Repel Electronic Thieves: Take Proper Steps to Protect Computer Data

Protecting electronic data should be a primary concern for all business owners, considering the ever-present threat of computer-based data theft. According to findings from a 2007 survey conducted by AT&T (www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=24878), about one-fourth of small businesses are not concerned about data security. The report also indicates 10 percent of small businesses leave data completely unsecured, 32 percent believe that wireless data doesn't present security concerns and 17 percent take no precautions to guard against wireless security threats.

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Why Patching Your Servers (and Computers) Is So Important: Conficker Virus

Microsoft and other vendors issue patches on a regular basis. These patches fix security vulnerabilities in your computer, fix bugs, improve features or other things. All of these things are important, but one of the most important reasons to patch is to enhance the security of your product.

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Email Security and Filtering: In Side Or Outside Your Office

Email is probably the most important communication mechanism your company has. However it's also one of the most annoying communication methods due to the spam and malicious email you receive on a minute to minute basis.

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Peer to Peer And Its Threat To Your Business

As part of our continued effort to provide you with information to help use technology as a tool to help you grow your business we ask experts to contribute to Smallbiztechnology.com. This week we Steve Yin, Executive Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing, St. Bernard helps us understand the dangers of peer to peer networks. St. Bernard provides web security solutions.

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Worms in Space? Hidden Dangers of USB Flash Drives

High profile security breaches usually make the news, like a computer on the Space Station getting infected with a worm last summer, or an Army network infiltrated by malware - both via infected unsecured USB drives. However, it's a more common occurrence than business owners might realize and really could happen to you too.

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How to Keep Your Online Business Information Secure — Some Basics

Information-technology security becomes even more important when operating a business online. It’s critical to take the steps necessary to protect an online business against hackers who could steal vital information, or viruses which could bring your computer system – and your business — to its knees. Of course no system is foolproof. If someone is absolutely determined to break into your system, given enough time and money, they likely can. But it’s wise to put as many safeguards in place as possible, so that hackers will look for easier targets. What follows is a few steps security specialists recommend that business owners take to protect their systems.

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Computer Security for the Small Business Owner

The San Gabriel Valley SBDC now provides training and counseling of what the small business owner should know and do about computer security, computer networks and information assurance. Most small business owners can't afford to hire an Information Technology employee to explain the security and computer technology issues that are important to your small business and organization.

Mt. San Antonio College has a program called Regional Information Security Center (RISSC) that is charged to provide curriculum for students in cyber security. RISSC is partnering with the San Gabriel Valley Small Business Development Center to bring you information and one-on-one counseling that will help your organization succeed. We will answer the following questions:

* What is computer security?
* Why do we need it?
* Who are the attackers?
* How do they attack?
* What can I do to protect myself?
* How do I set up a proper computer network?

After this one-on-one counseling you will have an understanding of the risks involved with ignoring computer security issues. We would like them not to be there but, ignoring them does not make the threat go away. Every computer and user is a target in today's technological environment. If the person is not stealing your personal or private information they may use your computer without your permission remotely. Please take advantage of this service available at no cost to you.

Click here to download the "Small Business Security Checklist" and do a self evaluation of your current computer security issues. Doing this will help us help you better.

Source: http://www.mtsacsbdc.com/web/index.php?module=article&view=16

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7 Security Tips for Small Business

As security pros predict a rise in crime, small business owners can help protect their investments by safeguarding against burglary, robbery, shoplifting and fraud which, according to the National Sheriff’s Association, cause an estimated 30% of all small business failures.”Crime can be especially devastating for a small business,” Joe Mac McConnell, VP of small business at ADT Security Services, tells What Works for Business. “The financial loss can be devastating, not to mention the threat crimes like robbery pose to customer and employee safety.”

ADT, along with other security experts, has developed this list of safety tips to help your small biz build a barrier against crime:

1. Provide adequate interior and exterior lighting. Interior lighting should be visible to those outside. Exterior lighting should illuminate dark areas around buildings and parking lots.

2. Install an obvious video surveillance system to serve as a prevention tactic, help with identifying possible criminals and deter fraud. Once cameras are installed, place security signs at points of entry to publicize the presence of those cameras.

3. Utilize a safe with a mechanism to make periodic drops during the day to minimize the amount of cash in registers. Immediately drop large bills to discourage potential robbers.

4. Use background checks and other methods to screen all employees before hiring as the best defense against internal theft. Train new hires about security and safety practices.

5. Install silent alarms to notify police and give them a better chance to catch perpetrators.

6. Reduce advertising banners on front windows and displays behind windows which can obstruct viewing into the store.

7. Instruct employees to be the first line of defense in loss prevention by greeting or acknowledging every customer who enters. Provide personal service to as many customers as possible.

As McConnell notes, while you can’t completely eliminate the risk of crime, “Small business owners can help minimize risks by implementing a comprehensive security plan including physical security technology, thoroughly training employees and troubleshooting potential weaknesses.”

Source: http://www.whatworksforbusiness.com/2009/02/7-security-tips-for-small-business/

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