Hackers Charging Everywhere

Computer security is often overlooked by computer users, but it should be the most important consideration for your business. Your financial records, customer data and other confidential information are stored in your computer network; imagine if you could not access it — or, perhaps worse, if a hacker could. In these days of increasing virus attacks, phishing and digital terrorism, securing your computer is more important than ever.

Help Windows Help You
While all operating systems can be the target of attacks, Microsoft products are especially vulnerable. Microsoft provides various updates to Microsoft Windows 2000 and XP that can fix bugs and make the latest security available for automatic installation. You have several ways to implement these updates:
All recent Microsoft operating systems have the Automatic Updates application, which automatically downloads (via your Internet connection) and installs Windows updates. To set Automatic Updates, or to change the various options (such as how often it checks for updates), go to Control Panel, then select System.  
Another method is to regularly visit Microsoft’s Windows Update website (http://www.windowsupdate.com). Windows Update will automatically search your computer and provide you with a list of necessary updates for easy download. Some will be categorized as critical, which Microsoft feels are very important for your computer’s security, and others will be less important. (If you are using the Windows 2003 server, you can still go to windowsupdate.com).

Anti-Virus protection
New viruses spread through the Internet every day and could shut down your computer (and your business) within minutes. Ensure that each of your computers has an anti-virus program running. Vendors periodically release updates to ensure that their programs can detect the latest viruses. All anti-virus programs can automatically download protections against new viruses; you should update your anti-virus program at least once per week. If you have a feature to enable automatic updates, then set the frequency to once per day. Anti-virus vendors include Symantec, McAfee and Trend Micro.

Firewall
A firewall is another critical component to your security; it will monitor your online activity and ensure that only data you authorize goes into and out of your network. Every computer should have a firewall installed. A personal firewall is an easily installed software program that will alert you to, and let you block, the unauthorized downloading or uploading of data. Although Microsoft is inserting basic firewall protection in Windows, it is best to purchase a third-party product, which offers much better and robust protection than the limited firewall protection in Windows.
Companies such as ZoneLabs, McAfee, Symantec and Internet Security Systems Software make personal firewalls.A firewall appliance, which is not software but hardware, should be installed on the perimeter of your network to ensure maximum security. Although software firewalls work well, firewall appliances offer better security as they do not rely on your computer’s operating system and are thus more secure and stable than personal firewalls. Firewall appliance vendors include Symantec, CheckPoint and WatchGuard.If you are accessing the Internet via a dial-up modem connection, a personal firewall will be sufficient for you. But if you are using a broadband Internet connection that is always on, a firewall appliance is critical. Attacks on your network occur 24/7, and it is vital that your computer(s) be as secure as possible. Most personal firewalls can be installed by a computer novice; however, if you have a firewall appliance it is best to let a security expert install it for you to ensure that the correct parameters are set up.

Virtual Private Network
A virtual private network, or VPN, is the best solution for employees that need remote access to your network. A VPN saves you telecommunication costs by using the public Internet to connect your office to remote employees and encrypting the communication from end to end. Many hardware firewalls have built-in VPNs. VPN vendors include SonicWall, OpenReach, Microsoft (free and built into the Windows 2000 server) and Multi-Tech Systems.

Spyware, Adware

Cousins to viruses, spyware and adware are malicious computer programs
that often masquerade as useful tools such as a clock or weather indicator. Spyware logs the activities of your computer (passwords you type, websites you visit, etc.) and sends that information to whoever is collecting it, where your company and personal data can be exposed.

Adware, which is not as malicious as spyware but annoying nonetheless, displays advertisements (often for casinos or pornography) on your computer screen, changes your Internet bookmark settings or your default website and can make other changes to your computer system. Adware reduces efficiency and can slow down your computer system. There are several programs that try their best to stop and detect spy/adware, but these tools are not perfect. The best way to protect yourself is not to download programs you are not sure of. Although I’m a huge proponent of freeware and shareware, be careful what “free” tools you download. A handy business calculator might turn out to be a rogue spyware program that steals your data, and the cost could be VERY high. PC World lists Lavasoft’s Ad-aware and Spybot Search & Destroy as two of the best on the market.