June 2006 Virtual Staffing Newsletter - Issue #2

Back to Basics!

Dear Valued Business Partner,

With ever increasing threats to your computer system, both in information loss and identity theft, we want to take time to remind you of the importance of ongoing diligence to protect your business and personal information. This applies to home based businesses, small to medium sized businesses, and large businesses alike. The major difference between these segments is the expense and scalability of the solution. However, all of these solutions can be done on a cost effective budget.

Also, please let us know if you are interested in having us speak about this or any related topic to any groups that you're a part of (networking, church groups, neighborhood associations, etc.).

Backup and Recovery! With a minimal amount of time spent, you can save your company hours or even days of effort in the future. Always ensure important information is backed up and verified and that you have all installation software catalogued and easily accessible. Remember to test restoring a file and folder often. Think about developing and testing a Disaster Recovery Plan and consider the question, "In case of a disaster, how far back can my company re-create our information ?" You will find that the more often you use your computers, the more frequently you need to backup your system.

It is best to store backup media offsite as often as possible. By duplicating your information at a second location, you protect yourself from information loss in case of fire or theft. If you must use an onsite location, use a fire resistant safe. Recognize that your information is valuable to others also, so don't put your company's name and address on backup media and ensure the information is encrypted. Backing up your information once in awhile is not enough. Your backup process should be scheduled regularly (daily, if possible) and verified every time.

Don't allow your budget to keep you from protecting your information. There are many options for backup solutions ranging from $40 for a simple CD based solution to a few thousand dollars for larger tape backup solutions. There are even options to have you backup your information to an offsite location without leaving your office. If you are interested in having us evaluate your backup needs and help you implement a Disaster Recovery Plan, contact us to make an appointment.

Anti-virus and Anti-spyware! As with so many things in life, the best protection for your computer system is prevention. Running anti-virus and anti-spyware software on a continuous basis will help keep your system safe from most malicious programs. Even with anti-virus and anti-spyware software running, it is still important to scan your entire system on a regular basis. Remember to update your anti-virus and anti-spyware software often to keep your system as safe as possible. Grisoft offers an inexpensive anti-virus option, starting at $38.95 for a two year license. Customers running genuine Microsoft Windows can download a FREE anti-spyware software from Microsoft. Run frequently and use the toolbar based solution for real time protection.

Be cautious of email that you are not expecting - if in doubt call the recipient or just delete the email. Don't download or open any attachments in your email without knowing what they are and who they are from. Be sensitive of non-business use of your computer - like teenagers using it for email, chatting, and casual surfing. They can easily expose your system to threats without realizing it. Download software and operating system updates frequently. This helps prevent exposing the known vulnerabilities in your system.

Firewall and Wireless Access! Ensure your Internet connection is protected by a router or firewall. Routers can be either a software program (ZoneAlarm, firewall on network card) or a hardware device (LinkSys, Netgear, Dlink). Either of these options will keep your computer safe from perpetrators trying to gain access to your system through the Internet. Remember to check the logs often and report perpetrators to your Internet service provider (ISP).

If you're using wireless access through the use of a wireless router or wireless access point, there are additional precautions you must take.

If you use your wireless equipment directly out of the box, it will not only give you access to the Internet, but could allow your neighbors to have access to your computer system as well. By completing the following steps, you will keep others from having access to your computer through your wireless equipment: 1. always use encryption, 2. change default password, 3. ensure SSID is not broadcast, and 4. change the default SSID.If you have questions on how to protect your system or need help setting up wireless access in your home or office, please contact us to have one of our qualified technicians schedule a visit with you.

Strong Passwords! Your passwords are an important step in keeping your company information safe. A good password should contain a combination of upper and lower case letters (a-z), numbers (0-9), special characters (#,@,$,!), and be at least eight characters (preferably 14 characters) long. For instance, if you like outdoor activities in Colorado, then a strong password would be IL1ke2sk1@ndH1ke1nC0 (I like to ski and hike in CO). Make sure that you can easily remember your password so you do not need to write it down, but it should not be easily guessed by others. Change passwords often at least every couple of months.

Some passwords have been set up by your system administrator. Make sure you get a list of all these passwords in person (don't email or share passwords via mobile phone). Remember to verify that the passwords work before you need them.

Repeat this process often. Either do this yourself or have someone you trust visit your home or office and do it for you. A little prevention will help save hours if not days of trouble.