Small and Medium Business Security Needs
Business Security Is Not What It Should Be
Recently,
the BBC reports, a business survey was completed. This
survey was aimed at business security, and its results are
discouraging.
Among the issues raised were:
- Firms are taking too long to apply the latest software updates
- 96% say that the anti-virus software they are running on their PCs
provided adequate protection
- 30% had no firewall at all
- 63% did nothing to monitor their networks for potential breeches
- 26% applied software patches as soon as they became available
The Myths of Computer Security
Anti-Virus Software is Sufficient to Protect Our Network
Although anti-virus software is necessary in any complete security
solution, it should be the final gate. A.V. software is not enough to
protect networked computers.
We Don't Have Any Information Anyone Would Want
Most of the security compromises are done to gain control of a
machine, or a network of machines. Once a machine is compromised it
is searched for useful information, and if none is found it is often
turned into a launching platform to attack other machines. This
hopping strategy helps hackers to cover their tracks.
Our Firewall Will Secure Our Network
The majority of Firewalls are mis-configured. They may keep out some
of the older attacks, but can't protect you against some of the
newer automated attack programs. Top that off with the need for
continual software updates, changing tactics to protect networks and
lack of adequate hacker detection. Not only are 90% of corporations
being hacked, but most can't even tell its happened.
Software Patches Shouldn't Be Applied Too Quickly
Most predator hackers scan potential victim networks for
vulnerabilities before they attempt to break in. That's even the
approach that's taken in the movie "The Matrix Reloaded." Running
unpatched systems that can be accessed via the Internet is like
leaving a welcome mat out for the bad guys. Apply patches as quickly
as possible, but be ready to back them out if there are problems.
I Don't Use Microsoft Office
Document macro viruses were all the rage in the mid-90's. Indeed,
these macros did cause numerous problems then, and can cause problems
now. Many documents created by many pieces of software can still
contain macros. It isn't just a Microsoft Office problem.
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