The Answer to
Business Computing
Internet Services
Unsecured Internet access may affect the integrity of your business data and information by allowing unwanted intruders to:
- introduce viruses that can destroy your data and/or slow down your computer
- insert spyware onto your PC without your consent or knowledge
- piggy-back on your internet connection and use it at your expense
- intercept vital financial transactions, credit card details and access customer information
- take over your website and modify it
- mimic your online identity (identity theft)
Internet Security Essentials
- Develop a 'culture of security' in your Business
Ensure that there are Internet security practices in place and that all staff are aware of and follow these practices. - Install good quality anti-virus software
Anti-virus software scans, quarantines and/or removes known viruses from your computer. They help protect your computer against viruses, worms and trojans. - Install a firewall to stop unauthorised access to your computer
Firewalls help prevent your computer from intruders. - Protect against harmful emails
Be cautious about opening emails from unknown or questionable sources. Avoid clicking on links in an email if the content of the email is suspicious or unfamiliar. - Minimise spam
It is impossible to stop all spam from entering your mailbox, however, there are spam-filtering software available to prevent large amounts of spam from attacking. - Back up your data regularly
Create a reliable copy or backup of your data to ensure that you can recover all of your business information from your computer, server or website quickly and easily. Avoid storing backup files at your premises and consider an offsite backup procedure. - Develop a secure password system
Strong passwords can provide additional protection for the information on your computer. - Keep your software up-to-date
If your operating system, virus protection and firewall software are out of date, you may be more vulnerable to attack. Ensure any software patches are installed regularly. - Ensure secure online banking
Secure online banking practices must be strictly adhered to and security advice/troubleshooting is provided by your financial institution. - Develop and maintain a security policy and a disaster recovery plan
Establish, monitor, test and review security policies and disaster recovery plans regularly.
