| Backups - Backing up your data to an external disc or | | | | If for example your machine was infected with a virus |
| other medium is a basic backup method that provides | | | | or spyware and an open connection out to the |
| you a copy of your data. Using either a hard drive, CD, | | | | internet, the virus could travel freely out to other |
| DVD, Tape or DLT along with backup software will | | | | computers on the internet. This could lead to your IP |
| allow you to retrieve data in the event of systems | | | | address being "Blacklisted" for services like outbound |
| failure or accidental deletion. | | | | email. |
| Off site Backups - I recommend performing off site | | | | System Firewalls - Many operating systems (MAC, |
| backups in addition to your on site backups. Off site | | | | Windows XP and VIsta) offer a software firewall |
| backups allow you to backup your crucial data at an | | | | included in the operating system. Enable these to |
| offside location. This provides additional protection in | | | | provide additional security to your system. |
| the event of damage to the location of your systems | | | | Passwords - Be sure to set up passwords on your |
| and backups. For basic home or small office backups | | | | accounts and resources. Use a combination of |
| DropBox Offers free and low priced automated | | | | uppercase, lowercase, numerals and special |
| backups. For Business backups, including database and | | | | characters to strengthen the password. |
| application data, I recommend using onlinebackupvault. | | | | RAID - Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks are |
| Use coupon code "OBVOOLF" for a 5% discount on | | | | often used in business systems and protect against |
| their services. | | | | disk failure. By combining multiple disks in an Array, you |
| Anti Virus - I recommend that All Microsoft Operating | | | | reduce the risk of losing your data with a single hard |
| Systems (Windows) be protected with an Anti-Virus | | | | drive loss. As hard drives have gone down in price, |
| platform. Be sure to keep the anti-virus signature files | | | | RAID is now more accessible for personal and small |
| up to date, and schedule regular full system scans. | | | | business use. Whereas backups are generally a |
| Anti Spyware - In addition to Anti-Virus package, I | | | | snapshot in time, RAID is a real time copy of your |
| recommend downloading Microsoft Defender, free on | | | | data. |
| the Microsoft Website. Defender will schedule update | | | | Wireless Security - If you have any important data on |
| and scans in its default setup. I usually complement it | | | | your wireless network, be sure to implement wireless |
| with occasional scans using Adaware or Spybot | | | | encryption on your router and computers. You can |
| Search and Destroy | | | | further secure your wireless environment by hiding the |
| Network Firewalls - Most consumer routers (wired and | | | | SSID and setting up MAC address restrictions, to |
| wireless) are equipped with a firewall. A firewall allows | | | | prevent unauthorized use of your network. |
| you to allow and disallow different types of data from | | | | UPDATE! - Be sure to keep your operating system, |
| entering or leaving your network. By default, most | | | | applications and Anti-Virus updated. New viruses and |
| firewalls will allow no traffic into your network, while | | | | vulnerabilities are released daily. By keeping current, |
| allowing all traffic out of your network. By limiting the | | | | you reduce your risk of being exploited. |
| types of traffic allowed out of your network, you are | | | | I hope you enjoyed these tips. Have a security tip to |
| proving additional protection to your data and systems. | | | | share? Pplease comment on the blog. |