Top IT Services: Tips for Computer Security - 01/19/09

Top IT Services: Tips for Computer Security

One NYC computer virus can bring an entire office to its knees. While some systems are more vulnerable than others—there aren’t as many viruses that target Apple products, for example—protecting your business’s IT system is something that you simply can’t ignore no matter what your configuration. Taking the time to establish proper computer security company-wide will save you an enormous amount of headache in the long run. After all, every time your IT is down, your business loses money. In today’s economy, the last thing you need is to lose revenue to something that can quite easily be avoided.

That’s why, of all the New Jersey IT services UPTIME provides, computer security and virus protection are the most sought after. Luckily, there are in fact some definite steps you can take to inoculate your company from the evolving viruses circulating on the web. Here are UPTIME’s  top five tips for computer security.

Install a good anti virus software.

This is a no-brainer and if there’s one thing you do to protect your home or office computer, this should be it. Good anti-virus programs include Norton and MacAffee. But you can’t just install the software once and then forget about it. Make sure to check the virus definitions once a week—religiously. New viruses are constantly introduced; the programs can’t protect your system unless they’re provided with the latest information about current threats. If you don’t think your company is likely to update NJ computer virus definitions weekly, consider adopting one of UPTIME’s monthly maintenance plans.

 Install A Good Firewall

A firewall protects your entire system from outside threats. That protection is only as good as the firewall (NYC) itself, though. While there are actually many free firewalls out there that you can certainly take advantage of, UPTIME suggests its clients invest in the firewall that’s the most appropriate for your business. Skimping on security is never a good idea. 

Spyware is software that is installed on your computer without your knowledge or consent; its often used to monitor or control the way you use your computer from noting which internet sites you visit to directing you to certain sites to even collecting personal information such as addresses, credit card numbers and passwords. Spyware is therefore as big a threat to your computer’s security as a virus. Installing a quality anti-spyware application—and updating it once a week—is an essential step in protecting your NYC IT system.

Simply don’t open an attachment you weren’t expecting even if it’s from an address you recognize. (A quick email, text, or call to the sender to verify the attachment can save you a lot of hassle.) Virus attachments can have these 'file extension': .exe or .pif. Even if you receive a .zip attachment, open it and make sure it doesn't contain a file with one of those extensions. If it does, delete the potentially dangerous file without opening it.

Compromising your business safety simply isn’t an option. Contact http://www.uptimeus.com for a technology assessment and we’ll make sure you’re business is protected.