Carroll County Times Articles
Overconfidence Biggest Threat to Your Network
by David Hodgdon – April 26, 2009
The stores are filled with security software and network security appliances. Yet every day, thousands of computers in businesses like yours are infected, hacked and/or rendered useless by attackers. Here are the top four threats to your computer network and what to do about them.
# Overconfidence in security software: Before you blame the "bad guys" for your problems, look in a mirror. Staring back at you is the No. 1 cause of computer problems and security breaches. Failure to "practice safe software" results in nuisance attacks like porn storms and more subtle key loggers that steal passwords. Responding to surveys promising free stuff results in theft of information like your mother's maiden name, high school, etc., used to answer common security questions leading to theft of otherwise secure data. Before you bog down your computer with every security product on the shelf thinking it will keep you safe, examine your online habits and those of your employees.
# Social networking sites: Social networking sites like Facebook are exploding in popularity. Threats range from malware, such as viruses, worms and spyware, to scammers trying to steal your identity, information and money. Many businesses and government agencies are using these sites to communicate with clients and constituents, so simply blocking access is no longer reasonable. To defend your company while allowing employee access will require social network education for your employees and should include the enforcement of strong acceptable use policies. Have your information technology consultant help you develop a policy, then monitor compliance using a Unified Threat Management device that controls and reports on network access.
# Attacks on mobile devices: Everyone is going mobile these days, not just the "road warriors." Once limited to laptops, mobile network devices now include PDAs, handheld computers and smart phones with new appliances appearing in the stores every month. Remember that mobile devices often contain sensitive data and are easily lost or stolen. Be sure to password protection and encrypt data on all mobile devices whenever possible. Include mobile devices in your acceptable use policy.
# Cloud computing: "The cloud," in its most simple form, involves using the Internet to access and store your data. When you access e-mail using a Web browser, you are working in the cloud. Using the cloud for automated off-site backup is rapidly gaining popularity and is just the beginning. Companies like Microsoft, IBM and Google envision the day when we use inexpensive terminals instead of computers to run programs and access data located somewhere on the Internet. You need to be sure that any data you store and access across the Internet is secure, not just where it is stored but during the trip to and from the Internet.
About the Author
David Hodgdon is an IT consultant, the owner of Hassle Free IT Services (www.HFITservices.com) of Westminster and a member of the Carroll Technology Council. Call him with your computer questions at 410-861-5615 or e-mail david@HFITservices.com. Businesses with at least 10 computers receive two free hours of tech support.
