Real Computer Security Issues

Whether you keep up with the latest computer security issues or not, they are in fact very real. Thieves are constantly changing the way they go about stealing identities and how they are using them for personal gain.

When it comes to the home user, we typically believe that we are not as much of a priority for "hackers" as the big banks, credit card companies, etc. However, the truth proves otherwise.

I installed an Astaro security appliance on my home network recently to increase the security of my computers and network at home and to integrate a web content/security filter as well. Within a few days, I was able to see the kind of traffic that had always been trying to infiltrate my home infrastructure. It was amazing to see all of the network intrusion attempts that were originating from far-away places like China and the Middle East.

Make note of what I just said, "traffic that had always been trying to infiltrate". Like the saying goes, "you don't know, what you don't know". And just because you don't realize all the hacking attempts being made on your home network, it doesn't mean that they are not happening.

Anyone who has ever implemented FTP services such as FileZilla will know what I'm talking about after they review the logs of their FTP service. Typically, it will be full of attempts by unauthorized individuals to gain access to their system through the FTP application.

Fortunately, there are inexpensive ways to greatly reduce consumers' risk at being compromised. Implementing solutions such as a firewall and IDPS system will help to keep your home and business computers safe from outside attention.

It goes without saying today, but a high quality antivirus program (F-Secure) will do wonders to keep your computer free from malicious threats. Remember though that not all of these vendors are not created alike. You should put forth the research necessary to be sure you are placing your computer security in the hands of a capable vendor.

In addition, simple things such as making sure your Windows computers are automatically updating with the latest security patches on a regular basis, will also keep your OS from being broken into.

You also should consider a good quality email defense scanning solution. There are multiple kinds available, and most major email providers offer them for free. Gmail is the provider that we use and we have found their SPAM and A/V filtering to perform very effectively.

For businesses, their are a number a high quality tools available that will keep your employees from bringing compromising threats into your workplace (Astaro). Additionally, implementing a message continuity plan will be sure to help you eliminate risk of losing vital email if your Exchange or Groupwise server goes down.

The last solution I will offer here (and there are others) would be to implement a high quality Web Security solution (Astaro). This will filter the websites and downloads that you and your employees visit while surfing the web. This solution is actually imperative to creating a safe way to use the web without "accidentally" installing malicious code.

As always, remember that we are here to help with all your IT needs! Contact us today by phone at 859-559-5356 or through our website at http://www.DefragITSolutions.com.

Thanks!