Security

There are some key principles to consider to keep your computer or network secure.

They are as follows:

• Install and Use Anti-Virus Programs
• Keep Your System Patched
• Use Care When Reading Email with Attachments
• Install and Use a Firewall Program
• Make Backups of Important Files and Folders
• Use Strong Passwords
• Use Care When Downloading and Installing Programs
• Install and Use a Hardware Firewall
• Install and Use a File Encryption Program and Access Controls

It should be remembered that threats to your computer may not just be those posed online. If your computer were to be stolen, or accessed in your absence, how hard would it be for the perpetrator to access confidential information? Does your computer even have a password to log on?

Do you have a wireless network? Does it have an encryption of some sort or a network key? So many wireless networks are set up and left open for anyone to 'walk right into your network and take a look around!' What you might not realise is that by leaving your network unsecured, you're leaving your network open to two threats.

Firstly, anyone can connect to your network and use your internet connection whenever they please, using up your bandwidth and hence slowing the internet speed for you and the remaining users on your network.

Secondly, and far more threatening, they can potentially see every single computer on your network and any folders those computers might be sharing. Furthermore, if the security of the folders on the computers on the network is not set correctly, that intruder can then delete files and folders at will.

Security measures exist to protect you, your computer, and your network from intrusion. Should you wish to discuss the security of your computer or network with us, please contact us.