Protecting your computer network
Computer networks are a now essential item of many workplaces but a lot are still neglecting to adequately protect their networks from the threats of malware.
Any firms involved with network support (Gloucestershire , Hampshire and Essex for example) would advise companies to invest in high-quality anti-virus protection, yet many believe their budget will be better spent elsewhere. In fact, a recent study by IT security company FireEye suggested that 99 per cent of businesses remain under threat despite many having invested in some form of protection.
Many are unaware of the seriousness of the threats posed by cyber-criminals and the damage that certain attacks could do to a business. This article explores how likely a business is to become victims of cyber-criminals and the damage it could cause.
How likely is a business to be infected
There are literally tens of thousands of pieces of new malicious software being created by cyber-criminals every single day. Viruses can enter a computer network through just one member opening a spam email, entering an unsafe website or following a malicious link. Even if the workplace is full of savvy surfers, cyber-criminals can still get access to any networks with even a slight fault in their security systems.
Business owners adopting an ‘it won’t happen to me’ attitude are behaving rather naively to put it mildly.
What damage can be caused
Many computer viruses are created with the aim of making profit for the creators. Spyware allows hackers to gain sensitive details stored on networks such as bank details, email address, user names or passwords and use it for their own gain. This could cause a financial loss for an employee, a business or their customers.
Other pieces of malware can stop a network from functioning properly causing a business to cease trading as productively as they could. Again, this could result in a financial loss.
Anti-virus software should be seen as an investment, not an expense. It can save businesses a lot of money and lot of embarrassment.
Posted by a guest blogger