Protecting Your Business Data – a five part series to help you stay in business

Part 1 – General computer security
Part 2 – Passwords
Part 3 – Virus and spy-ware protection
Part 4 – Hardware
Part 5 – What’s your backup plan?

There are two kinds of computer users in this world. The first is the user that has never encountered a problem with his or her computer data. The second is the user that has encountered a problem, or more likely, many problems. The former will join the ranks of the latter at some point, but you can minimize your risk of this happening by following some basic guidelines to protect your computer and data, so you stand a better chance of staying out of the latter category.

We’ve all heard in the news about computer users having sensitive information stolen, lost or compromised. Every time I hear about another episode, I can only shake my head and wonder why. Granted, there is a very aggressive underworld out there that lives to steal, corrupt and profit off of users’ lack of proactive computer and data protection. These people don’t care who you are, how big or small your organization, nor do they care if your computers are rendered inoperable after they’ve gotten what they want. Fortunately, there are ways to combat them, and this five part series will give you some tips on how to do just that. So let’s get started with some basics – your computer and its software.

Operating systems and computer applications

Your operating system (OS), whether it be Microsoft Windows, UNIX, Linux or Mac, is your computer’s most vital organ.  Without a healthy OS, your computer will not work.  Most PC users discover that their OS is unhealthy after the fact.

There are several things you can do to keep your OS healthy:
1.     Stay up to date on security patches – these are typically free from the company that makes the OS.
2.     Stay current with OS updates – these include service packs, patch bundles and kernel updates.
3.     Stay current with recommended updates from your computer manufacturer.
4.     Stay current with the recommended updates from the makers of any software you run on your computer.

Next time: Passwords