security

• Small Businesses Underestimate Security Threats

  Fri. Aug. 15, 2008
  by Robert Peek, SMB Liaison

  In July, McAfee released the results of a survey which showed that many of small businesses owners feel that they are unassailable when it comes to hackers. Often they think, "hey, we only have one server" or "we only have 12 computers, we're not big enough for hackers to be interested in". Big Mistake!  Basically, a hacker who installs malicious software on computers through the Internet without the owners’ knowledge is looking for any computer that can be abused for click frauds, sending spam, etc. They don’t care whom the computer belongs to.

  According to the report, there’s a gap between what small businesses perceive as security issues and the realities of cyber attacks.  The survey (which polled 500 companies with 1,000 employees or less) found that for every eight firms, only 10 employees were dedicated to managing the businesses' information-technology systems.  While most small- and medium-sized companies believe that they operate under cybercriminals' radar, the study found that one-in-five firms have been attacked. 

  Beliefs of SMB's:

  • Too small to matter: 44 percent think cybercrime is only an issue for larger organizations and believe it does not affect them
    
    
  • Not all in a name: 52 percent of businesses believe that because they are not well-known so cybercriminals will not specifically target them
    
    
  • Undervaluing can be costly: Almost half (45 percent) do not think they are a 'valuable target' for cybercriminals
    
    
  • Monetary misconceptions: 46 percent do not think they can be a source of profit for cybercriminals

  In comparison to larger organizations, attacks can be even more catastrophic as SMBs often don’t have the resources or funds to build contingency plans. If a resource goes down, a business often goes down with it. North America’s SMBs are leaving themselves open to attack due to time constraints. In order to be more proactive about security, it’s a good idea to look into products like McAfee Total Protection for Small Business. This product can benefit SMBs -- as I previously blogged about -- and protect their company from Spam, phishing, viruses, and hackers.  
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• What exactly does “going wireless” really mean?

  Wed. Jul. 30, 2008
  by Robert Peek, SMB Liaison

  Wireless isn't just a single technology. It is actually a whole collection of them -- Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, wireless WAN, ultra broadband and others, which are all a part of everyday life. From a home/office wireless setup, to Global Hot Spots, do you really know what "going wireless" really entails?  In the podcast below Kirk Neibert and Alan Sicher, Dell's global wireless project managers, give a brief overview -- sort of a wireless 101-- of the technologies used around the world. 
  
  What are the differences and when do you use them?  What is the future of wireless technology in the home?  At the office? Local coffee shop?  Abroad?

  Listen Here
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• What is Smart Security? And, Do You Need It?

  Tue. Jul. 22, 2008
  by Robert Peek, SMB Liaison

  There are more security threats to small businesses every day. And, as IT becomes more complex --and workers become more mobile-- controlling access to key data is becoming even more critical. Millions of business users-and their laptops-travel through busy transportation hubs worldwide each year.

  Several weeks ago, Suzanne Atkinson described some of the ways Dell is helping Small Businesses secure and protect their data and machines while traveling. From preventing wireless connection hackers to avoiding physical theft and damage, the airport doesn’t have to be a threat to your IT security.

  Outside of the terminal, securing all your IT assets remains a concern for many small business owners. Don McCall, an enterprise security strategist here at Dell, discusses four primary areas of vulnerability and provides practical solutions to address them in a simplified way.  The topics he covers are:

  • · e-mail,
  • · lost laptops,
  • · identity management
  • · anti-malware

  Click this link to hear the podcast.
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