Security

You cannot own a PC or laptop today without taking adequate security measures. The Internet may have opened up many opportunities, but it is also a dangerous place for an unprotected PC.

In order to cover yourself, both online and offline, you will need to follow some simple guidelines.  It's very important to understand that in security, one simply cannot say "what's the best firewall?'' and be done.  There are two extremes: absolute security and absolute access. The closest we can get to an absolutely secure machine is one unplugged from the network, power supply, locked in a safe, and thrown at the bottom of the ocean. Unfortunately, it isn't terribly useful in this state. A machine with absolute access is extremely convenient to use: it's simply there, and will do whatever you tell it, without questions, authorization, passwords, or any other mechanism. Unfortunately, this isn't terribly practical, either.

 

You must protect your network from outside attacks as well as protect each PC from email and other vulnerabilities.  Triumphant Software can help with the policies and technologies to provide the level of security you need.

 

Here are some of our suggestions for security.

 

The Basics: Spotting and Eliminating Threats

As the saying goes, before you can run, you must learn how to walk. And you can consider your first baby step into computer security installing the basic software needed to detect and eliminate threats.

• Use a firewall
  We recommend both a network firewall and a software version for your PC.  You can think of a firewall as a sort of shell around your computer or network that identifies and filters out threats, while letting secure information pass through it and reach your computer.

• Install and update anti-virus software
  Viruses, worms, Trojan horses and other forms of malware can find their way onto your computer by various means a firewall cannot detect, including downloading malicious email attachments and files from the internet. So to protect your PC you'll also need strong regularly updated anti-virus software.

• Install and run anti-spyware software
  Even though firewalls and anti-virus programs are more well-known when it comes to basic security steps than installing anti-spyware software, it may actually be your anti-spyware program that provides your computer with the most significant increase in security.

 

Next, Tweaking Settings and Making Usage Adjustments

There are a number of more specific weak points in your computer's armor that need to be shored up either by making some personal behavior adjustments to compensate for the particular security weakness or by making the necessary upgrades to minimize its vulnerability.

• Strengthen your web browser security
• Install the latest OS service pack
• Select secure software and update it regularly
• Disable file sharing on your hard drives
• Be cautious when downloading

 

Safely Emailing

• Use a first-rate email client
• Handle email attachments carefully
• Do not click on email links haphazardly
• Set up email filters

 

Protecting Your Password

You would never consider setting the combination of your family safe to something as simple as, "1 … 2 … 3." But even though computer and Internet passwords provide access to far more money than your home safe, many people set themselves up to get hacked when they select passwords that are far too simple or that are changed too infrequently.

• Keep hackers guessing
• Use a variety of different passwords
• Password protect your computer login access

Wireless Protection

• Protect your wireless network
• Do not use a neighbor's WiFi connection
   

At Triumphant Software, we will manage your routers, firewalls, and wireless access devices to ensure:

• The device is running the current OS or firmware
• The device is configured securely
• Perform any Add/Move/Change to the configuration
• Monitor the device to make sure it is up and running

Firewalls are a critical first line of defense against Internet security threats. Know your firewall is up and actively protecting your network.  Our service includes proactive management, problem remediation, ongoing configuration consultation and changes.

If your company has routers connecting multiple locations together or you have one large location that has multiple networks, you know the importance of keeping your routers up and running. With our Maintenance Plan, you can ensure that your routers will be kept current with the latest OS updates and that they are properly configured for optimal performance.

 

Disaster Recovery / Business Continuity

 

Disaster recovery and business continuity planning are processes that help organizations prepare for disruptive events—whether an event might be a hurricane or simply a power outage caused by a backhoe in the parking lot. Organizations should have a plan in place (usually referred to as a "Disaster Recovery Plan", or "Business Continuity Plan") that outlines how this will be accomplished. The key to successful disaster recovery is to have a plan (emergency plan, disaster recovery plan, continuity plan) well before disaster ever strikes.  At Triumphant Software, we can assist with everything from assisting with existing security needs and configuring a backup plan to formulating a Disaster Recovery Plan for true business continuity.  Find out more...