Using broadband securely
Keeping your computer virus free, your files safe and snoopers out, should be your first priority whether you use a dial up or broadband internet connection.
Multiple layers of security will form the best protection for you and your computer. There are some simple measures to take, that will greatly reduce the risks.
Software updates
It is vital that your computer’s software, including its operating system, are kept up to date. The most important of these Software Updates or “patches” are those determined by the software author as “Critical Updates”.
Software authors frequently release these updates if security risks or problems are found within previous releases of software.
Hackers and authors of computer viruses look for and exploit any weaknesses in widely released software packages, to give them access to other peoples’ data and personal information or to infect the most computers.
Both Microsoft Windows and the Apple Macintosh Operating Systems, now come with an “Auto Update” feature that can enable the software to automatically check if an update has been released.
Firewalls
Firewalls are used to control access to a computer or computer network. They can be used to restrict unauthorised access to a computer via an internet connection.
Firewalls come in either physical hardware or software versions.
For home or small office users, a popular choice is to use a piece of hardware called a Router, with an inbuilt network hub, (so that multiple computers can share the internet connection) and a simple inbuilt firewall.
The latest releases of both the Microsoft Windows and the Apple Macintosh Operating Systems, now come with an integral software Firewall, although they may not necessarily be turned on by default!
Anti-Virus Software
Computer Viruses are self-replicating software programs that spread by inserting themselves within the code of other software programs, or by attaching themselves to electronically stored documents or emails.
Dedicated Anti Virus software can be installed on a computer to combat the risk of infection. As new Viruses are written and released all the time, it is vital that the Anti-Virus software is kept up to date. Good Anti-virus software will scan emails and all files on the computer for viruses and attempt to remove and “quarantine” any infected files if found, to minimize the damage they may do.
Passwords
One of the most basic forms of computer security is the use of passwords.
Use them sensibly:
- Mix letters and numbers, as these combinations are harder to crack.
- Use 8 or more characters
- Don’t use the same password for multiple programmes, services or computers
- Change passwords regularly.
Creating back ups of your files
Most people don’t bother backing up their important data, or files, until something happens and for one reason or another, they will no longer open correctly, are damaged or missing altogether.
Try and be one of the few who implements preventative measures before you lose your data!
Back up your files daily, or at the very least, your most important files once a week. You can do this by manually copying them to removable media such as a CD or DVD. By utilising dedicated Back Up software, you can help automate this process!
Remote Back Up
If you think that you are too busy to remember to back up your files, don't feel that you have the in house skills, or if you would prefer that your data is backed up away from the business in a secure environment, you may wish to consider automated Remote Back Up.
With a broadband connection, you can arrange for critical data to be backed up regularly and automatically to a remote site. This is yet another service that you could get from an Application Service Provider (ASP).
When you think about what’s at stake, it makes compelling sense.
Application Service Providers (ASPs)
Computer applications range from simple applications like word processing right through to highly complex systems such as finance systems, customer relationship management and online trading software.
Naturally, some of these highly complex systems can be expensive, both to buy the software and to host it on an appropriate server. What’s more, maintenance of these kinds of systems usually requires a high level of expertise.
One way around these problems is to use an Application Service Provider (ASP). An ASP will host and maintain the system and software remotely, allowing you to access it securely over your broadband connection.
So if you want to trade online without the expense of setting up a complex website that allows you to take payments and display your goods, an ASP can provide you with a web-based shop-front. Customers would access your virtual store at the ASP, which can sell the goods and collect payments on your behalf.
An ASP allows you to get the benefits of sophisticated computer systems without the resources usually associated with them.
