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Improving Security of Your Business Data

Your most valuable asset may be the information digitally stored on your business computer system. Customer lists, pricing information, credit card data, trade secrets, formulas, and other confidential information.

Perhaps you store confidential client information.

Imagine if that information was stolen? Now think about whether you are taking adequate measures to prevent this theft.

Kurt Marko writing for Proccesor.Com offers this advice. Tips For Improving Users’ Security Awareness

Do You Need Managed Services?

First let me explain what "Managed Services" are.

Managed Services are a new way of maintaining computer systems for small and large businesses. These services delivered via the Web by Managed Service Providers (MSPs) include remote monitoring of your system 24/7/365 and proactive maintenance and troubleshooting.

This approach to system maintenance is proving to be a great benefit to companies by significantly reducing down-time and maintenance costs as well as improving system security and overall performance. 

New Year Virus Alert - Storm Worm

Most business have taken necessary steps to protect their systems from computer viruses. Here is one that can be particularly difficult and worth watching out for. It is hitting around now.

The Channel Wire December 27, 2007
Storm Worm Entices With New Year's Spam

By Stefanie Hoffman

The Storm Worm loves the holidays. Security researchers have found that the Storm virus is ringing in the New Year with a fresh wave of attacks. This time, the notorious botnet is recruiting new members with a greeting spam. Subject lines include: "A fresh New Year" "As the New Year..." "As you embrace another New Year" "Blasting New Year" "Happy 2008" "It's the new year" "Joyous new year" "New Hope and New Beginnings" "New Year Ecard" "New Year Postcard" "Opportunities for the New Year" "Happy New Year to You" "Happy New Year to (email address)" "Lots of greetings on the New Year" "New Year Wishes for You."

See more here CRN Blog  or here Symantec Security.

The e-mails then attempt to direct users to a malicious Web site called uhavepostcard.com. A blog post by anti-virus firm F-secure warns that while the site remains free of exploits (for now), the spam will likely be a precurser to a New Year's Eve-themed Storm attack.

Not Worried About Security, You Are In The Minority

AT&T has announced that although the majority of small businesses secure their computer systems, one-fourth (24 percent) are unconcerned about computer and online data security, and one in 10 (10 percent) has taken no action to secure their data, according to a survey conducted by AT&T Inc.

Computer Security and the Dangers of the Internet Age

Ok, I apologize. This is might not be the most "interesting" article. It is right up their with "exciting" events, like buying insurance, putting a burglar alarm in your house, learning simple self defense, stuff we would really rather not do, but important nevertheless.

Before you click to another article, let me spice it up and pique your interest with some startling true life headlines.

• U.S. Internet Fraud At All-Time High
• Cyber Thieves Silently Copy Your Passwords As You Type
• Unprotected Wireless Users Are At Risk Of Piracy
• Cloak And Dagger Tactics Hit The Office
• The Rise Of The Digital Thugs
• Internet Attack Called Broad And Long Lasting By Investigators

All real US Media Headlines!

Data Protection and Security

You receive an e-mail from your bank informing you that there has been a glitch in the Banks internal system causing your Personal Identification Number (PIN) to be wiped out. In order to correct the problem you are asked to click on a link that will allow you to set a new PIN. Everything seems to be in order and the link takes you to a page that resembles your normal bank website. You enter a new PIN and go back to checking your e-mail, assuming that you have just done a good thing. What you may not know is that you have just been a victim of “Phishing” fraud.