Computer Lifeline » Computer Security http://www.computerlifeline.com Just another WordPress weblog Fri, 01 Jul 2011 12:01:54 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 Keep Your Business Network Secure http://www.computerlifeline.com/network-security http://www.computerlifeline.com/network-security#comments Fri, 12 Mar 2010 03:54:47 +0000 admin http://www.computerlifeline.com/?p=182 Computer Network Security]]> Network security is a critical concern for Minneapolis St. Paul small business owners. Since most small businesses don’t have an internal IT department, though, network security is often ignored or managed poorly. That’s a mistake. Network security is an issue every small business needs to take seriously. Only expert security management is adequate if you are to avoid the many security risks that can destroy your business. Here are some of the security issues you need to consider:

  • Customer Data Security – Identity theft is a growth industry today. Teams of dedicated thieves and hackers, working internationally, are constantly looking for vulnerable customer data on all computer systems. You’ve read about data thefts from large corporations, but all businesses, including your Minneapolis St. Paul small business, are at risk. Compromised customer data can lead to crippling lawsuits.
  • Business Data Security – Could your Twin Cities small business survive the theft or destruction of your financial or other data? Business identities can be stolen or compromised, just like individual identities. What if a competitor accessed your client list or current leads? You need to protect this data.
  • Viruses, Spyware, and Other Threats – These crippling intruders can destroy your productivity, steal your data, or even infect your customers’ computer systems. Without powerful anti-virus protection, updated frequently, your system is always at risk.
  • Website Security – How about your website? Is it secure from hackers? Do you host outside advertisers on your website? You probably read recently about a Twin Cities newspaper recently that inadvertently exposed its visitors to harmful software via its website.
  • Laptop and Notebook Security – These powerful, portable computers are extremely vulnerable to theft. A momentary lapse of attention and they’re gone. What data is on the laptops your field staff uses? How secure is that data? You need to assess the risks.
  • Password Security – What does it take to log into your network? How strong is your password security? Who can log in as a system administrator? You need a bulletproof system to manage access to your network. You need an expert to help you design that system.
  • Threats from Outside – If your system is connected to the outside world, and what small business system today isn’t, it’s vulnerable to access by hackers and other outsiders. Once they get into your system, they can steal data, or install malicious software. Only powerful firewalls and other tools, properly configured, can prevent these threats.
  • Threats from Inside – In today’s economy, your staff is probably changing more often that it once did. Could a disgruntled employee or recently discharged employee steal valuable business data or destroy data on your system. It has happened more frequently than you know. With today’s high capacity USB storage devices, an entire database can be copied onto a tiny memory stick.
  • Threats from Disaster – While not usually considered to be directly associated with security, a fire or other disaster could cause the destruction of your system. While your business insurance will pay for the hardware, what about your data? Data security also means safe backup procedures, including off-site storage of data.

Computer Lifeline – Computer Security Expert Minneapolis St. Paul, MN

At Computer Lifeline, we take Minneapolis St. Paul computer security very seriously. We have an expertly trained and experienced staff of technicians who can design, install, and configure a powerful security solution for your small business. Contact us today for a security consultation. We can identify risks to your computer network and create solutions to protect you from those risks. In today’s dangerous environment, second best won’t do when it comes to network security. Computer Lifeline is the best choice for your Twin Cities network security needs.

]]> http://www.computerlifeline.com/network-security/feed 0 How to Protect Your Computer from Spyware http://www.computerlifeline.com/spyware-protection http://www.computerlifeline.com/spyware-protection#comments Sun, 23 Aug 2009 17:46:11 +0000 admin http://www.computerlifeline.com/42 Antispyware Guide]]> Spyware is software that collects your personal information without your knowledge or permission. The information that spyware collect ranges from all the web sites you have visited to sensitive information including your usernames and passwords, credit card numbers, bank accounts and social security number. Such information is sent to the thieves who have created the spyware. Spyware are a dangerous threat to all computer users. There are many web sites that are infected with spyware. Visiting an infected web site can let spyware sneak into your computer.

Most spyware can slow your computer to a halt. If you notice your computer becomes extremely slow all of sudden, there is a good chance that it is infected by spyware. Some spyware force computer users to go to bad web sites. If you can’t seem to go to popular web sites like Google or Yahoo, the culprit may be the spyware secretly installed on your computer.

Spyware has surpassed computer virus as the top threat to computer users. Because of the widespread of spyware, some computer users have become victims of identity theft as a result.

Common Symptoms of Spyware Infection

  • Computer performance is very slow or unresponsive.
  • You will get constant bombardment of pop-up ads
  • Your home page is changed to unknown website.
  • You can’t go to popular web sites like Yahoo and Google.

Common Sources of Spyware

  • File sharing and music sharing services like KaZaa.
  • Free software from the internet, such as screen savers.
  • Pop-up ad and free online offerings
  • Web sites that have been infected by spyware.

Free Anti-Spyware Software for Spyware Removal

How to Protect Your Computer Against Spyware

Spyware are getting smarter everyday. There are many anti-spyware programs, however, no single anti-spyware can remove all known spyware. Sometimes it is necessary to install and run more than one anti-spyware programs to completely remove all spyware. It is important to run anti-spyware programs on a regular basis.

To achieve maximum protection, we highly recommend installing a firewall program that blocks any attempt by spyware to send stolen information out of your computer. You can download the free edition of ZoneAlarm from www.ZoneLabs.com.

]]> http://www.computerlifeline.com/spyware-protection/feed 0 How to Protect Your Computer from Virus http://www.computerlifeline.com/computer-virus http://www.computerlifeline.com/computer-virus#comments Sun, 23 Aug 2009 17:42:35 +0000 admin http://www.computerlifeline.com/how-to-protect-your-computer-from-virus Anti-Virus Guide]]> A computer virus is a program that makes copies of itself and infects diskettes or files. Computer viruses can spread to other computers and files whenever infected files are exchanged. Often infected files come as email attachments. The email senders may have no idea that they are passing on a file with a virus in it. Some computer viruses can erase or change the information stored on your computer, while other viruses may do little or no harm to your system. Contrary to some misperceptions, a computer virus does not cause physical damages to your computer hardware.

Common Sources of Computer Virus

  • Email attachments from internet spammers.
  • Free software downloaded from the internet.
  • Infected files from file and music sharing services like KaZaa
  • Web pages infected with computer viruses.

How to Avoid Computer Viruses?

  • Run an anti-virus software and keep it up-to-date.
  • Update Windows security patches on a regular basis.
  • Do not install unfamiliar programs from the internet.
  • Do not open suspicious emails or attachments.

Free Software for Virus Removal

Protection Your Computer Against Viruses

A computer virus can cause loss of files, make computer malfunction or even cripple a computer completely. To minimize your risk, it is important back up important files, such as word documents, music files, digital photos and email messages regularly.

To achieve maximum protection, we highly recommend installing a firewall program that can effectively detect and block viruses from invading into your computer or spreading to other computers. You can download the free edition of ZoneAlarm from www.ZoneLabs.com.

]]> http://www.computerlifeline.com/computer-virus/feed 0 How to Secure Your Computer & Network http://www.computerlifeline.com/secure-computer-network http://www.computerlifeline.com/secure-computer-network#comments Sun, 23 Aug 2009 16:59:35 +0000 admin http://www.computerlifeline.com/how-to-secure-your-computer-network Network Security Guide]]> Setting up a home or business network has become fairly easy and inexpensive. For most home users, a wireless network is the best choice since no wiring through walls and floors is needed. For a business office, having an integrated network with both wired and wireless connections serves a wider range of needs. With a network, you can:

  • Share DSL or cable internet connection within one home or office location.
  • Print to one printer from multiple computers.
  • Copy computer data from one computer to another through the network.
  • Back up data on multiple computers on the network.

Secure Your Computers & Network

  • Install latest Windows service packs and security patches.
  • Install a firewall program to block intrusion by hackers and malicious software.
  • Run anti-virus and anti-spyware programs regularly.
  • Turn on wireless router encryption to block intruders to your network.
  • Use strong passwords for computer and internet accounts.

Run Your Network Safely

Many network users are concerned about hacker’s attack from the internet. In fact, most routers have a built-in firewall that can prevent such attacks. The biggest risk to network security is the presence of spyware and virus on networked computers. Spyware and virus programs can steal confidential information from inside the network. In addition, they can open up a door and let in intruders outside your network. It is crucial to keep networked computers free of spyware and computer virus.

Online Security Risk – Phishing Scam

Phishing is one of the most lucrative internet crimes and it is growing rapidly. Phishing is a type of deception designed to steal your valuable personal data, such as credit card numbers and banking account data. Criminals send millions of fraudulent e-mail messages that appear to come from your bank or credit card company, and request that you provide personal information. These emails try to direct you to websites that look authentic. But these websites are NOT the real website by your bank or credit card company. The thieves who set up these websites intend to capture your login name and password and use it to steal your money.

You and your family should be on guard for phishing scams:

  • Don’t trust any unsolicited emails from any financial company.
  • Don’t click on the links inside emails, instead, type your bank’s web address.
  • Look for padlock icon at the bottom of your web browser for a secured website.
  • Use anti-phishing tools for more protection.
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