With more and
more of your future well being dependent upon your data, databases and
client profile information what are you doing to protect yourself against
data loss and unproductive down time due to slow or non-functional computers
and lost data?
What are the three areas where small and mid-size business
many times falls short?:
• Proper on-site and Off-site backup
• Proper Security Software on their internet connections, computer
servers and workstations
• Proper documentation and procedures to access quickly during
a crisis
The pillars
of a stable office technology system are:
• Up to Date hardware and software, up to date and usable warrantees
and support agreements
• Correct and regular verified backup procedures in place [on-site
and off-site]
• The best anti-virus and security software at the workstations
and internet connections that your resources allow for
How
should you backup?
• Use an on-line backup service such as [ibackup.com = less expensive
solution / Evault.com = premium solution for clients with regulatory
compliance requirements]
• On-Site Extra External Backup Drive With Live 2nd Copy of Data
• How I survived 9-11 with an off-site backup
Am
I Taking Basic measures to ensure my office is not on the receiving
end of a malicious internet attack?
• Do not go to unknown web-sites if avoidable because clicking
on one wrong page can download unwanted bad software programs to your
computer which will slow it down or crash it, and or give hackers control
over your computer. – There are now programs called link scanners
which offer the ability to scan a web site before you browse to it.
• Never open attachments from anyone who you are not expecting
one from, one bad attachment can bring down your computer systems, especially
for those with inadequate computer security software
• All workstations should have minimum Anti-Virus, Anti-Spyware
and Firewall [i.e. AVG Free or ESET.com security is a preferred paid
solution]
• Parameter Network Firewall to Protect your entire network [Firewall/Router
or Astaro Security Gateway Premium Firewall Device]
A Call to Action and important links:
• Check your backups
• Check your workstation and internet connection security
• Check that all important vendor information and accounts numbers,
and server and online passwords are stored in a password protected spreadsheet
• Create a internet usage policy that the staff can sign
• Create a centralized documentation spreadsheet
• Keep up to date with your windows or Mac updates and security
software updates
Important
Links:
Ibackup [simpler
cheap on-line backup]
www.ibackup.com
Evault [For professionals with regulatory compliance issues]
www.evault.com
AVG Free [Simple free Anti-virus and Anti-Spyware software]
http://free.avg.com/download-avg-anti-virus-free-edition
ESET [Great Paid Software]
www.eset.com
Astaro Security Gateway [Astaro Security Gateway]
www.astaro.com
