South West eCommerce

The Internet need not be a risky or scary place. Here are four of the top "e-security" tips to help protect your data and your business.


1 - Back Up Your Data

This is probably the most important thing you can do to protect your data. Backing up, every day if possible, means that when (notice we didn't say if) you run into problems and lose some of your data, there is a backup copy that you can use to restore it.   

Backing up can be done very easily. Even if you only have a small amount of data, you can get started with a simple external hard drive or CD burner. Essential information such as emails, documents, invoices, etc, should be backed up every day if possible.


2 - Proper Anti-Virus Protection

With computer viruses costing businesses around the world an estimated US$13 billion even way back in 2001, it's easy to see that they are one of the biggest threats to your security and your data. But there are ways that you can protect yourself.

The simplest and most effective way is to have the latest anti-virus software. As we've always said though, it needs to have two main features. First, it must update itself as often as possible. At least weekly, if not more often. Some of the latest packages will automatically check for updates every time you log on to the Internet. Second, the anti-virus software needs to check your emails as they come in, so that anything containing a virus is blocked or quarantined before it infects your computer.

Having the right anti-virus software will pretty much do the job, but you should also use common sense when on the Internet. Be careful about what you download. Stay away from suspect sites or emails. And don't use pirated software.


3 - Use A Firewall

A firewall creates a protective "wall" between your system and the outside world, and works by stopping unauthorised or dangerous information or people from entering your system. Firewalls can be created by software or hardware, and their best known use is to protect you against hackers.

Your local computer specialist can get you started with some software that will protect against hackers.


4 - Password Security

Not giving enough thought to passwords is a common mistake. Passwords can work well, but only if a few basic strategies are followed. These include making sure that passwords are not common names etc (eg. "password" or people's names), never sharing passwords, changing passwords on a regular basis, and avoiding writing the password down and keeping it near the computer.

It's also important to note that a lot of "cyber-crime" is committed against businesses by their employees or ex-employees. Therefore, some thought also needs to go into who knows what passwords in your organisation, and changing passwords on a regular basis, especially after someone leaves.


As always, it's important to talk to your local computer specialist who can give you advice on what is the best solution for you and your business, depending on the kind of data and set up you have.