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As a business user it’s important that you keep your computer systems and data safe. But how best can that this be achieved when many of us have a permanent internet connection? Well we have put together these helpful tips to help small business owners. 1. Firewall, you have probably heard about a firewall, most broadband routers have a small firewall built in. Make sure its enabled. Be sure to block traffic on port 3389. This is a common port used for hackers. 2. Windows Firewall, found in control panel on your computer, make sure this is enabled 3. Anti Virus, ensure you have a full edition of anti virus on your computers, you will need to pay for protection but its worth it. I would recommend Symantec for a small business 4. Anti Spam, ensure you have a good spam filter, you don't need to install software, this can be managed before the mail reaches your server or PC 5. Sending Email, if sending to more than 3 or 4 people, ensure you use BCC instead of TO, you have a responsibility to keep peoples email addresses secure. If unsure ask someone. 6. Passwords, always ensure you have a password on your computers, change this regularly and don't tell people what it is, use a mixture of uppercase and lowercase, include numbers and symbols. A good length is 8 characters. 7. Acceptable Use Policy, make sure your computer users all sign an acceptable use policy, this offers you added protection by employees agreeing to use equipment appropriately and for work use only. 8. Wireless Networking, if you have wireless networking in your office, make sure its secure, avoid WEP, as a minimum ensure you are using WPA-PSK encryption. Also, ensure the security key is kept secret, that way you avoid members of staff adding their mobiles to your network and using your internet connection. 9. Remote Access, if you want to access your system remotely ensure you use methods of encryption on the connection, a VPN creates a secure connection between you and your business network, use this method to transfer data when you can. Alternatively use remote desktop to a PC in your business network rather than directly to your business server. 10. Management & Support, if your not an IT expert then you should employ the services of someone who is. This can be on a formal Pay As You Go basis, so they have a basic understanding of your setup and needs, and you only pay for help and support when you need. If you have a server then you should certainly have a formal support contract in place. A good IT company will provide monitoring, management and support for a small monthly fee. Price would depend on your individual requirements. Organisations with formal agreements in place are better protected as systems are monitored and patch proactively. Business IT Support provider, enabling a business to outsource all its IT and Business Computer Support requirements to a dedicated helpdesk with a single point of contact in the Bristol.
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