Computer Security

Security risks are a fact of life when dealing with computers, networks and servers. There are internal and external threats that can get into your system and wreak havoc with your data and in some cases outright steal valuable information from your company without you even knowing it happened. Securing your computer and network system is essential to protecting your data and keeping your business safe from harm.

Computers and technology move at a breakneck speed but unfortunately so do the threats that are created to disrupt the flow of information, hack into systems to steal data and passwords and turn some systems into zombie computers from which hackers can use the network to send out viruses, malicious code and other harmful software. Why some people decide to spend their time destroying and stealing the work of others will probably never be answered but as a business owner with a computer network and system it is your responsibility to ensure your database, server and network is well-protected and safe from common internal and external security threats.

Security risks can be broken down into several categories: intruders, external threats, internal threats, accidents and port scanning. Intruders are associated with the Internet and malicious code that is often sent in the form of deceptive emails. A user will open what looks to be a legitimate email and be asked to click on a link. When this is done the user has unknowingly granted the hacker password information that is then used to break into the system and send in worms, viruses and spyware. Sometimes hackers will use what is called a Trojan horse, meaning it looks like a harmless application that may even bear a resemblance to programs you already use. Again, the user opens the attachment or clicks on the link and in the blink of an eye a malicious hacker has entered your server, database and network.

External threats can be described as unethical competitors who want to disrupt your business by sending in malicious code that can delete important files, a disgruntled ex-worker who wants personal revenge and decides to SPAM every inbox in your network or just a bitter hacker who gets his kicks watching a server fail. No matter the reason if you use the Internet at all these "bad guys" have an "in" into your network and the only way to keep the garbage out is to fully protect your system and network.

Internal threats and accidents are similar in that an employee can unknowingly misuse secure access privileges and leave important passwords and security questions open to someone monitoring your system through spyware. This can be a simple mistake internally or just an accident that occurred when a program re-starts but either way, important and confidential information is at risk. Often employees have to use the Internet while working and during their searches may enter sites that are not work-related and can have harmful software on it that needs only a split-second to back into your network and begin a series of chaotic actions that could in some extreme cases shut the whole server down.

Now that you know the dangers that exist you can take proactive steps to protect your computer network, database and server through a variety of security solutions including managed Microsoft security patches, firewall installation, intrusion detection programs, managed anti-virus and anti-spyware software, securing all line-of-business applications and in some cases restricting use of the Internet to only work-related sites.

At ASG we know how real the threats are and how much damage a simple string of malicious code can do to a network or server. If not secured properly and managed correctly your business could be ruined in an instant by phishing, spoofing, email spam and viruses. When you put the ASG team to work for you we take the time to understand your specific security needs, perform a security audit on your entire network and then recommend a comprehensive evaluation of your site's security standing and what products would be best in protecting your system.

Many of our trusted security solutions include antivirus management, connectivity monitoring firewalls, email spam filtering, intrusion detection services and the design of a personalized security policy plan that will define different users of your network system and the risks associated with each. Once these measures are put in place your network, database and server will be protected from many external intruders and even common internal mistakes and accidents.