“Information integrity” determines whether your company succeeds or not. Critical company data, whether it’s customer contacts or financial information, is the lifeblood and foundation of any business. Today, with the proliferation of viruses, identity theft, and internet hacking, the threats to that information and the possibilities of it being compromised are greater than ever.
According to a report by the Symantec Corporation on protecting your business, the following “Best Practices” are recommended:
1. Close security gaps: Most small businesses have firewalls and other perimeter security devices but most fail to protect other network “endpoints” such as mobile laptops, contractors and visitors who connect to your network.
2. Integrate defenses: It’s a good idea to combine firewall, antivirus software, intrusion detection and vulnerability management software at endpoints if possible. Adding encryption to those who travel is also wise.
3. Patch software: Since threats are always evolving, it’s extremely critical to ensure all patches and updates are updated and kept current from Microsoft and other software providers.
4. Update virus definitions: As obvious as this may sound, many business neglect investing in annual renewals, a decision that could end up shutting down a network for hours.
5. Alert employees: Be certain to educate all employees about attachments and links in ‘unexpected email’. They should also scan any software downloads.
6. Don’t ‘invite’ trouble: Avoid file-sharing websites that may install malicious code automatically.
7. Strengthen passwords: You should require passwords that mix letters and numbers, never dictionary words. They should be changed on a regular scheduled basis, as well.
8. Schedule backups: Be sure to implement and enforce scheduled backups on all servers, desktops and laptops. Try and have this process set up so that it will backup up automatically.
9. Backup complete systems: Back up the operating system, applications, configurations and settings, not just files.
10. Keep off-site backups: Make sure you have the ability to restore all critical data in the event of a fire, flood (leaky pipes in the ceiling if your servers are on the floor), theft, or regional disaster.
11. Test backups: This might sound obvious but be certain to test your backups periodically.
12. Get help: Find a local IT firm you can rely on if you ever need assistance, whether as a primary network support partner or simply a resource you can utilize if you need to.
