Security is about much more than firewalls and anti-virus. It’s a process which requires constant monitoring and which everyone in the business should be alert to
We’re all aware of the security threats that transacting business electronically can potentially introduce. As your business grows remain conscious of security issues and check that strict anti-virus, firewall and password protocols are being met. Monitor and review them constantly to ensure you comply with data protection, while continuing to provide the best possible client service.
If you fail to put in place adequate security measures you are not acting in the best interests of your company or its shareholders.
Remember, security is a process and the more people you involve in it the more effective it will be. Be aware of what your critical assets are. Look at what you are trying to protect, what you need to protect it from, determine how likely the threats are, and then implement measures which will protect your assets cost effectively.Review the process continuously, and improve things every time a weakness is found.
As new ways of conducting business emerge, so do new security risks. Threats can take many forms and no single solution will counter all of them.
These days valuable online assets will include customer records, proprietary trade secrets or access to critical systems which must be protected against attack and misuse. You should value, prioritise and protect anything in your company that carries or houses information – such as networks, servers, desktops and databases – and provides access to the corporate network from outside the company via mobile systems and remote offices.
Ultimately though, security management can be a complex, often confusing process. It takes an experienced security professional – and typically not an IT manager – to generate the best results. CEOs today cannot work in isolation,they need to set up and develop teams of trusted individuals to protect their businesses.
The conflict between users’ easy access to information and the need to protect and secure corporate information is obvious. Information security means more than simply providing passwords and data encryption. Most experts agree that effective information security consists of meeting the goals of confidentiality,integrity, and availability.
It’s difficult getting the balance between making systems extremely secure and making them usable. You’re never going to get the perfect solution. But establishing a clearly defined contingency plan will go some way towards building confidence within your company and those with whom you do business
