Category Archives: Anti-virus

How Data Security Goes Beyond your Anti-Virus Software

Anti-virus, Security, ,
20160128

While anti-virus software is a great way to protect your information, your data security plan should go deeper.

As businesses and individuals, we often install anti-virus software as a means to protect our data. We have digital files that are important and contain crucial information that we don’t want in the hands of anyone else and anti-virus software ensures malicious software won’t make its way onto our PC and into the hands of hackers. That is true for personal computers and business computers. At home we sometimes store passwords, tax records and other important data on our computer. At work we may have customer data that would create a major liability if shared with anyone else. Protecting this data is essential and anti-virus software creates a strong line of defense. However, data security goes well beyond your anti-virus software and here’s why.

Viruses are just one way to infiltrate data

Hackers probably consider viruses the best way to infiltrate data and that is because once installed, there is little you can do to keep them out of your files and other important data. However, viruses are just one way that hackers and criminals infiltrate data. While they may be effective and that is why you often hear of the importance of anti-virus software, they are not the only means of getting to your data and that is why it is important to protect yourself in a variety of other ways.

Use data encryption – it’s easy and quick

There are tons of data encryption tools that can be used to encrypt data on your hard drive. If you ask around, barely anyone, even businesses, use data encryption to the degree that they should. Data encryption is easy and quick thanks to the software out there that does it. Programs like TrueCrypt are designed to encrypt your hard drive, flash drives or even external storage devices. If someone were to get their hands on your computer or hard drive, they would not be able to view the files without knowing your encryption password. Essentially, data encryption ensures that everything a criminal could get their hands on would be useless.

Use strong passwords

There’s a reason websites require use of numbers, special characters and capital letters in your passwords and it’s not just to frustrate you by making you forget your passwords constantly. Strong passwords are hard to decode and programmers that make password decoders are very efficient at what they do. It literally takes just minutes to code a script that tests numerous words and phrases as your password. If a hacker has your username, they could probably crack a simple password in a matter of minutes provided that the website doesn’t have security in place for failed login attempts. Using strong passwords is your first line of defense.

Use 2-step authentication

Google has recently introduced a 2-step verification and authentication method that is extremely effective. It makes it so that your Google account can’t be hacked into without the hacker having possession of your smartphone. How? Google sends a 6 digit code that is generated every 30 seconds to your smartphone and uses that to authenticate your login attempt. There is no way to access the code unless the hacker had access to your mobile device. Essentially, even if someone obtained your password they would still be locked out of your account. More and more sites are starting to implement 2-step authentication and if you have important data on those sites, you should use it. Paypal does the same thing with their “Paypal Security Key” which is transmitted through text messages.

Secure your internet/network

Everyone knows why you secure your WiFi. You don’t want anyone using it. Most people would say because they don’t want someone else slowing down their internet or using the bandwidth they pay for. However, there’s also the risk that someone could infiltrate your network and access data. If your network is unsecured, they could access your router settings using your IP address and lock you out of your own router. Anything connected to your network would be within reach. Network security is extremely important and easy to do with the WPA2 and and WEP network security options that most routers use.

Backup your data

Data loss can be just as crippling as data ending up in the hands of the wrong person. Make sure you backup your data regularly. There are online services that provide data backup for low costs or you can regularly backup your hard drive to an external drive yourself.

Data security goes well beyond your anti-virus software and there’s a number of things you can do to protect your data. If you have any questions, please contact us.

Keeping it Clean: How to Keep Your Computer Virus Free

Anti-virus, Security, ,
With more and more security threats present on the web, it is important to follow the proper protocol to keep your computer clean and virus-free.

With more and more security threats present on the web, it is important to follow the proper protocol to keep your computer clean and virus-free.

As quickly as computer and network security technology advances, it always seems that the hackers are one step ahead. This is a very important field, because a company’s data can be extremely sensitive. What would happen if a list of your clients and their contact information was to end up in the hands of a competitor? What if your customer’s payment information found its way onto the black market? Obviously, this would be disastrous. Even if it’s something small, a virus can cause all sorts of issues and delays in your day-to-day operation. Here are a few tips for making sure that your company’s computers and network stay virus free.

Employee education

Employees are, surprisingly, one of the biggest holes in the security of your network. Because of this, one of the most important things you should do to make sure your data stays secure is to educate your employees on the subject. Make sure they understand the importance of strong passwords and know what one looks like. Talk to them about phishing and how e-mails that look legitimate can actually be hackers’ attempts to gain access to the system. Make sure they understand how important it is that no one else gains access to the system under their name. Whether you have classes or send memos, do whatever it takes to make sure your employees know how important it is to protect your company’s network, and what their part is in it.

Limit outside access

Many companies allow their employees to work from home. This can improve efficiency and flexibility, but usually requires that the employee has access to the company’s network from home, over the internet. Although this is not a bad idea, you should keep a close eye on who has access, and how strong your security is at that portal. Carelessly granting outside access to your system can allow people who were not intended to have access to gain it.

Anti-virus software

It may seem obvious to some, but it’s important enough to mention anyway. Anti-virus software should be your last line of defense against code that should not be on your network. Anti-virus programs can get a little annoying sometimes, but the truth is that the results of not having it are much worse. Keep in mind that, while free anti-virus software does exist, it is mostly intended for individual consumers and doesn’t do much more than the basics. If you’re running a business, it is more than worth the cost of software that will protect you and your network.

Routine audits

Every so often, perhaps every quarter or so, take another look at your network security. Consider how your employees are doing, and whether or not you feel like they’re protecting your company. Take stock of how many people have access to your network, and how safe that access is. Evaluate your anti-virus software, and decide whether or not it’s still meeting your needs. Look at all aspects of the security of your network, and make sure everything is up to your standards. It may even be a good idea to bring in a security consultant every once in a while to point out anything that you might be missing.

A major breach in your network’s security can cause major problems for the continuity of your business. In some cases, it can even lead to the business closing for good. A virus can be all that it takes for this to happen. Make sure you’re protected against this catastrophe. Not quit sure if your network is as secure as it should be? Contact us. We can answer any questions you have and make sure everything is in order.

Viruses: Like a Ninja Waiting to Take Down Your Business

Anti-virus, ,
Like a ninja, some programs rely on secretly infiltrating your computer, embedding themselves among some of the systems most crucial to your computer, and simply wait.

Like a ninja, some programs rely on secretly infiltrating your computer, embedding themselves among some of the systems most crucial to your computer, and simply wait.

If you’re familiar with your computer, you’ve got a pretty decent idea what programs you have on it. You probably have a word processor, an internet browser or two, some work specific programs, and a few other odds and ends. There could be one or two others on there that you don’t even know about, though, and those are the ones that can cause you major problems down the road.

Hiding in the Digital Shadows

Like a ninja, some programs rely on secretly infiltrating your computer, embedding themselves among some of the systems most crucial to your computer, and simply wait. Often, these programs will not give any sign they’re there, and by the time they do give a sign that they’re in your system, it’s often a losing battle trying to get them out.

They can do anything from corrupt files, to render your computer completely useless, and never do they do anything good. They can even be used to gather information about you or your company that can then be used by criminals. It’s a scary thought.

A Hero to Save the Day

Thankfully, there is a reliable solution: Anti-Virus software. This software works tirelessly to detect and kill those silent, secretive, and damaging virus programs. Most anti-virus programs rely on extensive teams of analysts and coding masters to ensure they identify and learn how to remove new and unique viruses as soon as they come into circulation.

In this internet age, they’re simply essential, and they aren’t something you want to skip out on when it comes to personal or professional computers.

One of our specialties is finding the best anti-virus software available and helping to get you protected. We offer a wide range of protection options, from the more familiar Norton and Windows Defender, to programs that make your computer like Fort Knox against viruses; tools like Webroot and Virpre.

All the Options, How do you Choose?

Figuring out which option would work best for you depends on what you use your computer for, what kind of storage and back-up options you use, as well as some personal preference. If your computer is used to store critical information on clients, for instance, choosing one of the more robust anti-virus systems is likely the best option.

If you use your computer primarily for email, keep secure back-ups of any documents you have, and don’t need tons of options for how your computer is checked, there are more affordable options that will provide you protection, without a significant investment.

If you simply aren’t sure how much protection you need, we’re here to consult with you. Our staff is well versed in getting to know your system, how it works, where your vulnerabilities are, and which program would best serve to protect your important data from those sneaky viruses.

Double Agent ‘Anti’-Virus

What we will caution against, however, is attempting to go it alone in your battle against viruses. While we’re certainly well aware of viruses, that’s a two-way street. Those evil doers that make viruses have spent countless hours preying on people looking for protection from them, going so far as to release ‘free’ anti-virus systems that are, themselves, riddled with viruses. While that isn’t the case for all ‘free’ options, those that aren’t full of viruses often provide sub-par protection, use outdated information on viruses, and often ask for money to remove viruses when they do find them.

We’re Here to Help

By teaming up with a quality team of software professionals like SystemsNet, you can be sure that you’re getting a tested and reliable anti-virus program that will help keep you and your data safe, with professionals on hand to help you understand how to make sure it’s working for you and keeping your computers online and working as intended.

To find out how we can help you protect your computers from ninja virus programs, contact us. We’re here to help.

3 Tips to Keep Viruses Away from Your Small Business Network

Anti-virus, Malware, Security, ,
Following a few basic principles and keeping up on the latest scams should generally keep you save from viruses.

Following a few basic principles and keeping up on the latest scams should generally keep you safe from viruses.

The problem with viruses is that the nature of the threat and the tactics of those who employ them change from year-to-year. Small business owners already have more on their plate than they can handle, so keeping up with the latest antivirus trends isn’t easy.

However, even if you’re not combing the Internet three hours a day to stay up-to-date on the latest virus tech news, if you follow a few basic principles, you can avoid many of the worst virus traps.

These three quick tips will help you adopt essential cybersecurity habits for your small business:

Tip #1: You Are Your Own Worst Enemy

Employees are typically the biggest threat to a business network. Most viruses gain entry because of an unwise action among your staff. Macros malware has had a come-back recently (see this Microsoft report, if you don’t believe me) because hackers now try to trick users into enabling macros.

Or employees open email attachments from unknown senders or click on links in emails that seem legitimate.

Most of it is common sense:

  1. Don’t enable macros unless your IT team is instructing you to do so.
  2. Never open attachments from a stranger. If someone you know sends you an attachment, but the email seems a little off — if you have even the slightest suspicion that maybe the person’s email was hacked — communicate with the person first and confirm it before opening the attachment.
  3. Never click on links in an email claiming to be from a company that is asking you to provide account information (log-in info, personal data, etc.) by clicking on that link.

For example, if you get an email claiming to be from Wells Fargo telling you to click on a link to reset your password because of an alleged security breach, don’t click on the link. If you’re truly concerned about it, follow these steps:

  • go to the bank’s website through your browser (not through any link in the email)
  • log into your account through the normal channels
  • check your account messages to see if there really is an issue

Apply this routine to any email telling you to click on a link. If it appears to be with a company you know — even if it looks legitimate — always log into your account the normal way and avoid the email link.

Another essential habit: keep your software up-to-date. The latest versions of software often have patches that fix holes in security. Neglecting to keep our systems up-to-date is yet another way we become our worst enemies.

Yes, these are basic principles, but sometimes the madness or exhaustion of work short-circuits our common sense. It’s good to be reminded of essential security habits.

Tip #2: Get Some Quick Training Under Your Belt

In a recent news story from May 2015, it was observed that small businesses often bear the brunt of hacker attacks: “According to Symantic’s Internet Threat Report examining trends for 2013, 30 percent of targeted cyber-attacks (called “spear-phishing”) were aimed at businesses with 250 or fewer employees. And one in five small businesses received at least one spear-phishing email during the year.”

If you’d like to get some thorough cybersecurity training tailored for small businesses but you don’t have much time, consider the U.S. Small Business Administration’s free online training course, which only takes 30 minutes to complete.

Tip #3: Be Aware of Unusual Scams

The fake IT phone call is the perfect example of an unusual scam. In a May 12, 2015 report, an ABC News station alerted the public to a scam in which an imposter claiming to be an IT person called individuals and asked for personal log-in information so that he or she could remotely remove a virus on their computer. Of course, the imposter described the alleged virus in apocalyptic terms to stir the person into a state of panic.

In the news report, Kathy Birr, the Director of Dispute Resolution for the Better Business Bureau, said this: “They gain your trust and scare you and convince you that there is a problem and they need to fix it fast.”

At SystemsNet, even our basic service package Vita comes with our top-notch anti-malware assistance and virus monitoring. Contact us for more helpful information about anti-virus practices for small businesses.