PC Security Check (Part 1) - Safeguard your business14 March 2006
The vast majority of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are aware of the credible threat posed by PC viruses and worms. High-profile viruses have consistently hit the headlines on a global scale, with businesses becoming increasingly alert not only to the risks associated with malicious attacks, but also the best ways to protect against them.
But it is not just viruses and worms that UK SMEs have to contend with, as spyware and Trojan horses are also more and more problematic for companies to deal with. With so many new viruses and similar malicious programs hitting the internet, it can prove overwhelming for businesses. And with many SMEs operating on limited budgets, businesses could feel pressurised or be tempted into taking the massive risk of skimping on IT security measures to cut costs.
SMEs can experience serious disruptions even if viruses are taken completely out of the equation, as significant IT problems can arise from equipment failure and system errors as well. The problem is that up until now there has been no way for businesses to monitor how secure and stable their IT systems are.
Doing the checking for you
However, help is now at hand in the shape of BT PC Security Check, a service that is specifically designed at improving the IT security of small businesses. Enterprises signing up to the service will have their PCs given a complete MOT, with all aspects of security and software stability measured.
The way in which PC Security Check works is refreshingly simple and does away with the time-consuming need for businesses to wait for a technician to arrive on site to perform checks, or the even lengthier process of contacting the manufacturer. With PC Security Check BT's specialists will access the PC in question remotely to perform comprehensive tests to access important information to gauge how secure it is.
Then approximately half an hour later, the BT technician will send an easy to understand yet detailed report of about ten pages that provides an assessment of the PC's security and stability in various categories. During the 30 minutes that the PC is being evaluated, there is no need for users to remain on the phone or at their PC, as all checks are performed remotely, leaving both managers and staff able to get on with their work as normal.
As part of the service, the BT specialist will recommend what steps should be taken to improve the security of the PC.
Who can benefit
- Companies which depend on IT and broadband connections.
- SMEs with no in-house IT staff.
- Small businesses that want their IT workers to focus on more strategic and creative tasks, rather than maintenance.
- Companies employing home workers, whose off-site nature can lead to lengthy disruptions if technical problems occur.
- Enterprises with no data backup systems in place.
Business wishing to take advantage of the BT PC Security Check should phone 0845 604 4817 to arrange a time for the evaluation to take place for the low one-off charge of £50. A second PC can have the check performed for a reduced rate of £25 if arranged at the same time.
Next week we will look at what users of PC Security Check can expect when they receive the assessment of their PC's security.
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