Online Secure Data Backup - Securing Your Computer

Working in the Data security industry we tend to see some terrible examples of broken computers, lost data, and companies often reeling under the impact of the problems this creates. Occasionally we hear of businesses forced to close because of data loss, or other serious computer problems.
One friend recently had to re-do several months worth of accounts when a computer hard drive failed. Thankfully they now have a data backup strategy in place!

Needless to say, just about all of these problems are preventable, so we would like to start the new year with some tips about how to secure your business data, and give yourself an easier life and a better night’s sleep throughout the coming year.

Off-site Backup: Back up your data properly. One statistic recently quoted was that 80% of SMEs have not yet implemented offsite data backup. So how to recover their data when the computer fails? You can use a cost effective secure data backup and recovery service such as Forward ITC to keep a regular off-site backup - which is there whenever you need it, and can be instantly restored in the event of a computer failure, building fire, break in or other disaster. Backing up manually is not a reliable solution, as it only happens when you remember - and so often people don’t. If you hadn’t got around to backing up for a month, would you have lost a complete quarter’s accounts? Backing up on site is also not the full solution. It might protect you against a computer failure, but what about a building fire. Backing up automatically and off-site is the only approach that is not a gamble!

Free Anti Virus Software: Many computers come with Anti Virus products pre-installed, and a short free trial period before they start asking for money. We usually leave these running until the trial expires, and then remove them (Control Panel / Add and Remove Programmes / Remove). Our current preferred Anti Virus programmes are the free offerings from AVG and Avast. Avast has the least impact on computer performance in our experience, but we have seen it let some through. AVG is what we are currently using. It also has a nice extra which advises you which web sites are dangerous, and is also installed for free. If you want to pay a little more for a really bullet proof solution, then NOD 32 is also very thought of.

Software Expiry: Never ignore the warning pop-up windows which tell you that your anti-virus protection has expired. With a broadband connection, infection by a computer virus is likely within a few minutes!

Impersonation: Be aware that some viruses impersonate services that you trust. For example one nasty virus we had to deal with recently displayed an icon that looked like the standard Windows XP security center, so the user clicked it, and the virus installed. The rule of thumb is this - if the messages are bullying or threatening you to click to save your computer, your life, or whatever, it’s usually malware. If you can’t close the page (another malware trick) then close your browser quickly. If the browser won’t close, then use the keys Control / Alt/ Delete to open the Task Manager (Windows), and kill the browser process. When you re-open the browser it will go back to your home page and the danger will have passed.

Maintain your firewall. If you are using Windows XP, service pack 2 includes a very good one. If you are using another operating system, then either buy one, or look on the internet for a free one. Whilst free programs are not as good as commercial releases in most instances; they still offer reasonable protection against most attacks. A couple of well thought of FREE firewalls are Zone Alarm and Comodo.

Windows Update: Keep your computer up to date with Windows Update. Threats and vulnerabilities are fixed regularly and can be automatically installed on your system. This can be accessed using Start / Programmes / Windows Update.

Spyware and Adware: Some malware can get into your computer and be missed by your Anti Virus software. One way to mop up the rubbish is to use the malware programmes (Free) Lavasoft Adaware SE, or Zone Alarm which are great at picking up Trojans, viruses, adware, and other nasties. These two products are both good but do not co-exist all that happily, so I would pick one or the other.

Defragment: Defragment your hard drive occasionally. This will tidy your files and generally improve system performance.

Full System Scan: Perform a full system scan, using your up to date anti-virus software at least once a week for added security.

Strange Behaviour: Watch for strange computer behaviour. This is normally a sign of impending component failure or uninvited software doing unwanted things. Getting advice quickly can save both time and money.

Data Encryption: Encrypt all data stored on removable media such as pen-drives and CDs. PGP Free for Win XP can be downloaded from pgpi.org It can encrypt hard-drives and DVD's as well, so even if they do get lost your data remains your business.

All the programmes suggested here can be found with a quick Google search using their names, and installed and running in a few minutes to keep your PC running, your data safe, and your business concentrating on growth and improvement, rather than picking up the mess.

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