So far, we have analyzed the importance of protecting business/ personal data and security, as well as the role back-ups play in helping achieve this. To finalize this series, let’s discuss further solutions which can save us all the headache of data loss. You will probably be aware already, that there are many factors that can contribute to the overall security. The solutions below are options to safeguard data, and help to ensure only the right people have access to it.
Anti-Virus software is a crucial component of data and device protection/ security because they help prevent viruses, worms and trojans. Accessing the internet without such software can infect your computer and network at an alarmingly quick rate. With the example of the ‘Wannacry Ransomware Attack’ in mind, it is easy to see just how vital Anti-Virus software is. Minimize the chance of an attack of this nature by using an Anti-Virus package.
Lets continue with the theme of the aforementioned attack. Making sure your computer is completely up to date is essential. With the computer up to date, there is less chance of any potential bugs or loopholes being exploited. Some of the computers that were hit were running older (Windows XP) / out of date software. Programmers and designers are constantly making tweaks to their software. Staying up-to-date with these changes is of upmost importance.
Firewalls are another tool that is important to consider. Firewalls protect networks. Preventing unauthorized access to your network is the primary aim of the firewall. This system uses a set of rules to monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic/ communication. Malicious traffic is blocked and denied entry.
Think of a firewall as like a checkpoint on a road, and only cars with an acceptable permit can pass through. Every car is monitored to confirm whether it can continue travelling down the road or not, and this increases security.
A simple option of protection is the use of complex passwords due to the more complex the password being, the smaller the chance of it being cracked/ guessed. Creating a password policy can be beneficial. Setting a password to be a minimum of say 8 characters, and to expire every 3 months could be valuable elements of such a policy. However, the only issue with a more complex password policy is the fact that passwords may become more difficult for a user to remember. Never write down a password anywhere, rather try to memorize it!
Make sure your staff are aware of their online footprint and actions, because this can be valuable.
A common scenario nowadays is when an employee has opened a link in an email thinking it is perfectly harmless. What they have done is actually welcome a dangerous virus onto the company network.
The key is to be proactive, not reactive!
Contact Us
Bang IT Solutions are here to help. If you feel the time has come to stop taking risks with your data, or would just like to hear more information, please contact us at security@bangitsolutions.com.
Thanks for reading,
Bang IT Solutions.