Computer security and encryption becoming more vital

One of the greatest miscalculations a business owner can commit is by not prioritizing how he will protect his computer system from unauthorized intrusions and data theft.

There is a common belief among business owners especially those that do not operate a big business that their small size makes them safe from the malicious intent of computer phreakers and data thieves. They think that in a sea full of big fishes a small fish will be ignored, secure in the fact they are not worth the exertion and computer time for notorious data thieves.

Nothing can be farther from the truth. In fact, smaller businesses are far more vulnerable to internet security threats and all manner of data theft and electronic sabotage. Based on a study made by research firm AMI-Partners, almost half of all small and medium sized businesses have failed to implement even the most rudimentary security precautions – which includes the installation of antivirus and anti spyware programs. This oversight could be the main reason why when the Mydoom worm hit a few years back, one in three small and medium sized businesses were affected compared to just one in six among the larger companies were affected. This was discovered by the Internet Security Alliance, a non profit organization that deals with information security issues.

In fact, now more than ever data and network protection should be given more attention because of the ever evolving sophistication of data thieves. They are now more equipped with the software and hardware necessary to break into security measures instituted by data managers. What could the chance be for a company to weather an attack if the owner forgets or ignores putting in place data security and encryption policies for his business because he thinks it will just be an additional cost? Practically zero and the untold cost to his business would be far more greater.

It is for this reason that data security and encryption should be one of the priorities of a business. Anyone is vulnerable to an attack whether that business is an international conglomerate or a new start up. In fact, a big business will have more chance to recover compared to a small business because a big company will have the read funds available to rebuild the business. A small business, on the other hand, will not have the necessary funding to start the business all over again – making an attack quite catastrophic.

These facts are not lost on many software providers who are now coming up with many types of solutions that guarantee the safety of data in an office’s network. There are also software that bring security to a higher level by incorporating encryption technology in order to safeguard not only sensitive data but also to make it harder for hackers to get into networks or intercept data being transmitted from the corporate network to devices outside of the network. Encryption technology can, in fact, be seen as one of the highest levels of protection that a business can employ in order to ensure the integrity of its data and its computer network.

Buying a New Computer? Read This First

Ever had one of those days when you thought that you would spend a lot of time searching around for really good computer bargains?

I have had that experience many times and have found that I used to waste time doing endless and meaningless searches trying to find what I need. But then, I found a solution!

Figuring out what to search for is half the battle won, but how to figure out whether the prices being displayed were bargain prices was another issue. So how did I solve that problem?

Try and identify first what computer system you need to buy. This really can be a struggle if you are not familiar with computers. You can visit the nearest library to you and speak to a librarian to see whether they have issues of the Computer Shopper magazine. Not only Computer Shopper, but PC Novice and PC Magazine as well. I have found these to be quite useful and effective in helping me decide on the type of system I need.

PC Novice is especially useful because it explains in layman’s language what I need to know and gives recommendations on the alternatives to look for. Terms such as motherboard and peripherals are usually explained in detail. You should not worry however if you are not familiar with these terms. Just understand that when you go to purchase your computer, you may find an enthusiastic sales rep asking you – “so how much ram do you need in this computer”; “you think you may need an Intel or AMD processor?”; or, “how many gigabytes do you need for your hard drive? — Huh???

The magazines I have listed above will help you a great deal but don’t get lost with all the geek talk. You will be able to find complete systems available that will be sold with software. Some systems will be sold with the box – the CPU portion, and the monitor. Depending on where you are buying your computer from, the monitor may be at an extra cost. Some systems will be sold with a printer and they will try and sell you a host of other things which are not really necessary.

My advice therefore is to first figure out what you want to do with the computer and do some research!

Shopping around is the next best thing you can do to find the best prices. I usually look at three to four different quotations to see which one matches my budget. Most computers today will do what you want to do. You do not need to get the most expensive system especially if you will only be surfing the Internet and checking email occasionally, so don’t go overboard thinking that because you saw you neighbor with this expensive system you need to have one too.

Good luck and happy shopping!!