Business security
The biggest security threat to your company is you and your staff.That really needs underlining, because even the most sophisticated security equipment will not protect you as required if it is poorly used.
Ultimately, protecting your business is about using common sense and following very basic rules. Here are a few basic tips on how to help keep a proper level of security in your business:
If you write your passwords down, don't leave them lying around in your office where visitors can find them. Sounds common sense, but I've seen this happen.
Only provide password information to people who need to use them - and if someone needs to use a password protected feature temporarily, then change the password afterwards. After all, you cannot be certain how well third-parties will protect your important security details.
Have different levels of passwords for different operations. For example, have a different password for accessing your e-mail, and a different password for accessing your website. That way, if someone somehow finds out one of your passwords, they cannot access all of your business operations.
If you save login information to your PC, never use the words "password" or "login" in the file or the filename. That way, if a hacker should somehow access your computer, they cannot use a computer search tool using these keywords to find them.
Don't use desktop search applications, even by reputable vendors such as Google or Yahoo!, as they will not only help you find information quickly, but will also be invaluable to a hacker looking for sensitive information on your computer system. Instead, keep your files organised on your PC so you don't need to resort to a desktop search tool in the first place.
Ensure you install anti-virus, a firewall, anti-spyware and anti-adware - and keep them up to date. The best of these software types will keep checking the internet for updates.
Keep important documents in a safe place - use a fire-proof safe for the most important business and legal documents. For computer data, you should ensure you make regular hard-copy back-ups. You can make these backups to computer tape, DVD or CD media, or even just save everything to a USB stick at the end of the day.
Ensure you have off-site back-ups of all physical and electronic data essential to your business. In the event of catastrophic damage to your premises, you can at least restore basic business operations.
Restrict entry to your main area of operations to just employees and officials. Keep all guests and customers in a clearly separate area, to ensure that only designated personel have access to sensitive data.
Use CCTV cameras and other security systems to ensure that your business premises are under constant surveillance. This will serve as a strong deterrent against theft, vandalism, and break-in.
CONCLUSION: Keeping a security-conscious office is neither expense nor time-consuming.
About the Author
Brian Turner is an internationally recognised business consultant, helping small to medium business work most productively with the internet and information technology: http://www.britecorp.co.uk
He also helps provide security information with Pakatak: http://www.pakatak.co.uk/
and provides free help and advice for online business at the Platinax Business Forums: http://www.platinax.co.uk/forum/
Tell others about
this page:
Comments? Questions? Email Here