Quick Tips For Securing Your Computer System
As technology has advanced more and more people have become computer savvy. While some use computers only for emails and games many are using their computers for everything from communication to online banking and investing to shopping. Security of our computers has now become a huge problem as well an enormous market potential. Learn how to secure your computer today and you will rest easier tonight.
It seems there are hackers, crackers, spies, and viruses at every turn. Some only want to learn about your personal preferences in order that they can possibly sell something to you in the future, but others may want to phish your personal information and identity for resale. Still others simply just want to use your computer as a platform to be used to attack other unsuspecting targets. Below you will find a few tips and easy, free, or low-cost steps you can take to help secure your computer.
1. The golden rule of computers is to have backup copies of all important information stored in a safe place; that safe place must be separate from your computer. This includes passwords, usernames, etc.
2. Update and patch your operating system, web browser and software frequently. If you have a Windows operating system, start by going to www.Updates-Free.com and click the download button. This program, ErrorSmart will scan your computer system, detect and correct problems like spyware infections, failed, stalled or interrupted installations, and your PC performance can be improved by as much as 70%.
3. A good firewall is essential in protection from viruses, worms, Trojans, malware and adware. Without a firewall all of those culprits can easily access your computer from the Internet. Careful research should be done prior to the selection of your firewall as some are better than others.
4. Check out your browser settings. I suggest that you set the Internet Zone to High and Your Trusted Sites to Medium.
5. You definitely need an anti-virus software. Again, you will need to do some research. Some of these programs only filter some viruses. Be sure to set your software for automatic updates so you will always have the most current version available.
6. Use filters on your email settings. Do not open mail from unknown addresses or senders. Viruses may be attached.
7. You know the cute little poems, jokes and stories that peoples send from computer to computer? Oftentimes they contain a Trojan horse waiting to infect a computer. Do not be a part of that. Avoid opening those if possible and definitely do not forward them.
8. The Windows systems is automatically designed to hide file extensions for known file types. You should disable the hidden filename extensions. Disable hidden filename extensions. This will enable you to be more likely to see any unusual file extensions that do not belong.
9. This will probably sound strange to you and I admit, I do not always practice this one myself; it is wise to turn off your computer and disconnect from the network when not using it. Your computer would be hacker safe during that time period.
10. This could be your life saver some day, make a boot disk in case your computer is damaged or compromised by a malicious program. Computers crash all the time. Viruses are rampant. Do not be caught off guard! Take this step now and you will be prepared if that dreaded incident ever occurs!
With those ten quick tips you should be well on your way to a more secure computer. Protect your computer and the information you have stored there. Your identity and much more is at stake!
Want to know if your computer is infected? Scan your PC for free by following this link: http://www.FitInsidenOut.com/PCProtect.html
Debbie Allen is a writer, internet marketer (visit: http://www.InternetDivaDeb.com) and personal coach.
Understanding The Differences Of Adware, Spyware And Anti-Viruses
If you are like me you understand that Adware, spyware and computer viruses are all bad for your computer but you do not really know the differences between them. Until recently all I knew was that I wanted my computer to run efficiently and do what I wanted when I wanted it to.
I really was not too concerned with anything else. That is, until I started having problems, big problems! Not only was my computer running slower but it was freezing up! I was told by different people that I needed to try to locate where I had downloaded my problem.
I began reading about the three possible culprits, Adware, Spyware, and Anti-viruses. I found out that Spyware is software that does not harm your computer, at least not intentionally. Spyware creates pathways in which someone other than the computer owner can communicate with the computer.
The normal function of Spyware is to record the various types of websites that you visit; this information is used by web advertisers. Of course they will be sending you unwanted emails and pop-ups. So essentially Spyware is not good but it does not harm your computer.
That is your word of warning, avoid Spyware whenever possible! As the name implies, Spyware actually have their own programs that allow them to record your keystrokes, scan your files, look at applications you use, and even your Web browser settings. What an invasion of privacy! In some cases the Spyware author may even sell this information to advertisers or other parties, thinking nothing of taking such liberties with your information!
So how do you know if your computer is infected with Spyware? One clue may be that it suddenly slows downs. This slow down effect would be very noticeable. Other signs include pop-up ads that are not related to the site you are viewing, very often they are ads for adult content. Your basic desktop may take longer than usual to load. If you notice any of this I suggest that you scan your system immediately
Let us talk about Adware now. Adwares are often legitimate forms of freeware. However, you need to be aware that adwares are advertising materials which are pre-packaged into a software or program. This means that the advertisements are installed automatically when the particular software or program is added to the computer application.
Okay, now for the worst of the three, the dreaded computer virus. Computer viruses can be very destructive. That is what they are designed for. I have no idea what pleasure the creator gets from that but none the less that is the purpose. Just as with a human virus, a computer virus infects as many of the applications and components of the computer that it comes into contact with as it initiates self-replication. But it does not stop there; a computer virus can be passed from one computer to another and another, that is how you got it, right?
There are many products available today that offer protection for your computer. But even those products do not insure your complete protection. Some only provide Spyware and Adware scanning and others claim to focus on particular computer viruses. It is wise to scan your computer often. Use a good protection system, including a firewall system.
Want to know if your computer is infected? Scan your PC for free by following this link: http://www.FitInsidenOut.com/PCProtect.html
Debbie Allen is a writer, internet marketer (visit: http://www.InternetDivaDeb.com) and personal coach.
A Few Important Tips About Computer Security
Having a computer at home and being connected to the World Wide Web may be convenient, but it also posesses a threat to your computer security. Computer security can be annoying and devastating in the worst of cases. So it is important for every computer user to know the real score about computer security and the risks involved.
There are many destructive elements lurking on the net and many have been victimized by these vicious attacks. The most common attacks are from viruses, spyware and adware. These elements can penetrate your computer without you knowing it. The can be passed from users as email attachments, bogus links and websites.
In order for your computer to be protected, you need to take counter measures as early as possible. By having your computer protected before you get connected to the net, you can minimize and zero out infiltration from these harmful elements.
Basic To-Do Tips to Enforce Computer Security
Here are just a few basic tips to ensure computer security.
1. Turn on your firewall immediately after purchasing your computer and before connecting to the internet. This is a crucial step that you have to take in order to initiate computer security. Your computer’s operating system comes with a firewall; turn that on before anything else. Although a firewall may sound secure enough, you also need backup to strengthen your computer’s security.
2. Install an anti virus program. You can avail a free anti virus program from the computer retailer and then later replace it with a more updated and potent version from the net. Make sure that your anti virus program runs live every time you are connected on the net to allow regular updates. And download anti virus program/s from popular reputable sites.
3. Install an anti spyware/malware/adware program. You can also ask your computer retailer for a free copy and you may download from a legitimate site afterwards. Make sure the anti spyware runs live and updates regularly.
4. Avoid opening emails and attachments from suspicious senders. Usually spam emails send links, photos and other sorts of attachments that may carry viruses. Whatever you do, avoid these emails and delete them immediately.
5. Avoid surfing suspicious websites. Porn sites are usually one of the hideous carriers of viruses and adware. Avoid surfing from these sites to prevent virus or adware infestation.
6. Always scan diskettes, CDs and devices you insert to your CPU before accessing them. Devices that have been used from other computers could contract viruses and can pass them to your computer when you use them without prior scanning. Always remember to scan them first to be sure.
Computer security can be achieved and enforced but it should start from you, the user. It is imperative that you do check your computer from time to time and do regular maintenance management to ensure that your computer is free from these harmful elements.
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Does Your Business Need to Be PCI DSS Compliant?
Despite increasingly heightened security by merchants and service providers, credit and debit card fraud is still on the rise. Perpetrators are using even more sophisticated methods of infiltration to access sensitive payment card information. The financial cost of fraud to any sized corporation can be huge and the price of preventing it is vast.
Any company which stores, processes or transmits payment card data bearing the logo of the five major payment companies has to comply with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS). These five companies include American Express, Discover, JCB, MasterCard and Visa. These standards were devised in 2004 to provide a common set of industry tools for the storage of payment card data in order to prevent, detect, and react to security incidents.
As well as merchants or banking institutions, compliance is required by any third party who accepts or processes payment cards. This includes call centres who receive cardholder data which they are unable to delete. If merchants use payment gateways to process transactions on their behalf, compliance is not required but they must ensure contractual obligation from the third party that they comply with PCI DSS and are responsible for the security of cardholder data.
Fines for non-compliance or security breaches can be huge, reaching $500,000. High profile cases involving huge corporations have hit the headlines. Some card brands have threatened huge fines against larger merchants of up to $25,000 per month until compliance is obtained. In severe cases, they have even threatened to remove the ability to process credit card payments, which could be economically fatal for any merchant.
While Visa reports that the majority of security breaches occur in small enterprises, any company that stores, processes, or transmits card information has to comply with a strict set of guidelines. Although intended to create a global standard which protects both consumers and corporations alike, these guidelines can be time consuming, costly, and complex to implement. Corporations that require PCI DSS compliance are prevented from storing sensitive credit card information, including security codes, track data from the magnetic strip, and PIN numbers. Information which can be stored includes credit card numbers, expiration dates and customer details, but the method of storage needs to meet certain requirements.
How to obtain PCI DSS compliance
The recommended first step to obtaining compliance is to hire the services of a Quality Security Assessor, who can advise on steps needed to reach compliance as well as completing the official assessments required. Smaller companies that process less than 80,000 transactions per year are permitted to complete a self-assessment questionnaire.
Compliance covers 6 areas of security:
1. Construction and maintenance of a secure network – including installation of a firewall to protect cardholder data
2. Protection of cardholder data – including encryption during data transmission
3. Vulnerability management – with regular updates of anti-virus software
4. Access control – to prevent and restrict access to sensitive data
5. Regular monitoring and testing of networks
6. Maintenance of an information security policy
The latest updated guidelines for PCI DSS are due for release in October 2008.
The benefits of PCI DSS compliance
- Protection from PCI related fines if compliant at the time of breach
- Increased customer confidence in data protection
- Advice on how to remediate any data security risks
- Advice on how to prevent service providers from putting your business at risk from data security
- Increased protection from fraudsters
- Protection from unwanted negative media attention
With this said, there is no question as to why PCI compliant is as important as it is. It both protects the consumer and the merchant, making transactions considerably safer than they would be otherwise.
Managed Hosting provider for companies with applications that demand the highest levels of security and availability. We are SAS 70, and CICA 5970 certified.
How to Erase a Hard Disk Drive Permanently
A hard disk drive also known as hard drive or hard disk is a non-volatile storage device, which has the facility to stock up digitally encoded data on rapidly rotating platters and magnetic surfaces. Its design consists of a spindle which can hold one or more flat circular disks known as platters, onto which the data is recorded. It has the ability to store data more than floppy disk drives and can also access and transmit data at faster pace.
Today, the boost in disk space and access speeds of hard disk drive have further facilitated the marketable viability of clients products that need great storage capacities, like digital audio players and video recorders. However, the main problem that we are coming across is erasing data or files from hard disk permanently. Most of us think that erasing files and emptying the Recycle Bin will help in permanently get rid of those files. In fact, in most of the cases Recycle Bin tells that emptying the Recycle Bin will permanently remove items. But this statement is totally incorrect.
You have to understand even after emptying the Recycle Bin, the files can be easily recovered by data recovery programs. Making the best use of delete key on actually removes the shortcuts to the files and makes them undetectable to users. Deleted files still reside on the hard drive and a rapid Google search will automatically show options for system recovery software will further allow to restore that data. Apart from erasing the files or data from hard drive, many people also consider that the effective way to erase hard drive data is by formatting the hard drive.
Though formatting the hard drive is somewhat secure than just erasing the files, but you should also note that formatting a disk does erase only the address tables. It makes it much more difficult to recover the files. However a computer specialist would be able to recover most or all the data that was on the disk before the reformat. Disk Wiping is the next new technique that is gaining its popularity these days. Disk wiping is a new secure method and ensure that data, including individually licensed softwares on your computer and storage devices is irrecoverably deleted before recycling.
Disk wiping is better method in comparison to erasing files or formatting the hard drive, because this method basically overwrites your entire hard drive with data, several times and once you format your hard drive, you may find it impossible to get back the data which was present on the drive before the overwrite. Though disk wiping algorithms vary from product to product, they usually write the entire disk with a number (zero or one) and then a reformat is required.
Today, there are many products available in the market that you can purchase or download to perform secure disk wipes. Moreover, the three free programs that are gaining recognition for erasing data from your hard drive are:
(1) Darik’s Boot and Nuke: This is an application that you can install on a bootable floppy or CD Rom. Boot and Nuke uses several methods to wipe the data on your drive to an unrecoverable state. With the facility to delete the contents of any hard disk that it detects, makes this application a suitable utility for urgent situation data destruction.
(2) Eraser: This is next famous software and does a great work of cleaning your hard drive by removing all magnetic and solid state memory. It is an advanced security tool, which further allows you to entirely remove sensitive data by overwriting it several times with carefully selected patterns.
(3) KillDisk Free Edition: This software supports a variety of wipping options using advanced algorythms that pass NSA standards. There are both windows and dos versions available.
Now once one of these procedures is completed the drive is ready to be given away without fear of privacy invasion or fraud. These tools provide full confidence about your deleted sensitive personal information that is unrecoverable. In addition to this it also provide easy to comprehend and secure and affable graphical user interface GUI for permanent data removal.
Finally if you are still uncertain or want to ensure that deleted files are permanently gone, employ a file deletion management system. Today there are many file deletion programs designed to spot and permanently purge your computer of previously deleted files. These solutions initially scan a computer, find traces of previously erased data and finally remove discarded data including e-mail messages.
This article is distributed by MDofPC LLC MDofPC Custom Computers and Download Software
Oh No! You Have A Computer Virus
Computer Viruses are everyone’s great fear. It’s especially horrible for someone who works from their home computer to get a virus. When you get a virus, which is a small software program, your computer will not operate properly. Maybe not right away, it could slowly corrupt or even delete data that is on your computer. Your e-mail program may spread this nasty virus to others on your e-mail list. Some viruses will actual e-mail to everyone on your list, thus spreading it without your knowledge. Viruses can even delete all the data on your hard drive.
To get a computer virus there are several ways, it could come in an e-mail message, or even over whatever instant messenger service you are using. This said don’t ever open up an e-mail that has an attachment unless you know who the message is from. That attachment is very likely a computer virus just waiting to get a hold of your computer and trash it. A virus may come as images, card, or even audio or video files. You know those downloads you can get from the internet, while they very likely could be a virus. Or if your someone who downloads pirated software you might want to watch out those people who have those files up there, you don’t know, they could be sending you a virus.
Symptoms of a computer virus are as follows:
Your computer could be sluggish and running slower.
Your computer may lock up, or just stop responding frequently.
If your computer restarts every few minutes after crashing.
If your computer just restarts on it’s own without crashing.
Your applications that are on your computer are not working properly.
Your disk drives come up as inaccessible.
Printing an item does not work properly.
Your getting unusual error messages.
Menus and dialog boxes are distorted.
An attachment shows two extensions instead the normal one.
Your anti-virus program isn’t working, and can’t be started.
If your trying to install a new anti-virus program you can get it to run.
New icons are showing on your desktop that you didn’t add.
Music or sounds come from your speakers without you doing anything.
Programs disappear without you removing them.
If you think your computer might be infected get the latest anti-virus software. The problems listed above may occur for other reasons, such as hardware problems. You need to get an anti-virus software to find out if these problems are caused by viruses or other problems.
You may also have gotten a worm or a Trojan horse via e-mail, following are the symptoms that you may see:
The file may make copies of itself, thus taking up all your free space on your e-mail server.
The file is sent to all your contacts in your address book.
The virus may delete files and programs from your hard drive.
Pirated software may be installed by the virus.
Security will be reduced by the virus.
You get a message with an odd attachment DO NOT OPEN.
A friend tells you they got a weird message from you, but you didn’t send one.
To fix a virus that is on your computer, follow the steps below:
You will need to install all updates from Microsoft.
Get the latest anti-virus software and install it on your computer, run a full scan.
Get Microsoft’s Malicious Software Removal Tool and install it on your computer.
These steps should free your computer of any viruses you might have, and after that is done just be careful of what you download and open in e-mail.
Fortunately, by updating the computer and by using antivirus tools, you can help permanently remove unwanted software.
Check out this windows xp registry cleaner to see the benefits you get by using this software on your computer.
Understanding Spyware and How to Deal with The Devil
Are you worried about viruses harming your computer? Are you worried that some people will steal your information? Does the pop up advertisements appear in your computer for no apparent reason? If you are worried about viruses, you need to be worried about spyware as well. If you do not want people stealing your information and you hate pop up advertisements that appear in your computer, you must hate spyware.
However, spyware enters your computer without you intending to install it. To help you avoid the damages spyware can do for you, you will need to read on. In this article, we will help you understand spyware and will help you deal with it.
What is spyware?
Spyware is computer software that installs in your computer without you knowing it. It may affect and intercept your interactions with your computer. It may also direct you to advertisements that you do not intend to go to. Pop up advertisements may also irritate you, as it will continually pop up without you doing anything.
Spyware is spying in your computer. It may send your profile and credit card information to third parties. It may intercept your interaction with your computer. It is not a virus but it can harm you more than a computer virus can. What do you think will people do with your credit card number?
Where does spyware come from?
Spyware takes a ride in freeware or shareware. Thus, if you install a freeware or a shareware, you may be installing with it a spyware. You may be agreeing to the installation by agreeing on the online agreement to install a freeware.
Spyware may also hide behind websites that you visit. By clicking a pop up advertisement, spyware may install in your computer automatically.
This is specially so if you do not have firewall or if your computer setting is not set to high.
You will also be unable to detect spyware if you do not have anti-spyware software in your computer.
How to remove spyware?
If you notice toolbar changes or that you receive many pop up advertisements in your computer, chances are you have a spyware working behind your computer.
To remove spyware, you will need anti-spyware software. Check out reputable software developers and get from them anti-spyware software. Reputable software developers will have a safeguard that spyware is not in its set up. You will need this to ensure that you will be able to avoid the damages spyware can do to your computer.
Some anti-spyware software are actually spyware installation program, do not fall trap in this by only buying your software from reputable developers.
How to avoid spyware installation?
Avoid downloading shareware or freeware. As spyware may be riding on them.
Do not open email attachments from people you do not know. Mere opening these spam mails may install spyware in your computer.
Install a firewall in your computer to protect it from spyware auto-installation.
Install anti-spyware software, it will detect spyware and avoid its installation to your computer.
Spyware may harm you by slowing down your computer, it may also cause offensive pop ups in your computer. Worse, it can steal your information including your credit card number.
Avoid this by ensuring that your computer is free of spyware. You may also set your browser’s internet setting to high. This will help avoid auto-installation of unwanted software.
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What is a Managed Service Provider?
A managed service provider is a company that makes a business of taking care of the business applications or services that other companies wish to outsource for a variety of reasons. Many of these services are provided via the internet and cover such tasks as IT services, remote data backup, desktop and security monitoring, and technical assistance. It is also common for a managed services provider to also manage a companys web hosting and maintain their websites.
However, managed hosting is perhaps the most common function of many managed services provider. The provider bills the business they are providing the services for a fixed amount on a monthly basis. They provide IT services that would otherwise be provided in-house by existing or additional staff. They backup any data that is on the website and any data offered by customers visiting the website to provide security as well as to benefit the business in the event of a website crash.
The protection of customer data is important in order to maintain your customer database and allow you to stay in touch with those that drive your business. The managed services provider also continuously monitors the website in order to prevent security breaches. That way if there is a security breach, the managed services provider can rectify the issue right then and there. The managed services provider is also there to provide any technical assistance to the business or the customer if any issues arise out of the web hosting.
Managed services providers can provide a wide range of services to the business they serve. MSPs are a great solution for businesses that are looking to go outside their company for services while simultaneously increasing efficiency within their organization. Additional tasks that they perform include managed remote access, network monitoring, network management, scanning for vulnerabilities, firewall management, securing the e-mail and messaging system, tracking incidents, and server management; Just to name a few of the many tasks companies may consider outsourcing when hiring a managed services provider.
Benefits to the business
A managed services provider takes many tasks off of the hands of the business. In fact, the different payment models that managed services providers make available to the businesses that they serve is usually cheaper than having to hire one or two full-time employees to take care of these tasks or having existing employees add these tasks to their work loads. There may be times in which issues come about and those employees must focus on the managed hosting while putting their other job responsibilities on the backburner. However, some managed hosting operations are so large that it takes a number of employees to manage the system and everything that comes with it. This avoids having to pay higher salaries, additional salaries, training costs, and prevents staff members from being overworked. When resources are scarce managed service providers are an efficient and cost effective alternative.
Another benefit is that a managed services provider focuses on the task at hand because their job is to manage services for the business so that the business can focus on customer satisfaction, monitor costs better, save money by not having to manage their managed hosting, protect vital information, and focus on making the applications satisfactory for the customer. MSPs have no additional tasks to focus on apart from ensuring the success of their clients managed hosting.
Overall benefits
So the overall benefits are quite obvious in terms of convenience and cost. Managed service providers are third parties whose sole purpose as it relates to your business is to manage the service that is outsourced to them. They have the ability to be single minded while freeing up the resources of their clients so that they can focus on customer service. Successful managed hosting means the business can be more profitable and the consumers view of their business will be one of trust and satisfaction.
Fully Managed Hosting with complete end-to-end management of your mission-critical data will help your business achieve more up time culminating in greater revenues and success. Managed IT solutions will provide the service, hardware, ensure the care of data back-up and recovery; ensure complete security; and fully manage the operating system, web, and database application infrastructures, all for your convenience.
Outsourcing Your Managed Hosting: What Should You Consider?
It is true that many companies fall into a trap when they decide to try to manage their own hosting. They may try to use employees already on staff and find that these employees are spending all of their time with the managed hosting instead of their regular duties. Then again, the business may have to hire additional employees. This means that more wages have to be paid. So here we have two situations that shows work being sacrificed in one area and the business having to pay out more money to pay the new salaries. How can this be avoided?
This is the point where the business may consider outsourcing their managed hosting. This is where you can make sure your employees are doing the job that they are hired to do and the company you are outsourcing to may not be quite as expensive as having to hire one or more full-time employees to manage your hosting.
Here are some things to consider:
- Consider the fact that by outsourcing your managed hosting, the outsource supplier is the one who will be carrying the risks. This means that they are going to do all that they can to make sure everything stays up and running and that everything is secure.
- Your company does not have to fit the bill for equipment costs if you run servers on your own property. You are using the servers of the IT Company that you hire to take care of your managed hosting. This is another area in which you can save money.
- Your company can stay up on the most up-to-date technology. The company you have outsourced to relies on staying up with the latest technology, which means that your business will follow in that respect.
- Since environmental issues are taking shape this day and age, many IT companies are employing practices that are more favorable to the environment.
- Know that they will do all they can to keep everything up and running. If you have ever noticed, the press covers huge outages and that can hurt a reputation. Most of all, it can hurt the IT Companys reputation if the problem is traced back to them. Chances are they are managing the managed hosting of more than one company and that can cause a huge problem. These IT Companies employ methods that will keep them up and running even if the world around them is not.
As you can see, there are some things to consider when outsourcing your managed hosting. Smaller businesses may have to evaluate these items more thoroughly because outsourcing may be a big price to pay for them. Larger businesses, on the other hand, may have never imagined that they would fully outsource their managed hosting and other IT operations. However, the more affordable and practical it becomes, the more businesses are outsourcing such operations so that they can keep their minds on the task at hand and not worry about the technical aspect of it.
That is why there are so many businesses that are finding success. They rely on the security of an IT outsource company to take care of their websites and other technical aspects so that they can focus on wooing their customers and keeping the money coming in faster than ever.
In the end, you end up with an efficient company that is at the top of their game. At that point, outsourcing their managed hosting may seem like a drop in the bucket compared to what it used to be. That makes looking at outsourced managed hosting something to consider.
Fully Managed Hosting with complete end-to-end management of your mission-critical data will help your business achieve more up time culminating in greater revenues and success. Managed IT services will provide the service, hardware, ensure the care of data back-up and recovery; ensure complete security; and fully manage the operating system, web, and database application infrastructures, all for your convenience.
Top 10 Security Features Data Centers Should Have: Protect your information
A data center is an outside location that houses equipment and information that is used for your business. This information or equipment can be accessed from a remote location. Many businesses use a data center, especially when customer information must be retrieved. This is especially true with customer service centers. When you call with a question or problem, you may get a different call center each time. However, they are able to pull up the same information every single time. This is because they are pulling that information from a data center. This allows for retrieval of information from all authorized parties at any time, which also results in consistency.
With such access, this may make one wonder how secure a data center really is. All of this information is being transferred to and from using a computer can seem somewhat dangerous, especially since much of the information is very sensitive.
That is why it is important that each data center be equipped with top-of-the-line security features that protect that information:
1. Encryption: Encryption is a code that cannot be cracked. The information is transferred in this encrypted form that only the computer it is going to can decipher. The information that leaves the computer is once again encrypted to be stored in the data center. This is what prevents a lot of the information that is going back and from being stolen by hackers.
2. Password protection: It is important for the password to remain protected. If the password is entered incorrectly, then it is important to have a security feature that locks someone out after three attempts. This prevents someone from intruding and in order to unlock it, they must answer a security question.
3. Individual security: This is when each individual receives their own username and password to access the data center. This means the encryption key for each user is unique.
4. Redundant power: A data center that runs on redundant power is one that is going to survive such incidents as blackouts. This means they are running from separate sources of electricity and they also have backup generators. That way, if the power goes out there and not at your facility, youre still in business.
5. Verification at each end: Every single time a file is written to disk at the data center, their integrity is verified. They are verified each time they are written to the disk. If verification fails, it is transmitted to an identical server.
6. Protocol security: Protocols such as HTTP are vulnerable to hackers, so a secure data security system uses one that hackers do not target.
7. Firewalls: The firewall that is used should be similar to those used on home computers so that the business can connect with backup software and not be locked out.
8. Restricting remote access: This only limits access to certain IP addresses. This is so someone cannot access the data center from another location when they arent supposed to.
9. Virus protection: Viruses come in all shapes and sizes and the data center must be protected as well. Virus protection keeps the data center virus free.
10. 128-bit Secure Socket Layer (SSL): This is what you want to see to make sure information is not retrieved or corrupted in any way.
So if youre looking for a data center that can make your business as successful as you want it to be, these are ten security features that you can look for that will make a large difference in how securely you do business. You can also confidently ensure your customers that their information is safe.
Fully Managed Hosting with complete end-to-end management of your mission-critical data will help your business achieve more up time culminating in greater revenues and success. Managed IT services will provide the service, hardware, ensure the care of data back-up and recovery; ensure complete security; and fully manage the operating system, web, and database application infrastructures, all for your convenience.