Security is both the focus and growing concern of many businesses. 
Implementing a business network security policy is critical. Some forward planning is required to address issues such as:
- How long should a password be?
- How often should they be changed?
- What is your procedure when someone leaves your organisation?
The most common password is … password! Encourage your people to choose something memorable but not obscure. A mix of six to ten letters and numbers is normally adequate for most people.
Data Security considerations :
What security should you be setting on your documents?
Who will be able to access different types of documents?
Confidential information demands the highest level of protection.
Similarly with accounting and business finance information. Also, everything should be backed up regularly and stored safely, off-site.
Network Firewalls to maximize protection
With the always-on connections being used widely today, you must protect your business from external threats.
A firewall is the name of the function given to a device that protects your internal network from outside intrusions.
Adding Server Protection
There is a range of sophisticated server technologies that can help you to implement tight control policies.
Adding a server to your network definitely brings many advantages to your business, but it also introduces other challenges that you will need to consider fully. You have now centralized all of your business information and most of your activity on the server, making it the most important device in your business. Now you need to secure it.
Many small businesses are the target of thieves. All theft is devastating, but the server needs even more protection than your desktops and laptops because it contains practically the whole of your business.Sometimes, simply having a stronger door and an extra lock could be just the thing that saves your business, ensuring that you can operate again, immediately, no matter what has been stolen. Without it, your business could be finished.
Strict Data Backup Policy
The importance of regular backups cannot be over-emphasised. You should make sure that there is a strict backup process in place that includes having backup tapes stored in a different physical location in case of fire or theft. Should anything unforeseen happen, you will need these tapes to restart your business and get everything back to normal.
Typically, backing-up is done overnight so that it doesn’t intrude on the network, or interfere with the day’s business. But what happens if the server’s storage device has a failure at 4.00pm? You will have the previous day’s backup, but you may have just lost the whole of today’s work.
What impact will that have on your business? If this is likely to be a major issue, you need to consider redundancy on your server. Talk to your IT provider about this.
Anti Virus Real time Protection
With the growing number of viruses out there today (over 60,000 and rising), all systems need to be protected with a quality anti-virus program. It’s a program that needs to be updated regularly. A server can facilitate the installation and updating of anti-virus software and there are anti-virus modules available that can be plugged straight into your email system ensuring that incoming and outgoing emails are scanned for viruses. These are automatically detected and removed for you.
Data Encryption in case of theft
Stolen laptops are an increasingly common occurrence these days. If a laptop is stolen from your business, you need to ensure that the data and information it contains cannot be retrieved without the appropriate password. Today’s formidable encryption technology can help you to prevent critical and confidential business data falling into the hands of unauthorised people.
The Techstore Team