Multi-Layered Security Plan
An Actionable Plan
A sound security plan is the first step towards a multi-layered defense. To develop a plan, the company must assess its most important assets, identify vulnerabilities as well as the infrastructure and technology most appropriate for mitigating risk, then implement a strategy for putting the plan into action.
Email is a prime example. It has become a critical business communications tool and is also a primary conduit for malicious code. Protecting email against viruses, worms, spam, Trojan horses, phishing attacks and other threats requires a variety of security technologies. These include antivirus and antispyware software, content filtering, and firewalls. …show more content…
New vulnerabilities-that is, design or implementation errors, usually in software and applications-appear every day. These vulnerabilities may be triggered passively during routine system operation or actively either by malicious users or even automated malicious code.
According to the most recent Internet Security Threat Report from Symantec Corp., nearly 2,500 vulnerabilities were documented just in the first six months of 2007. Vulnerabilities in Web applications and Web browsers represent one of the most serious security concerns for businesses as well as consumers. Malicious code designed to exploit such vulnerabilities are a threat to confidential information
Consequently, it is essential that small businesses keep their software and applications up-to-date with the latest patches. Updates to everything from Microsoft Office applications to new operating systems should be routinely checked for and downloaded. These patches and updates can be found on the specific vendor's website and their installation is particularly critical after a new product is released.
Educate …show more content…
Back It Up
Small businesses can lose important data through inadvertent actions or unforeseen natural disasters. Consequently, it is important to protect this data by backing it up on a regular basis.
Today's disk-based backup solutions require little effort after initial setup and enable businesses to maintain backup files on an off site server as extra protection should any physical damage occur to the business. By backing up business data, small businesses make sure they have access to important records at any time, even in the wake of a security event or other disaster.
As security threats continue to increase in frequency and complexity, small businesses must be vigilant and proactive in employing security measures. By implementing security solutions at multiple tiers, patching vulnerabilities, educating users, and keeping critical data backed up, small businesses can continue to leverage computer technology to keep their businesses competitive in an increasingly sophisticated digital