Virus vigilance: Protect your business data18 October 2005
A recent survey for IT security company Sophos found that 79 per cent of IT professionals are convinced that business employees put their company at risk from security threats, largely through a lack of care when using the internet.
Senior technology consultant at Sophos, Graham Cluley, said: "Whether staff are downloading and opening unsolicited attachments, or surfing the web for sordid content not permissible at home, it's the responsibility of the company to ensure that employees are educated about the risks, and given the right tools to defend themselves."
As virus writers and hackers will keep on creating ways to target computers and companies and staff are only human and therefore susceptible to the occasional security error, it is a good idea that small businesses organise suitable threat protection for their data.
Why is virus protection important to businesses?
Viruses can be spread via emails, attachments, downloads, web pages or software updates and disks. Macro viruses are designed to alter the way in which computer equipment works, and recent trojan and worm varieties are capable of draining memory, deleting or damaging data and data theft. The "always on" nature of broadband connections also increases the risk of attack further. Ensuring your business is up to date in terms of security will:
- Save money by avoiding the long-term costs of data retrieval and software repair and replacement.
- Decrease the risk of staff error and improve productivity as suspect programmes and mail can be detected before reaching individual computers.
- Improve business continuity as network downtime as a result of infection is minimised.
- Maintain good customer service both in terms of normal business processes and the security of their data.
Tools for protection
Anyone with running a computer with an internet connection should install a firewall which acts as a barricade between the web and your property. They can be installed via the internet and paid for on a monthly or annual basis, or they can be applied in hardware form to your PC.
Although a firewall is an effective screen against viruses, it is a good idea to arrange additional anti-virus software. This is designed to assess unfamiliar files, mail and attachments and either delete them or alert the user to their presence. One of the most well-known providers of this is McAfee, and BT offers an inclusive Internet Security Pack. Combing a firewall with anti-virus software reduces the risk of lapses or holes in security, and they may be continually updated to provide the latest protection methods.
