It just stands to reason that if your business computer system is
going to fulfill your serious business needs, you need to maintain some
serious standards in both your hardware and your software.
As far
as your business computer system is concerned, let's call it keeping a
"clean machine." There are a number of things here for us to consider.
First:
Be sure and keep your security software current and up-to-date. You
would be amazed at how many people purchase serious assorted business
software (that includes, but is not limited to, anti-virus protection)
for their business computer system and then let them go out of date. You
will find that having the very latest security software, web browser,
and operating system is the absolute best way to defend against viruses,
assorted malware, and other online threats.
You spent good money
on these products, and you bought it precisely to accomplish certain
business needs and functions. Do you now have someone who has the
responsibility to keep track your products status? Software, as well as
hardware can go out of date and this must be watched as vitally
important. Some person needs to be responsible. Set a timetable and keep
to it.
Next would be the absolute importance of software updates.
Be sure that someone (like you, maybe) is responsible enough to keep
track of all of them. It would make no business sense to purchase
quality business software and then not keep up with the updates.
Here
be careful of one thing: Make sure these updates come from the software
company itself, not your local neighborhood Hacker. This is a common
way to break into a business computer system and that's another reason
that this needs to be supervised by a very responsible person. No
exceptions.
One possible thing you can do is to use the automatic
updates that some software companies offer. This way the updates will
come at the proper time, as designed in the software. If this is
available, use it but again make sure that is where it comes from.
You
might think that no one can do real damage even if they get into your
particular computer system. I hope you remember how hackers get into
systems like Target. They got into one of their contractors computers
and used that to get into Target's. Don't take chances here. Liability
is alive and well.
Something else so easy to miss for people who
are not used to computer security is to always, always, always, protect
all of your devices that connect to the internet. It's not just your
computer that is at risk. Along with your computer(s) you need to be
concerned with smart phones, gaming systems, and any other web-enabled
device. If they plug into your system, they also need your serious
protection from viruses and various malware. Also watch for employees
who use their own devices to get information from your system. They are
plugged into your business computer system, right? A common thing now.
One
more thing to keep in mind is to watch your plugs and scanners. Many
people don't know it but your USBs as well as other external devices can
be infected by viruses and other malware. (I know I use the term
"malware" a lot. It is simply a contraction of the words "malicious
software.") You can and should use your security software to scan them.
Don't know how?
Nothing shameful about not knowing something. The
sin is in staying that way when by learning something you can use that
knowledge to help protect your business and reputation. See and learn
from a competent software retailer, and I don't mean Walmart.
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