subject: Techdavs General Computer Services [print this page] There was a time when only large companies worried about network security breaches. However, in this brave new world where everyone from the home user to the large corporation relies on technology for functions that range from email to the storage of sensitive data, it seems no one is immune to the havoc that viruses, worms, spy ware and hackers can wreak.
So, what's a small business to do? How do you keep your company's network secure? Most small businesses do not have a specific IT budget set aside, much less a certain percentage allocated toward network security. Yet the failure to have a secure network can cost a company far more than it would have ever spent on security. While no one can guarantee complete protection from network security breaches, it is critical to be proactive and have contingency plans in place. One of the more popular approaches to putting the right network security functions in place is outsourcing this function to professionals. According to Jennifer Mears in an article that appeared in Network World, "the outsourced IT professionals help you save time, give you access to reports and audits, as well as expertise that may not be available in-house. Bringing in the experts may be just what you need to get a jumpstart on the security of your network."
As the owner of a small company, you have probably entertained the thought of outsourcing some aspect of your business. The benefits of outsourcing seem obvious, touted by experts across numerous industries as the answer to cutting costs for business functions ranging from information technology to accounting, marketing and human resources; it seems possible that you could run an entire company without ever hiring a single employee. But is there more to outsourcing than the bottom line? What are the other reasons companies choose this route? What about ramifications for aspects of your business that is not so easily quantified? In this article, we'll discuss the 3 R's of outsourcing: Reasons, Risks and Rewards, specifically as they relate to information technology (IT). And, as a bonus, we'll provide some tips to help you manage successful relationships with your IT service providers (whether they are full-time staff, or outsourced).
Online safety begins with you. Be sure you know what's happening on your PC. Although the Internet represents fantastic technological innovation, it can also harbor risk. With careful use and awareness, however, every family can take advantage of the benefits of online education and entertainment while minimizing their vulnerability. Check for file-sharing programs, which kids often use to download and share music. Unfortunately, this violates copyright law, and you could be liable for any illegal actions. Whets just as worrisome is that your information and data could be in a shared location, meaning others can access it through these programs. Review a history of websites visited an important precaution since websites of ill repute are a haven for pernicious and annoying intruders.
