they change passwords periodically and NEVER write them down in an easily accessible place. Put password protection on your wireless router and other network hardware, and limit the number of people with access to the password.

So when it comes to fighting threats on all fronts and at all points your data travels, think in layers. For more on holistic, layered security for your business, give us a call!