Computer Security >> Keep Your Business Network Secure
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.