subject: Best Way To Protect Your Computer Network [print this page] A compromised or crashed computer network can be devastating, even if its temporary. Such an event can halt your business, and cause a loss in revenue and customer trust. It can take up to a day or more to get a network operating normally again if you dont have any computer networking solutions in place. Considering the loss of revenue that your operation can experience if the network is down, plus the costs to get you back online and get your hardware and software updated, you may not be able to afford to leave your network unprotected.
How to Protect Your Computer Network
Run daily spyware and malware scans on your computers. Whether you choose software thats free or not, the programs are only as good as their updates. If your network connects directly to the Internet, use a firewall that screens incoming and outgoing traffic.
Update regularly. Operating systems generally have their own types of security features. Keep your operating systems and preventative software up to date with the latest bug fixes and security patches.
Run network logging and security tests. Such tests look for vulnerabilities in your networks security so you can remedy them.
Backup regularly. With external hard drives increasing in space and decreasing in price, its simpler than ever to backup the contents of the computers in your network daily. Also available are virtual backup options, like cloud servers, which allow you to save data at a remote location.
Lock it up. Virtual data needs physical security. If you have a server in your office, keep it in a locked room and consider installing a security system. Despite all the preventative software that you may have on your computers, they wont help if theres a late-night break-in.
Change passwords regularly. It can be hard to remember your own phone number, let alone the latest passwords for your computer. One bad password, however, can compromise your whole network. Change the passwords for your computer and your online accounts regularly, and have other employees do the same. Immediately change the passwords when an employee leaves the company.
Stay away from anything that looks disreputable. If you received an unsolicited email with attachments, dont open them. If a popup suddenly prompts you to click here because you are infected with a virus, avoid clicking on anything and exit the screen. When an email states there is something wrong with one of your financial, business or personal accounts, dont click on any of the links within the email. Instead, log into the respective account from its official website (if you have an online account) or call customer service to verify the problem.
Consider using an outsourced networking service that offers IT support and proactive maintenance of your network. Such a service can offer round the clock support, host remote backups, monitor your network and provide the maintenance it needs. IT support service specialists help take care of the updates, upgrades and security features needed to prevent malicious attack and other problems so you can focus on running your business. If the unthinkable happens to your network, your IT support team can help you get back on your feet with as little downtime as possible.
Regardless of your line of work, IT continuity isnt merely an optionits a must-have. Create an emergency plan that outlines the preventative measure that your company should take to prevent the failure of its network, as well as a plan that lists what to do if the network is down. If youre not sure how to start with this plan, consult with a managed IT services provider.
