7 Ways to Manage Your Small Business Computer Security

With all the stories these days about Wikileaks hacking into government computers, “Anonymous” hacking into the stock exchange and Life Lock ads on constantly, it’s hard not to think about security for your computer, especially if you are running a small business.

I recently got hit with malware and my hard drive died. I was so happy to have a way to get the bad stuff removed and get my data from the on-line backup I use!

The last thing you need is a security compromise. According to a recent survey from Norton, the maker of antivirus software, 59% of small businesses have experienced some sort of malware attack on their computers in the past 3 years and over half of them had to pay an expert to help them resolve the issue.

Here are 7 quick tips to help keep your computer or network out of trouble:

• For Wi-Fi hotspots, change your network configuration to manually select the wireless network it is detecting.

• Don’t allow sharing while connected to a hotspot.

• Avoid any sensitive transactions such as banking or stock trading while hooked to a hotspot.

• Avoid phishing scams (where they send a fake email to try and obtain personal information) by never giving personal information via email. Call the company directly to make sure you have the correct business.

• Take a look at the URL that you are connected to and make sure it matches what you would expect. Many times, scammers will use fake URLs that appear legitimate.

• Clicking links in emails, IMs and social networking sites can also leave you vulnerable. Make sure you retype links into your browser window.

• Always allow your firewall to work. Norton says it is never necessary to disable this for anything.

“When it comes to technology that supports critical business operations, easy-to-use security software from companies such as Norton by Symantec is the way to go because they allow business owners to set it and forget it,” says Krysten Thompson, director of business development at Norton (smallbusiness.norton.com), a maker of leading consumer Internet security products.

Don’t get caught behind the 8-ball. Check your computer settings today!

Marijo Tinlin is the editor in chief of Family First, one of the oldest family-oriented websites on the internet. She is also the author of the new book “How to Raise an American Patriot, Making it Okay for Our Kids to Be Proud to Be American” available at www.raisinganamericanpatriot.com.