Tag Archives: business security

Cybersecurity matters

It’s unusual now to watch a newscast or read a paper and not come across a report or story of some computer security breach, theft or data or malicious program that’s wreaked havoc with a company’s, or the government’s, systems. On September 20th, the New York Times reported that Apple too is the target of malicious software in its App Store.

Tomorrow marks the start of National Cyber Security Awareness Month in the U.S. and the European Cyber Security Month. While there’s no way to insure that your business computers, devices and networks are 100% free from attack, there are a number of simple steps that businesses – even those without dedicated IT resources – can and should take to protect their business, customers and employees.

Perhaps the most important first step is to recognize that every business – even small and medium businesses – are potential targets. Hackers and distributors of malware are simply looking for any opportunity to steal information, accounts, passwords and identities. The less security they encounter, the easier their task. According to Chairman Steve Chabot (R-OH) of the Congressional Small Business Committee, “…71 percent of cyber-attacks occur at businesses with fewer than 100 employees.”

So how best can a business protect itself, particularly when it has no dedicated IT department or specific technical expertise? By deciding to implement a few easy precautions, to at least make it more difficult for hackers and others. And while our focus is business, these same suggestions work at home too and can help protect families.

  • Awareness and training – Employees should be made aware that there could be attacks and trained to recognize some of the signs of an attack or harmful email or phishing scam. Make sure that processes are in place to address requests for credit card numbers, payment information or personal data and that employees know what to do if those requests are received.
  • Password protection – Passwords are the keys to the kingdom and too often, good password policies aren’t in place or aren’t followed. Passwords should be unique, complex not obvious, and should be changed regularly. There are tools that can help manage passwords to reduce the burden.
  • Backup your data – It’s not difficult and it’s not expensive. A little discipline across all your systems will help a business recover from an attack or a catastrophic event.
  • Implement malware, spyware and firewall software solutions – This is like locking the door of a business at night. So many potential attacks can be stopped before they ever have an opportunity to steal or damage a business. Firewall, antivirus and malware software watches for possible attacks and threats and is exceptionally easy to install and manage.

Though cybersecurity month starts tomorrow, today marks the introduction of the 2016 update of the AVG Business AntiVirus and Internet Security software suite. Faster and less intrusive than ever before, these programs are that starting point for good business security.

Now is the right time to evaluate or review businesses security policies and to implement protection practices and tools if they aren’t already in place. It’s not hard to get started. The 2016 AntiVirus or Internet Security Business Editions are available at http://www.avg.com/business-security. In addition, AVG Business Partners have access to a range of resources to help establish better security and protection for clients.

Good business security doesn’t have to be overwhelming or intimidating, with the right software and by following some simple steps, all businesses can enjoy a little peace of mind.

 

Arizona school simplifies and saves with Avast’s free business software

Avast for Business just made life easier and saved money for administrator Dale Kvittem-Barr at Peace Lutheran Church and School.

Avast for Business protects a private school for free

Avast for Business simplified a private school’s security management – for Free!

 

Schools house a large quantity of sensitive data and Kvittem-Barr knows that security software is a must. But, managing 50 devices is a challenge.

“When I started here, we had Norton and each computer had its own individual license. It was a nightmare. I switched all of the school’s computers to the free Avast consumer product. When I heard there was a free business solution and that it had a centralized management dashboard I knew we had to have it.”

With Avast for Business, Kvittem-Barr no longer has multiple licenses to manage and he can see his entire network anytime, anywhere.

“The cloud-based system makes sense because the entire network can be updated constantly from the dashboard so I don’t have to run around to every computer anymore.”

For his mixed platform networks, Kvittem-Barr says Avast for Business just works for him.

“We have Macs and PCs so to be able to protect them both with the same console is great!”

And the software keeps him continuously informed about threats to the school.

“The notifications have been really helpful because I can see which computers are being hit harder than others and make sure I focus on those.”

Budget is an issue for all schools and Kvittem-Barr said that his school’s savings with Avast for Business were substantial. As for plans to spend the savings he says,

“Yeah, we were actually able to purchase a lot more computers and a device charging cart.”

Find out how your school can save money with Avast for Business.

A Silver Lining in the Sony Hack Attack?

As the tale of Sony Entertainment’s victimization at the hands of cyber hackers continues to play out (with new twists in the plot revealed almost daily for the last month), it feels like ultimately there may be something positive to emerge from the unprecedented event for us as a society.

While unfortunately, it may have been at Sony’s expense, the Sony hack attack has made cyber security a top-of-mind issue for mainstream media, businesses and consumers.

(Full disclosure, Sony is a valued AVG partner.)

From the initial reports of hacked celebrity email revelations that first put the incident front and center – to a decision by Sony to pull (for now) the film “The Interview” – to unprecedented charges by the FBI of the involvement of a state-sponsored hacker (North Korea) and our U.S. president vowing a “proportional” response for the ‘cyber vandalism’ attack on Sony and our freedom of speech…to North Korea’s internet subsequently going down (as we publish this blog) without explanation on Dec. 22nd 2014. It has now been confirmed by Sony that there will be a limited release of the movie on Christmas Day.

This incident has been playing out like a plot to a thriller –with all of us watching and trying to identify the bad actors. Unfortunately, it really is reality TV.

But one of the impacts also has been well-deserved attention to the increasing concerns about cyber security – from personal to national.

Cyber security is, without doubt, one of the most serious issues of our time.

Clearly, in 2014 the issue of cyber security has moved from being perceived as a somewhat “wonky” IT issue, to one that average Americans are now concerned with. Unfortunately, it has taken the Sony episode along with a year of high-profile data breaches and hacking at other very high profile businesses (Target, Home Depot, JP Morgan Chase, among them) to bring the issue into the mainstream consciousness and concern.

As we close 2014, it feels like it has been the (unofficial) year of the hacker. But it has made people more appreciative of the need for digital security. For that much we can be thankful. And, perhaps it will prompt us all to make 2015 the year of digital security.

It makes me very proud of what we do here at AVG to contribute to making the digital world safer for everyone.

Title image courtesy of BBC