Computer Security Threats and Solutions

As a business manager, you are aware of security issues. Your information system is likely to be threatened by various attacks, damaging the integrity of your data and that of your customers. Perhaps you feel overwhelmed by the scope and number of actions to be implemented or are you actively preparing for a next security audit? Shashwat solutions provides eight tips to strengthen IT security for low-cost businesses.

Physically protect your infrastructure

The physical security of your computer hardware (hardware) has a double challenge. This is both to perpetuate expensive equipment, which can be damaged in the event of a disaster or local or remote attack, and to protect the content of your PCs, servers and other storage equipment. The physical security of your information system requires the use of leak or fire detectors. Moving sensitive equipment (racks and servers) to dedicated and locked rooms to restrict access only to authorized persons is also recommended.

Protect internet access

IT security for businesses begins with protection from the outside. Your connection to the Internet must always be secure, especially if you have generalized the use of WiFi to make life easier for your employees. The web is a gateway for hackers and malware. Use a WPA or WPA2 key, which are reliable security protocols. If your employees use your company’s connection to surf the web with their own equipment (smartphones), their devices must have a sufficient level of security. If necessary, you can prohibit the use of external and unrecognized devices, as a precaution.

Protect the computer network

Many threats can affect the integrity of your networks: viruses, malware, ransomware, hackers, etc. Fortunately, different security solutions help companies protect themselves properly. A firewall must be installed and work on all workstations, including nomads, as well as a powerful antivirus, adapted to the professional environment. Care should be taken to install updates for this software frequently to keep them effective.

Back up your computer data

IT security for businesses also takes into account the restoration of data in the event of a disaster or attack. Protecting your data is a necessity: it is both your basis of work and the history of your business. Set up automatic backups and a recovery system to limit the harmful effects of data loss or theft. Your employees will be able to save the most essential files on external hard drives, which will be kept in specific spaces. Business recovery plans and business continuity plans should be studied closely.

If the servers are physically installed on your premises, a backup server capable of taking over in the event of a malfunction must be installed. Companies that use cloud computing must always check the level of security and redundancy offered by their provider.

Encrypt data

Encryption or encryption of data consists of making it unreadable to users who do not have access to it. Encryption is essential in the event of theft, corruption or identity theft. It must be associated with complex passwords for increased security.

Filter emails

The use of an anti-spam filter makes it possible to guard against social engineering, a practice which consists in imitating a trusted contact to recover information and resources from the company. To strengthen the built-in anti-spam of your email software, you can use dedicated filters like Symantec Messaging Gateway or Symantec Microsoft Exchange Online Protection.

Educate users

You must evangelize all of your employees to raise their awareness of IT security issues. An informed user is worth two. In the event of a malfunction, suspicious email or compromise of the workstation, each member of your team must know how to act and how to avoid risky practices (use of personal passwords, absence of locks on workstations, involuntary distribution company files).

Anticipate incidents and minimize their impact

The best way to avoid incidents is to set up and stick to an IT security policy. Since it is impossible to reach risk 0, you must anticipate security breaches, both in material and human terms. The implementation of a Resumption of Activity Plan (PRA) makes it possible in particular to minimize the financial or operational damage after an attack.

IT security for companies: conclusion

Securing your information system is within the reach of any manager, at least to avoid the most classic pitfalls. Many companies have not yet implemented basic measures such as the installation of antivirus software or the backup of its data.