| The technologies that make today's businesses | | | | keep in mind that these users can collect viruses |
| more efficient and effective also make them | | | | or malware on their unprotected home |
| more vulnerable to threats. Information security | | | | computers, which means those threats could |
| can be a constant struggle for corporations as | | | | eventually skip over your network. So if your |
| they fight to keep ahead of the ever-changing | | | | employees do work remotely, make sure that |
| computer data security hazards. | | | | they are working from security-protected, |
| Companies suffer data leaks as a result of | | | | company-issued laptops. |
| anything from a stolen laptop to hackers to stolen | | | | • Monitor your wireless. After you |
| paper records. According to the 2006 Cost of | | | | secure wi-fi access points, you should continue to |
| Data Breach Study from The Ponemon Institute, | | | | keep informed of the risks. Some data thieves |
| data breaches cost companies an average total | | | | use a trick called the "evil twin" where they |
| of $4.7 million, or $182 per customer record. | | | | create a fake wireless network that has a name |
| Companies with a poor data protection solution | | | | very similar to yours in an effort to trick workers |
| can not only run into legal trouble due to strict | | | | into logging onto this imposter network where it's |
| data security laws, but when data leaks occur, | | | | possible to get the users' login information. |
| most corporations can run into image and public | | | | • Hack your own wireless network. Hire |
| relations problems brought on by the scrutiny. | | | | an external auditor to conduct a "penetration test" |
| So what can you do to make your computer | | | | on your network Though it sounds odd, hacking |
| data security more effective? Here are a few | | | | into your own network gives you a hacker's view |
| actions you can take to make sure your data | | | | of your network and is probably the most |
| protection solutions are always in tip-top shape. | | | | effective way to find out what your data |
| • Evaluate often. Frequently assess your | | | | protection solutions may lack. |
| computer data security's functionality and find | | | | • Always encrypt your data. No matter |
| other data protection solutions to cover any | | | | where the data is being physically stored, using |
| vulnerable aspects. Additionally, you should | | | | strong cryptography is imperative when |
| establish a data security policy with frequent | | | | protecting sensitive data. |
| audits so your company can keep its security | | | | • Delete unused data. Collect the data |
| solution up-to-date. | | | | you need and place it in a secure system, but |
| • Implement and enforce password | | | | once it is superfluous, make sure you delete it |
| policies. Ensure that your employees have strong | | | | completely. |
| passwords that include the appropriate amount of | | | | If you pay close attention to your computer data |
| letters, numbers and special characters. As part | | | | security solutions and see that nothing is slipping |
| of the system, set parameters that force your | | | | through the cracks, you will have a much lower |
| employees to change their passwords regularly, | | | | risk of your data getting into the wrong hands - |
| as this will help maintain system security. | | | | saving your company from the consequences of |
| • Watch over your VPN. If you have | | | | public scrutiny and liability costs. |
| any employees working from a remote location, | | | | |