Security 101:  Secure Your Data And Systems

Part 3: Electronic Security for your systems and data

Electronic security means using the tools available to lock down your systems electronically so that the people you want to have access do, and nobody else. These are the basic concepts in electronic security:

Types of security threats and what you can do about them

  • Make sure your network is configured to give your staff access to what they need and eliminate access to confidential or irrelevant files. Re-evaluate this setup about once a year, as requirements can change a lot in that time
  • Install a proper firewall between your Internet connection and your network, and perhaps a software firewall as well. If you ever connect to the Internet for any reason, you MUST run a firewall
  • If necessary, install intrusion detection / intrusion prevention devices or software to reduce the risk of hackers breaking through your firewall and accessing or deleting data that you need to run your business
  • If staff compliance becomes a real issue (inappropriate surfing or e-mail, etc.), there are more advanced tools to monitor and/or restrict what they are doing, such as content filters, mail redirection, etc.
  • Of course, always keep your Windows up to date by using Windows Update to get all critical updates / patches / security and bug fixes. Spammers and spyware makers will exploit un-patched holes if you let them


Call us today for cost-effective security review

Please contact us today, and we'll come to your office to review your existing security procedures and identify areas that you could or should improve. When your business is at stake, security's something we all need to take seriously.