Small Business Computer Security, the Basics

By Jarrett M. Pavao

Anyone in business today realizes both the natural dependency on computers in the workplace, and also the potential dangers associated with storing important data on them. Today's business owners are constantly being reminded that their company's data is at risk by the daily reports on various news stations, or even their favorite business-related website.

But what can a typical small business owner do to protect their network from these threats that are broadcast in so many ways? Dangers lurk at every turn on the Internet. There are thousands of attacks or areas of security that could be discussed, but I am going to try and focus on three general nuisances associated with today's computers: viruses, spy-ware, and traditional "hackers" that will intentionally try to exploit your computer systems for various reasons. All of these attacks, although different, serve a specific purpose for the attacker, yet basically translate into three things for a business: lost productivity, lost data, and the end result--lost money.

After the jump are brief descriptions of what the aforementioned attacks are, consist of, and what a typical small business can do to protect their technology investments.

Page 2: Types of Attacks and How to Fight 'Em
Page 3: Battling Spyware: Keep Their Eyes Off
Page 4: Why Hackers Do What They Do