Tech Tools: Security Does Matter

By Ricardo Harvin
E-mail Questions for Tech Tools to rharvin@uschamber.com.

 

Still don't take computer security seriously? Then you're vulnerable to having your systems hijacked, your every keystroke recorded and sent silently to thieves, and all your information stolen or simply destroyed.

 

Any of these could cause you to lose money and could even wipe out your business. But there are steps that you can take to reduce the chances of this happening. The threats to your systems are constantly evolving. If you want to maintain control of your assets, you need to keep your software current, stay alert, and remain suspicious.

 

Update Your Software

To remain protected, you must have the most recent version of your operating system, anti-virus software, a strong firewall, and an anti-spyware program. Once you have obtained all these components, take an inventory and establish a regular routine to keep all your software updated with available security patches. Some software can do this automatically; for other software, you have to perform these checks and downloads manually.

 

With office productivity software (word processors, spreadsheets, etc.), a monthly check should be sufficient, but more frequent updates may be available. Operating system and Web browser software should be checked weekly.  Anti-virus and anti-spyware programs should be set to check for updates daily, which most can do automatically.

 

After you update your software and maintain a regular update schedule, you're still not done. You also need to avoid self-inflicted infections of malicious software. This requires a healthy amount of common sense and suspicion when using e-mail or installing unknown software.

 

Never click on a link or open unrequested attachments in an e-mail-even if it appears to come from someone you know. Copy e-mail links directly into your browser's address bar so that you can see exactly where it's going to take you; then decide if you recognize the link as legitimate. Unless you're expecting a specific file, avoid opening attachments that you receive-no matter who they're from.

 

Any piece of malicious software can make your computers completely unusable and nearly impossible to repair. Consider the cost of that scenario alone if you think these steps just aren't worth the trouble.