Too often, computer and network security is not thought about until a problem arises. At this point, a breach in security can cause huge and potentially harmful problems to your business and/or your customers. By setting up a security plan and an emergency action plan, you can know that the information held in your computers and networks is safe and secure.
The first step is to protect from potential outside problems. Cyber criminals, hackers, and identity thieves present real and dangerous threats to any online system. Your IT solution should always have adequate firewalls, antivirus software, virtual private networks, and intrusion prevention. You want to make sure that all your security components are communicating with each other, making you aware of any potential gaps or breaches in your security systems. You also want to make sure that all your employees are aware of the dangers of opening attachments or web links that are sent by unknown parties. These emails can be a dangerous activity known as “phishing,” with hackers trying to access or steal passwords and other private information.
The second level of security is inner security. Depending on the type of business you run, it can be helpful to set up different levels of access throughout your computer systems. These access levels ensure that important or sensitive information is only available to those who have the right level of clearance. Make sure that your employees know how to pick strong passwords, which will help keep their individual accounts secure.
Despite your precautions, it is always possible that your system will be breached. This is why it is important to have an emergency action plan, a plan that is devised to shut down and protect your system in case of an attack or breach. Make sure that all pertinent personnel are aware of the plan in case you need to implement it. This plan will help contain any damage or unintended sharing of private information, allowing you to keep control of the situation.
