PC Security Check (Part 2) - What to expect21 March 2006
In last week's feature on BT PC Security Check we went through what the latest broadband internet security product from BT could do to give managers of small businesses peace of mind about their IT systems.
The recently launched PC Security Check involves a specialist BT technician remotely accessing a small firm's PC or PCs to check the effectiveness of various security measures in place. Within half an hour of this analysis, a detailed yet simple report is sent through, explaining what areas need improving if any.
In this week's article we will take a look at what consumers can expect to find in the report sent back to them, as well as how to implement the changes recommended.
The report
The easy-to-understand report will typically be about ten pages in length and divided into three key sections:
- Executive summary
- Test results
- Additional products available
The executive summary provides a synopsis of the overall security of the PC in question, with key areas awarded a security rating of excellent, average, poor or critical.
The areas in question where test results are given are:
- Hardware firewall
- Personal/software firewall
- Antivirus device
- Anti-spyware device
- Hard disk space
- Hard disk fragmentation
- Data backup
- Microsoft Windows update
The first category evaluated in the report is a hardware firewall, often the first line of a PC's defence. Hardware firewalls are usually contained within broadband routers and prevents unauthorised access to private networks. If the hardware firewall is outdated or if there is no firewall at all then BT specialists recommending either an upgrade or an installation.
Personal or software firewalls provide back up protection, as no hardware firewall is completely impregnable. They are essential for laptops accessing the internet wirelessly, as there is often no hardware firewall present.
One of the most important aspects of overall PC security are antivirus devices. Viruses and worms can cause havoc once within networks by denying access to registered users, sending unsolicited email or deleting files. PC Security Check evaluates the effectiveness of antivirus systems in place and may recommend an update.
Less destructive than viruses but no less disruptive is spyware, which gathers personal information and then recommends products that they think you would like to buy. A number of supposedly anti-spyware programs were found to be spreading spyware themselves and so the BT check will ensure consumers are using a reputable anti-spyware device.
The evaluation of remaining hard drive space is important as PCs with little remaining disk space are known to be unstable. The process of defragmentation can free up extra space and stabilise PCs by consolidating file fragments in nearby spaces. As loss of data can lead to serious business failure, it is imperative data backup systems are in place and this area of the evaluation checks whether they are. Finally, more recent versions of Microsoft Windows allow consumers to automatically download and install important security updates and PC Security Check calculates the last time this was done.
Other products can help
The report concludes with a rundown of BT products that can help small businesses to protect their IT systems. PC Security Check offers an unparalleled level of evaluation, but it does not protect against the potential problems that it flags up. It is very important that small firms consider investing in the recommended systems to protect their business interests.
Recommended products could include BT Support Manager Remote, Internet Security Pack for the latest antivirus protection or Datasure Online PC Backup, which removes the threat of potentially calamitous data loss.
Business managers 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.
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