Massive rise in Internet security compromises

In 1990 252 security incidents were reported to CERT, a major reporting centre for worldwide Internet security problems. By 2000 that figure had risen to more than 24000.
In the 1st quarter of 2003 alone 42586 incidents were reported.

Always on? Always a target!

Because Internet access costs have plummeted with the availability of broadband, many businesses are staying online 24 hours a day. Unfortunately this makes them an attractive target for hackers and crackers who will exploit an unpatched flaw in software to gain access and install backdoor programs.

Common types of attacks

Once in they can install more programs and packet sniffers; change permissions and steal passwords; destroy or compromise your data; prevent you from using your computer and use your system to launch an attack on others.

Security breaches are embarrassing and can cause huge financial losses.

Unfortunately despite being aware of the risks many businesses don’t address the issue of IT security until a core business function is crippled by a security breach.

Prevention is better than cure

A business must be able to operate efficiently whilst guarding against security threats from both outside and inside the enterprise. Installing a firewall is one of the defences you can use against would be attackers.

A good firewall implementation will meet the challenge of keeping unauthorised Internet “visitors” out whilst allowing authorised users to go about their legitimate business.
It should separate your internal network from Internet facing mail and web servers and allow you to monitor inbound and outbound Internet traffic, be alerted to suspicious activities and block unexpected traffic.

However no single tool can offer complete protection for Internet enabled businesses and good security will be a combination of:

a thorough security audit
a well planned and implemented security policy
a reliable backup procedure and recovery plan
well informed, security aware staff
regular patches for existing software

Professional Computer Services can help prevent security breaches and we have a number of services to help you defeat would be intruders:

firewall supply, configuration and installation for both networks and individual computers

checking computer systems and networks for vulnerablities, advising on and implementing solutions

IT security audits