Software threats are malicious pieces of computer code and applications that can damage your computer and steal your personal or financial information as well. For this reason, these dangerous programs are often called malware (“malicious software”).
A security breach resulting from a system’s programming error can place important business information into the hands of unauthorized users, severely damaging the organization’s credibility and placing the company in breach of a privacy regulation. To reduce the risks of loss resulting from inadequate or failed internal processes, people or systems, and external events (operational risks), internal auditors can help organizations in implementing a risk analysis process that classifies software vulnerabilities and measures the benefits of removing software defects.
These tips can help you ensure that your system and business are properly protected:
- Identify your weaknesses. Your protection is only as strong as your weakest point. So, review how your company and your clients access your network. Make sure every entry point is secured with passwords and encryption.
- Install anti-virus software. Many Internet service providers supply them with your agreement but if they don’t, invest in a trusted anti-virus program to prevent malware attacks on your system.
- Install perimeter security solutions. Three types of network perimeter securities are there:
- Firewall – Prevents unauthorized Internet users from accessing your private network
- Intrusion Detection System – Monitors and reports on threats to your network
- Intrusion Prevention Program – Stops threats as well as reports on them
Installing a firewall can easily be done without professional assistance, however he more stringent intrusion detection and prevention solutions typically require in-house or third-party IT expertise.
- Use a spam filter. You can either buy a dedicated appliance or outsource spam filtering to an online service provider. The software option is typically more budget-friendly, but online services are more effective for higher volumes of emails.
- Backup your important data. Identify the vital data you need to protect then, choose data solution to be online or offline to ensure the security and availability of your critical business information. Test your solutions regularly with a backup schedule.
- Encrypt your files, hard drives and backup disks. Encryption of your hardware and data, allows access to only people with a valid password. It’s a necessary step.
- Set up a virtual private network (VPN). A VPN, protects team members working from home or on the road using Wi-Fi in public from security threats.
- Automate security updates. Your computer will always operate on the latest form of software and anti-virus program.
- Restrict total access. Restrict all team members from universal access to every part of your network. Protect sensitive files and databases with passwords known only to key people.
- Monitor network traffic. Install software or hardware to guard on who’s visiting which sites and which of your computers they use.
- Review your security periodically. Your security software/service vendor websites can keep you aware of new threats and improved solutions. Growth in business needs new security measures.
- Don’t host your business website. Consider using a website hosting service that takes care of your website’s security and provides redundancy, which will allow your website to be properly restored if attacked.
- Educate your team about your security policy. Create a company policy that guidelines actions your employees should and shouldn’t take online and ensure everyone knows what’s expected.