\Se*cu"ri*ty\, n

Security once was to mitigate risks; now it is a sound business practice and mandated by several regulations (HIPPA, CIPA, Sarbanes-Oxley, etc.)

Security is major concern with everyone these days, however security as it pertains to computers and Information Technology is one of the least understood topics around.

Attacks on computer networks origination from the Internet have dramatically increased in sophistication and frequency over the last several years. This can be attributed to the wide spread availability of automated hacking tools on the internet. These hacking tools have become so user friendly, that someone with limited or no programming and operating system knowledge could become an accomplished hacker. This has led to a dramatic increase in the number of hackers, which in turn, has led to the record number of exploits. Someday, even an elementary school kid could hack into your system.

These attacks are affecting all types of networks from a handful of users up to large corporations. Many people believe that their IT system is not a computer hacker's target. This can be an expensive mistake. Even if you believe that the data you store on your network is not sufficiently sensitive to attract a hacker attack, most of the more common attacks occurring today are not after your data, instead they are looking to take control of your machines drop rootkits on them. These rootkits essentially create backdoors into your data network and cover the perpetrators tracks in doing so. Why would they do this you ask, well if they have control of your systems, then they have turned them into “zombie hosts” and they can use them to launch attacks from your network.

These attacks can occur randomly so it's only a matter of time before any poorly protected system is hit. This will cost time, money and possibly lost data.

A way to minimize and reduce attacks on your network is to have a certified security administrator install a properly configured firewall. We recommend SonicWALL for the Small to Mid-Size Business Market Sector. For information on the SonicWALL Family of Security Appliances click here

How can being a victim of cyber crime affect my business ? click here to find out