The Complex Risk Factors of Technology and How to Minimize Them: Part 2

Computer security experts estimate that the annual monetary losses incurred by business globally caused by hackers numbers in the billions.

Hackers can access any device or hardware unit that has a computer chip and communicates with the outside world. In other words, cell phones, PDAs, and wireless networks can be compromised by hackers.

There are a number of things you can do to minimize the risk to your business:

1. Dedicate an employee or consultant to protect your computer system by monthly ongoing software inspections. It's imperative that someone is watching over your information technology security, scanning for new threats, and constantly monitoring your systems for signs of unwanted entry.

2. Execute scheduled monthly hardware inspections. Many companies skimp on this important process of protecting their computer system, don't be one of them. The truth is, if your physical hardware is not performing optimally how can you expect your software to? Physical maintenance will ensure that your computer system maintains its data integrity, prevents downtime, promotes optimal performance, avoids data loss, and increases the life of your hardware.

3. Install anti-virus software and keep it up to date.

4. Install firewalls. Every computer portal to the outside world needs to be locked down with a firewall to impede hackers. Firewalls can be software programs or hardware devices, such as network routers. Also, lock down your wireless networks too.

5. Install redundant systems.

6. Install e-mail filtering.

7. Back-up your systems regularly. So, if a hacker manages to crash your hard drives, your systems can recover and carry on as if nothing happened.

To conclude, avoiding technology threats and catastrophic damage to your data and your business requires constant action. The question is-are you prepared?

The following questions can prove helpful in the event that you're making decisions on whether a certain vendor's service will be proficient enough in addressing your businesses security needs.

Key Security Questions to Ask Your IT Supplier:

1. Are security tests an important part of their software and hardware maintenance cycle?

2. Are security issues specifically addressed in technical training programs?

3. Are non-technical employees made aware of security issues when they are trained?

4. Are third-party security audits performed, by whom, how thorough, and how often?

5. What operational policies and controls are in place, what do they cover and are they assessed by third parties?

Data Protection Risk Analysis:

These questions are appropriate as part of scheduled maintenance to ensure data integrity within your organization.

1. What information is stored on a system?

2. Where is the information stored?

3. Who can access the system?

4. Is the access appropriate?

Eric T Dahl is an Information Technology Sales Expert and Marketer in Eugene, Oregon. He works with Owners and IT Managers in the areas of computer, software, and network infrastructure solutions.