Tag Archives: virus protection

Backup Disaster Recovery and Dealing with Computer Viruses

Anti-virus, Data Backup, ,
20161118

A backup disaster recovery plan can ensure that, if you’re affected by a computer virus, your information will remain safe.

When you’re in the workplace, you always need to have a plan for combating viruses. Hackers are becoming tricker in their tactics, and it’s imperative that you’re outwitting them. In fact, viruses and other malicious software, should always be a cause for concern in the workplace. While it’s true that those aren’t the only disasters which may occur, they certainly leave the most lasting impact. For example, let’s say there was an unexpected power failure, or liquid spilled onto your keyboard. While these are damaging, at worst, you might simply lose any unsaved files.

With computer viruses however, some of these erase all the data on your hard drive, and make your device completely inaccessible. What is the best way to deal with these attacks? First of all, you need to have a disaster recovery plan. That way, even if your device does become infected, all your files are easily recoverable. However, just because you have a backup disaster recovery plan, that doesn’t mean you should seek out computer viruses, or be laid back about your security. We’ll get back to this discussion, but in the meantime, let’s look at the best way to actually combat these attacks from cybercriminals. After all, a recovery action plan is one thing, but you want to deal with these threats directly as well.

Anti-Virus Software

Even the most inexperienced businesses know that anti-virus software is the most common way to deal with…well, viruses. Whether you’re using McAfee or Kasperky Security, network protection is great for preventing your computer from getting infected. Without security on your computer, the Internet is a dangerous minefield. One wrong move, and you could be taken out.

However, having anti-virus software for your company isn’t enough; you need to have the right security as well. For example, have you installed the most recent software available, or have you been using the same program for years? Many hackers look for security holes and vulnerabilities in outdated software. If you’re not using the latest anti-virus software, for example, it might be easier for them to attack you.

One thing that makes these programs great isn’t just the network protection, but it secures you while you’re on the Internet as well. Many programs now have safe features which block malicious pop-ups on websites, and even warns you of sites that are dangerous. If you make a careless mistake and go to the wrong site, for example, you’ll be prevented from going any further. Overall, anti-virus software is one of the most important and basic tools for protecting your business.

Now that we’ve discussed the basics for protecting your business, let’s get back to having a disaster recovery plan. It may not combat viruses directly, but how is it effective when your business is under attack?

The Effectiveness of a Backup Disaster Recovery Plan

First of all, it’s effective because it makes the cybercriminal’s attack, completely ineffective. They lose all sense of power, and no longer accomplish their goal. In fact, let’s look at it this way. Let’s say you had multiple backup methods, storing your data via a flash and cloud computing. If a hacker infected your computer with a virus that erased the files on your hard drive, you’d have nothing to lose. You might need a new computer, and you’d still have to get the virus off, but your data is safe and sound. All files are still stored on your portable device, and even accessible via cloud (the Internet).

Overall, you can’t have one without the other. Combating viruses directly is important, but what if you need to recover your data, and don’t have a recovery plan? On the other hand, don’t completely rely on a backup plan, without having programs to combat these viruses, either.

For more information about the importance of having a backup disaster recovery plan, especially when dealing with malicious software, feel free to contact us today at SystemsNet. We look forward to hearing from you, and assisting you in the best way possible.

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.

5 Simple Tips for Preventing Malware, Viruses and Adware on Company Machines

Malware, Security, ,
Protecting your company machines from malware, viruses and adware today, can save you a lot of time, money, and headaches down the road.

Protecting your company machines from malware, viruses and adware today, can save you a lot of time, money, and headaches down the road.

Malware, adware and viruses are common infections that computers and systems of all types are commonly infected with. The severity of the infection depends entirely on the malware that was installed. Some malware packages are more harmful than others, but as a business you have other responsibilities to worry about, like ensuring that your business and customer data is safe from potential data theft and malicious usage. Luckily, there are some very simple steps that can be taken that greatly reduce the risk of data theft and other malicious attacks within your business. Remember, hackers and others with malicious will almost always go for the easiest target, so taking a few simple measures can go a long way toward protecting your business.

1. Install a Quality AntiVirus/Anti-Malware Software Package on Every Machine

The first and most important step is to ensure that every machine within your company uses a high quality antivirus and anti-malware software package to keep the machine safe. There are many available, some available for free online. This basic first step will allow you to scan your computer for current infections and protect your business and machines against future infections as well.

2. Use Real-Time Protection Features

When choosing anti-malware software, it is very important that you choose a software package that offers real-time protection. Many of the anti-malware offerings will allow you to scan your computer to identify and remove current infections, but a smaller number offer real-time reporting. It is important to remember that malware infections can happen at any time while browsing the internet, opening emails, or clicking what appears to be a harmless link. Real-time features let you ensure that your business is protected any time a machine is being used.

3. Require Daily or Weekly Scans and Updates

Once you’ve chosen a software package that meets your needs and offers real-time malware protection, set a company policy regarding daily and weekly scans of your machines. Although daily scans never hurt, some businesses may opt for a weekly scan instead. By ensuring that your machines are regularly checked for issues you can be certain that all machines are clean. Additionally, this will help to further protect computers that are not receiving real-time protection.

4. Teach Best Practices for Opening Emails and Clicking Links

One of the biggest reasons company machines become infected with malware is from employees clicking on links and opening emails that shouldn’t be clicked or opened. One of the easiest ways to infect a machine with malware is to convince the user to download a file on their own. By teaching your employees the best practices for opening emails, browsing the internet and clicking anything that could potentially result in a download.

5. Use Hardware Firewalls

Although most machines running Windows will have their own built in software firewall, it is always a good idea to install and utilize a hardware firewall as well. This helps to ensure all machines that your company uses including linked printers, scanners and computers have a layer of protection against malicious attacks. A reliable firewall will protect your systems against malicious network attacks, exploits, malware, viruses and worms that could result in data theft.

When it comes to malware, viruses and other PC infections, the best step you can take is preventative measures. Ensuring that you have a hardware firewall in conjunction with high quality software solutions on every machine will allow you to ensure that you keep your business machines safe while also protecting your network as a whole.

If you would like to learn more about how you can protect your business from malicious threats, please contact us today to schedule your initial risk-free consultation. We’ll walk you through the process of securing your network, machines, and create a sustainable solution that keeps your business safe.