If your business is using a server then you will have no doubt realised that it’s at the centre of all your IT in your business. So it’s essential that you protect it as you would any other 
valuable item.
So here’s a question for you! Have you ever considered whether your server is really safe from external and internal threats?
It would be very easy to answer “of course it’s safe” and move on to the next important thing on your list.
However, hackers are becoming more and more sophisticated, and you can have extra security without having to spend a fortune. In fact depending on what you already have it may be that it costs you nothing!
It may be that you have good controls in place and therefore don’t feel the need to consider what may happen. Take a minute to think about all the data you have stored and what it would do to your business if it became compromised. How would your customers react to knowing that the data you hold about them may be in the wrong hands or that you can’t meet their requests because your systems are not available?
What would you do if your server was attacked and as a result was unavailable for a day, 2 days or even a week? My guess is that it would go beyond being annoying. Once your server has been hacked it’s then possible to damage your whole network.
If you want to ensure your business is protected, make sure you protect your server.
So what steps can you take? It’s worth considering the following steps:
- Protect your server – consider using a firewall to protect external access to your server
- Internet security – ensure you have a good antivirus and antispam software installed on the server, desktops and laptops. Make sure the software you use is set to regularly update itself.
- Backup your data – Backup your data on a daily basis and keep the copies off-site, away from the office
- Secure the server – If possible keep the server in its own room or in a server cabinet. If neither of these options are possible then keep it away from risks of drinks being spilt on it or from being kicked/knocked.
- Staff guidelines – Provide your staff with guidelines on acceptable use of the internet
- Remove old logons – when staff leave your employment make sure you disable their logon accounts
- Wi-Fi password – if you’re using Wi-Fi make sure you secure access to it with a password
- Seek guidance – If you don’t feel that you can confidently protect all aspects then consider contacting an IT specialist. You are best off selecting a specialist who is Microsoft certified.
A small investment could safeguard your business and your data.
If you need any advice then please contact me at david@bgcit.co.uk
Problem free computing will be a reality.
