30 May 2005
Protect your company from Internet dangers
Steve Havert, owner of technology-services firm Expetec of south Orange County, offers these five tips to ...
1Have a firewall. A firewall is simply a device that prevents hackers from gaining access to your company network. For small companies, use a broadband router, like those made by Netgear, Linksys or D-Link, that has a firewall built in.
2Use an anti-virus program and keep it current. Any of the popular brands will work (e.g. Norton, McAfee, etc.). Renew your subscription every year or upgrade to the latest version. Make sure that your computers are automatically getting the latest virus definitions.
3Get Microsoft Windows and Office updates. Microsoft has introduced significant security improvements in Service Pack 2 for Windows XP that can be updated for free. Older versions of Windows are more susceptible to spyware and Internet worms. Consider upgrading PCs to Windows XP.
4Use anti-spyware and anti-spam programs. Microsoft offers a free anti-spyware program for Windows 2000 and XP. Many Internet service providers (e.g., Cox Communications, AOL, etc.) offer complimentary anti-spam services. If your provider doesn't, there are spam filter programs that work with Outlook and Outlook Express.
5Secure your network. A firewall won't protect you if a hacker can figure out the password. Make sure your computer technician has changed the default password on your router. If you have a wireless network, make sure it is using WEP or WPA encryption to prevent unauthorized access.
1Have a firewall. A firewall is simply a device that prevents hackers from gaining access to your company network. For small companies, use a broadband router, like those made by Netgear, Linksys or D-Link, that has a firewall built in.
2Use an anti-virus program and keep it current. Any of the popular brands will work (e.g. Norton, McAfee, etc.). Renew your subscription every year or upgrade to the latest version. Make sure that your computers are automatically getting the latest virus definitions.
3Get Microsoft Windows and Office updates. Microsoft has introduced significant security improvements in Service Pack 2 for Windows XP that can be updated for free. Older versions of Windows are more susceptible to spyware and Internet worms. Consider upgrading PCs to Windows XP.
4Use anti-spyware and anti-spam programs. Microsoft offers a free anti-spyware program for Windows 2000 and XP. Many Internet service providers (e.g., Cox Communications, AOL, etc.) offer complimentary anti-spam services. If your provider doesn't, there are spam filter programs that work with Outlook and Outlook Express.
5Secure your network. A firewall won't protect you if a hacker can figure out the password. Make sure your computer technician has changed the default password on your router. If you have a wireless network, make sure it is using WEP or WPA encryption to prevent unauthorized access.
# posted by vdodon @ 03:08 
