Seven Tips For Cyber Security

May 1, 2007 12:00 PM

           

The National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA), Washington, D.C., has called on small businesses to fight “security apathy.” The non-profit organization, which promotes cyber security awareness and education, warns that hackers and identity thieves are increasingly targeting small businesses.

According to the NCSA, a recent FBI study found that 90 percent of small businesses had suffered at least one cyber-security incident within the past year, yet most small businesses are not doing enough to protect their businesses or customers. “Even though small businesses recognize the need to make cyber-security a priority, many are intimidated by the perceived resources needed to implement the right security plan,” says Ron Teixeira, executive director of the NCSA.

The NCSA has seven tips to help small businesses secure their networks and computer systems. The organization's Web site advises small businesses to take these precautions:

1. ENSURE that employees use effective passwords and, when possible, stronger authentication technology

2. INSTALL and use antivirus, anti-spyware and firewalls on all computers throughout the business

3. KEEP all software up to date with the most recent patches

4. MAKE weekly back-ups of important data/information

5. CREATE a contingency plan to recover after an emergency

6. PROTECT customer data from hackers and thieves using encryption

7. REPORT Internet crime to local law enforcement agencies, the FBI, Secret Service or state attorney general's offices.

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