Internet Security to Protect Small to Medium Businesses
Internet security threats come in different shapes and sizes. There are viruses, spywares and hackers ready to attack your computer. Most often than not, small and medium businesses do not usually think that they are vulnerable to security attacks. They always assume that bigger companies are the likelier ones to become victims. But they are hugely mistaken.
Every business is vulnerable to these threats and attacks. But since most of these small and medium companies wrongly assume that they are safe, it is usually the case that they do not have any basic measures to protect their networks and computers.
Because of such risky confidence, their systems are not sufficiently protected from worms, viruses, trojans, hackers, data theft and other threats. Moreover, entrepreneurs in these types of businesses have so much in mind and are often busy such that security is last in their priorities.
In order for these businesses to wake up and smell reality, the following are some reasons why Internet security is important: 1. At present, viruses, spyware and other malicious programs are much more complex and sophisticated. They spread fast in the Internet and are more difficult to remove. Businesses need to install their systems with up to date patches for their virus protection, and other security programs to avoid becoming vulnerable to such malicious attacks. 2. Hackers have tools to browse the Internet that could look for unsecured systems and computers they can hack and attack. With just a single computer connected in a network, a hacker can access and control a business network. 3. Digital attackers have more difficulties penetrating the bolstered and highly secured systems of bigger companies and enterprises. Because of this, they focus their attention more in targeting smaller businesses. 4. Intentional or unintentional security threats usually come from people working within the business. Simple downloads such as music; videos can have spyware or viruses attached to them. To be able to control these, installed firewalls, spyware software and anti-virus software should be installed. 5. Attacks on businesses can be overwhelming in terms of loss of sales or income. This can also affect companies' reputations should their websites and systems become unreliable due to these Internet assaults. It is a good thing, however, that there are ways for businesses to protect their computers and networks from security risks. These are the following:
- The first step is for businesses to change their way of thinking. They should consider Internet security as their partner and an essential way for them to survive while conducting business in the World Wide Web. - Businesses should determine what they need to bulk their security. To be able to do this, an inventory of what they have is in order. - The basic protection business computers should have are the following: anti-spyware, anti-virus software and firewalls. These three can safeguard businesses against spamming, identity theft, phishing and other scams. - If businesses have difficulties protecting themselves, then they can let others handle the job by either outsourcing or enrolling under service providers who could design, provide and maintain internet security in their business computers and network. - Since, new viruses, worms, trojans and spywares are developed everyday, it is vital that security software installed in the business computers are updated regularly. It is fortunate, however, that most security measures can be automatically updated. - In order for employees to comply and to avoid confusion, businesses should document all the Internet security plans and include in this the policies and regulations that should govern the actions of employees regarding this matter. - Wireless networks are more susceptible to security attacks because of the open transmission medium which makes data transmissions more vulnerable. This is the reason why more stringent protection measures should be employed. - Computers and systems are more difficult to use if there are so many security checks and scans that occur every time. It is therefore vital that businesses consider the balance between usability and security.
Installing security measures in business computers and systems and maintaining them might be tedious at first. But, the rewards of Internet security assure the survival of a business and its ability to thrive and grow in the World Wide Web.
Articles Source - Free Articles
Rebecca Hubbard
Hubbard Enterprises
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