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How much of the data stored on your office PCs
is critical to the day to day running of your business?
Chances are that it's an increasing amount every
day, so what steps are you taking to make sure it is safe and secure?
The five measures below should be considered
essential precautions for any computer-using business.
Use Secure Logons
All staff entitled to use your network should
have a user ID and logon password, without which access is denied.
'Guest' accounts should be disabled and users discouraged from using
blank
or easily
guessed
passwords. (Their birthday or dogs's name is not generally
sufficient!)
Use a Firewall
If your network, or even standalone PCs have
Internet access then they should be protected by a firewall to stop
malicious and potential damaging traffic coming in to your network,
and unwanted and unauthorised data going out. There are a huge variety
of firewall solutions to suit all budgets but one way or another it
is a vital precaution.
Use AntiVirus Software
A firewall alone is not enough. Damaging programs
can still arrive bundled in emails or be accidentally downloaded by
unwary users. AntiVirus software should be installed on every machine
without exception.
Stay Up To Date
AntiVirus and security software is only ever
as good as its last update. New viruses and security loopholes are
discovered every day and it is vital the software is updated frequently
to cope with new developments. Windows itself should also be regularly
checked for recent updates and 'patches' which can be download for
free from the Microsoft website.
Back up!
Finally and possibly most importantly, make sure
regular backups are made of your vital data. If the worse does happen
at least you know you have a recent copy of all that computerised
information you can't afford to lose.
Swansea ITeC can provide technical
training and advise on best
practice for securing
your data as well as supply, install
and configure the necessary software to keep you up and running.
Contact us for more information.
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