Protect Your Computers from Being Hacked!
Computer hackers have been in the news again, breaking into big company systems and wreaking havoc with websites, customer information and general operations.
Small businesses aren't immune to such attacks. Experts say nine out of ten businesses have been hit by some form of cyber crime! And the consequences can be even more disruptive to smaller operations. Some ways to foil the hackers:
1. Have a secure password strategy.
Use a different password for each major login you use. Make sure these passwords are different from ones you have with personal accounts. And change passwords regularly, especially when someone leaves the company. Search online for good password management applications that can simplify these tasks.
2. Set access rules.
You'd be surprised at how many people freely broadcast their Wi-Fi addresses without restricting access to their desktops. Be sure to activate settings that restrict access--just to a drop box, for example. Ask a techie for help on this if you need to.
3. Keep anti-virus programs updated.
Make sure your anti-virus program is set to update automatically. Anti-virus software companies stay on the lookout for new threats and develop code updates to combat them.
4. Beware of all e-mail attachments.
Hackers often use attachments to deliver computer viruses. Only open attachments you're expecting to receive. Even if the e-mail comes from an address you know, check to make sure that person sent it. Hackers can easily steal e-mail addresses. Look out for e-mails sent to large lists of people you don't know.
5. Back up often.
Backups will protect you from a great deal of damage from hackers--plus fires and natural disasters. With a backup, you can quickly recover software, files and website content, losing only data entered since the last backup. And you'll be able to keep operating while systems are fixed. Back up hard drives at least once or twice a day and keep copies offsite if you can.
6. Delete software you don't use.
Over time, computers collect all kinds of plug-ins, and some are security risks. Delete any plug-ins or other software code you don't need or use.
7. Don't forget physical security.
Make sure no one walks away with your computers or hard drives. Lock your office door if you'll be away for a while, or install lockable laptop cables. And do not attach unknown hardware to your computer. Iranian nuclear engineers found some thumb drives in the parking lot, brought them into their high security workspace, plugged them in and watched the Stuxnet virus take down the operation!
8. Get cyber insurance.
Cyber risks are not included on standard insurance policies, but coverage is available. You can insure for a range of computer risks: business interruption, lost income, denial of service, crisis management, privacy and security liability, media or Web content liability, even cyber extortion. Policies are offered by many large insurance companies, so there's no excuse not to be covered.
Protecting your operation isn't difficult; you just have to commit a little time to addressing the issues. But a little time spent now can pay big dividends in the future.... Enjoy a great month!
-----------------
© 2011 PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company. Trade/service marks are the property of PlainsCapital Corporation, PlainsCapital Bank, or their respective affiliates and/or subsidiaries. Some products may not be available in all states. This is not a commitment to lend. Restrictions apply. All rights reserved. PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company (NMLS no: 13649) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of a state-chartered bank and is an exempt lender in the following states: AK, AR, CO, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IA, KS, KY, LA, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NY, NC, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WV, WI, WY. Licensed by: AL State Banking Dept.- consumer credit lic no. MC21004; AZ Dept. of Financial Institutions- mortgage banker lic no. BK 0907334; Licensed by the Department of Corporations under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act- lender lic no. 4130996; CT Dept. of Banking- lender lic no. ML-13649; D.C. Dept. of Insurance, Securities and Banking- dual authority lic no. MLO13649; IL Dept. of Financial and Professional Regulation- lender lic no. MB.6760635; IN Dept. of Financial Institutions- sub lien lender lic no. 11169; ME Dept. of Professional & Financial Regulation- supervised lender lic no. SLM8285; MD Dept. of Labor, Licensing & Regulation- lender lic no. 11058; Massachusetts Division of Banking– lender & broker license nos. MC5404, MC5406, MC5414, MC5450, MC5405; MI Dept. of Labor & Economic Growth- broker/lender lic nos. FR 0010163 and SR 0012527; Licensed by the New Hampshire Banking Department- lender lic no. 14553-MB; NJ Dept. of Banking and Insurance-lender lic no. 0803658; NM Regulation and Licensing Dept. Financial Institutions Division- lender license no. 01890; ND Dept. of Financial Institutions- money broker lic no. MB101786; RI Division of Banking- lender lic no. 20102678LL and broker lic no. 20102677LB; TX OCCC Reg. Loan License- lic no. 7293; VT Dept. of Banking, Insurance, Securities and Health Care Administration- lender lic no. 6127 and broker lic no. 0964MB; WA Dept. of Financial Institutions-consumer lender lic no. 520-CL-49075. PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company is an Equal Housing Opportunity Lender.
