The rule is simple. You must invest in a good anti-virus programme that protects your computer from as many viruses as possible. ‘Spyware' protection is sometimes considered separately to virus protection, so make sure your software handles both.
And buying an anti-virus package once is not enough. You must keep that software up-to-date because new threats are coming out daily. Most commercial products have an annual maintenance fee to thwart your vulnerability to the newest threats. Whilst there are a number of free anti-virus programmes available, they still don't seem to be as effective as the commercial offerings. Finally, be sure to include every computer you have on your network.
Security
So much vital information is stored on our computer networks. This could be bank account information, supplier and customer details, your financial details, passwords, and so on. Whilst this information stays within your office, it is relatively safe. But should a ‘hacker' or ‘trojan' programme gain access to your network, then your most sensitive information becomes an easy target.
There are a number of high-profile incidents where internet hackers have cracked into larger corporate networks, accessed data, and distributed to the rest of the world. Information such as credit card numbers, personal details and addresses, shopping history, etc have all been targeted. To be fair, this sort of information would also be available to anybody who steals your wallet from you. It's just that the Internet exposes you to a lot more ‘thieves' than you would normally encounter in your average day!
So, if the larger companies with all their infrastructure are still being breached, what hope to small businesses have? In each case of a breach, you will find that basic rules for Internet protection were not followed.
Make sure your business has a purpose-built firewall installed. This should be situated between your office computers and the Internet. This firewall should only let through data which really needs to go through it. If you do need to publish data on the Internet - such as for an e-commerce website, don't keep sensitive information on that Web Server. Store any sensitive data on separate servers, once-again removed from the Internet with further firewalls.
Internet security has come a long way over the last few years, with most consumer grade equipment being pre-configured with a reasonable level of security. However, businesses with a permanent Internet connection, and/or Internet presence really should seek professional assistance in setting up and maintaining good security from Internet threats.
And interestingly, mobile phones are quickly becoming prime targets in the future. Current phones are more like micro-computers, and they provide connectivity to the phone network, bluetooth, WiFi wireless and other networks. As this connectivity continues to improve, we must take appropriate care of the security on each of the connection methods.
Where are the Opportunities?
I've painted a gloomy picture about connecting your business to the Internet! However, I'll re-iterate my point about the scope of risk using the "wallet theft" example. Few people would leave their wallet (with cash, and credit cards) openly accessible whilst walking through a busy public place. The same common-sense applies to the Internet. Enough said. But on the converse, the opportunities which the Internet offers are simply impossible without it.
Building your business using the Web
The Web provides you an instant global marketplace. There is no other medium that can promote your product to a receptive global audience for a few thousand dollars a year. You may wish to actively sell your products on the Internet (via a shopping cart or e-commerce system), you may wish to interact with your customers, suppliers or staff via the Internet (called an Extranet), or you may simply wish to make your presence known by having your own web page.
A web page will build the profile of your business. It generates an inherent sense of stability and professionalism (as long as the website looks good!). It's a quick way for customers to check you out, grab your contact details and take that one step closer to trading with you.
Marketing your business - Marketing is all about identifying and researching the particular needs of your target market, and then developing your products, pricing, promotions and distribution to help make it succeed! It's not a simple one-way effort. The Internet can help you with collecting this intelligence (polls, customer feedback), but it can't do it all. Businesses should use the internet as a tool in their marketing efforts, not depend on it as the sole saviour!
Streamlining your business - the Internet has some magical benefits when it comes to reducing costs in your business. If your business does any of the following, you can quickly reduce your operational costs:
- Receive lots of requests for information,
- Receive many routine phone calls,
- Brochures, catalogues or other literature which you distribute often,
- Intend on winning more customers, particularly outside of the local area,
- Have a majority of customers or suppliers who have email addresses (to send invoices, statements and communications)
The Real Threat to businesses - is NOT using the Internet pro-actively. Opportunities will be lost, and your competitors will take them up before you know it!
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