MFPs and Large Format Printing solutions are still one area where I think IT needs to progress. I guess its a bit of a legacy to have to sue paper at all and maybe that’s why its progression is so slow. There will always be a market for paper printing especially when dealing with architects and engineering. But I for one will welcome the day where almost everything is done and rendered across the network and on devices. Save the Trees!
Data Loss is Risky Business
Every small business owner knows how important it is to have a data backup of their computers in case of emergency. Yet many don’t know where to start or believe their current backup solution is adequate. When the unexpected happens like a hard drive crash they are blindsided by data loss. According to research by Strategic Research Corp and DTI/Price Waterhouse Coopers seventy percent of small firms that experience a major data loss go out of business within a year.
A survey by Carbonite found that almost half of the nation’s small businesses have lost data.
The top causes of small business’ data loss included hardware/software failure (54 percent), accidental deletion (54 percent), computer viruses (33 percent) and theft (10 percent).
Many small businesses use CD/DVD’s, external hard drives or usb thumb drives to do onsite back up of important documents. This solution is adequate in case of hardware failure but if true disaster strikes such as fire or theft they will suffer significant data loss. Every small business should have a disaster recovery plan that includes at a minimum offsite back up of important files. To keep your business running after a disaster consider Cloud Imaging. Benefits include access to data within 2 hours, recovery of entire server or individual files and your data is fully encrypted. We offer this service to our clients, contact us today to learn more. Let us start by offering your business a free Business Technology Assessment to review your current data back up systems and make suggestions to safeguard your small business against data loss.
Web Services
I find that too often web hosting companies take advantage of clients. I find better and cheaper solutions about 99% of the time for our Managed Service Clients. I feel like it’s an area that web hosting providers and clients alike are to blame. I sometimes find clients paying for bundles of web hosting, web edits, pop email, etc. This in and of itself isn’t an huge issue, but the price they are paying is often exorbitantly high and the service / product they are receiving is unsecure. The technology and platforms that the hosting provider has in place are also often outdated. Dated technology and insecurity go hand and hand.
Will Your Password Survive an Attack?
As small businesses ramp up their efforts to stop cyber terrorists the most basic of security policies are often the most crucial. With the focus being on strengthening security and keeping virus software up to date user passwords are often overlooked. A weak password can be a hacker’s best friend and an easy entry point into your small business network. Ensure your employees are actively participating in securing your network by implementing a more complex password policy. Did you know that “password” is still the # 1 password used by computer users? According to George Shaffer, a password expert, a password that is eight characters in length and utilizes lower- and upper-case letters, numbers, and keyboard characters won’t be cracked for two years.
A great article by Microsoft Business talks about how to create a secure password that you can remember.
A good password is one that is easy to remember but difficult to guess. That sounds like a paradox, but it’s really not. There are a couple of different ways to create difficult-to-crack passwords. One is substituting letters with characters and numbers. To make it easier on yourself, try to use numbers and characters that resemble the letters they are replacing. For example, you would never want to use the word “password” as your password. If you change it to p@7sw0rd!, you’ve got something that would take some time to crack but is fairly simple to remember.
Don’t forget to change your password often, it is recommended to require password changes every 30-90 days for businesses. Also remember that just having a complex password won’t stop hackers, you must keep that password secure and never give it out. To learn more about implementing stricter security policies for your small business contact us today for a free Business Technology Assessment.
Strengthen Your Internet Security
Security threats are continually evolving – as threats change, and new threats appear. The continuously increasing level of security threats makes it imperative for small businesses to increase their level of security knowledge and investment.
Fortunately, there are also a variety of ways to protect your business from Internet security threats. Investing in reliable security solutions combined with actual knowledge provides small business owners with a well-rounded approach to protecting their businesses and managing cyber risk.
Developing a security policy that can easily be updated and enforced is important. It is also vital to focus on network security prevention such as educating staff on safe web usage, choosing secure passwords, empowering your staff with the best practices and guidelines, keeping PC and network security up to date, and limiting exposure through content filtering.
Security is not an option for businesses, but a necessity. Information security is not a one-time project. It is an ongoing process that requires continual monitoring and updating. Let us show you how to strengthen your internet security and make your small business more secure.
Our free Business Technology Assessment can identify weak areas in your business network and our staff can help you create a security policy that ensures your data will remain safe.
Social Networking and Small Business Security
Online technology, particularly social media, creates a myriad of challenges and problems for businesses. In small business marketing, promotion through social marketing, such as Facebook, Twitter and Google+ is becoming a huge trend. Online businesses realize the affordability and ease of use of these channels and are using them as promotional tools.
Unfortunately social networking, as well as other emerging technology such as smartphones and tablets, provides avenues of potential threats and attack. Social networking platforms provide cyber criminals with the ability to reach targets where smart phones and other devices play a large role.See our article on mobile malware to learn more about these threats.
Businesses with employees who access corporate data using their smartphones and tablets need to implement security policies for these devices to avoid making them prone to social engineering attacks. Ensuring the security of business networks while utilizing the benefits of social networks and mobile technology is a regular challenge for business owners.
An article by smallbiztechnology.com highlights the issues small businesses are facing in the social media world.
According to I.T. workers, the biggest threat is from end users downloading apps associated with sites like Facebook. Many of these users do not realize these apps actually download software to their individual work PCs, along with associated spyware and viruses. In fact, I.T. professionals have logged countless hours cleaning up the damage caused by these supposed ‘harmless’ apps.
Our free Business Technology Assessment could be just what you need to ensure the security of your small business network. Contact us today for more information.
Avoiding Mobile Malware: Tips for Small Businesses
Mobile malware is an increasing threat for small businesses and can have a substantial impact on finances and operations. To understand mobile malware we encourage you to read last week’s blog post on the topic. The good news is there are some easy steps that will reduce your business’s exposure to mobile malware. Here is a brief look at things business managers can do:
- Review monthly mobile phone statements diligently, look for unauthorized subscription and usage fees
- Invest in mobile security software
- Partner with an IT support provider that can monitor and protect your mobile devices
- Disable Wi-Fi auto connect
- Pay attention to device performance when accessing sensitive sites
- Enable the 4-digit security pin on your mobile devices
- Immediately report any lost or stolen devices
- Report any suspicious activity to your mobile provider immediately
For more details on the tips above we recently wrote an article on this topic called “Android, a Big Bull’s Eye for Mobile Malware.” If you have Android devices in your business, this is one article you’ll want to read. Remember to practice mobile security to reduce business exposure to mobile malware.
To learn about how outsourcing IT security can be cost effective and more secure for small businesses contact us today for more information about our FrontLine Support Plans.
Understanding Mobile Malware
Last month we warned Android device users to beware of malware attacks, this month we will help you understand what mobile malware is. Mobile malware can take on many forms so it is important for small businesses to understand what impact they can have on operations and costs.
Very similar to traditional PC virus and spyware infections the goal for the attacker is to gain access. In this case to a smartphone device in order to either collect data for later use or to gain control of the device. Either of these could result in exposure of sensitive business data.
Typical mobile malware attacks affecting Android systems include HippoSMS, PJApp, NickiSpy and DroidDeluxe. These attacks can range from collecting sensitive information to signing victims up for premium SMS paid subscription services. These attacks can even be concealed from the victim until they get an unusually large bill at the end of the month!
For businesses the risk runs even higher when attackers can access proprietary company information stored in email on an employee’s smartphone.
To learn more about how these android malware attacks work review our article “Android, a Big Bull’s Eye for Mobile Malware.” Also check back next week for a post on how business managers can reduce their risk of being victims of andriod malware attacks.
For more information about how to secure your sensitive business data, contact us and ask about our free Business Technology Assessment.
Easy Ways A Small Business Can Protect Itself From A Cyberattack
Just read a great blog post by Dr. Eric Cole, covering a few easy ways a small business can protect itself from a cyberattack.
Here’s a quick recap of some easy prevention measures any small business can do.
Have an Internet Policy in Place
Establish and enforce security guidelines for your staff. Passwords, internet downloads, and how to identify phishing scams should all be covered.
Update Your Anti-Virus Software and Definitions
Do a quick check to insure you’re not only using the latest AV definitions, but the best and most up-to-date AV software you can afford.
Make Sure Your Wireless LAN is Secure
This is very important and relatively easy to do. Limiting access by having strong encryption, password policies, and a virtual private network can go along way to keeping your data safe.
Android Device Users: Beware of Malware
According to a recent report by McAfee Labs, Android smartphone users are now the sole target of mobile malware writers. While there are still many threats for every smartphone type, all new development activity for the 3rd Quarter was squarely focused on the Android platform.
Don’t take this to mean that you should dump all your Android phones and go buy Blackberries. Just keep in mind that the explosive growth of devices running Android makes it an extremely attractive target.
We recently wrote an article on this topic called “Android, a Big Bull’s Eye for Mobile Malware.” If you have Android devices in your business, this is one article you’ll want to read.
