Spyware Brigade

Most people would think that home office security meant putting up a burglar alarm on their front door. Did you know that your computer system is the most probable security risk in your home office? Even receiving what appear to be regular email files in conjunction with your business needs can put your computer at risk. The biggest danger is someone sending a virus and crashing your system. The definition for a virus is “Vital Information Resource Under Siege”. There are a huge number of hackers, crackers and virus programs on the Internet with tons of Spyware and hidden programs. Business owners do not need to be afraid of doing transactions, ordering supplies and corresponding via the Internet. The key is to have a home office security set up.

Security passwords are a vital piece of information that is stored in your computer. This information is also at risk for you slipping up and mentioning something to an acquaintance, business correspondent or friend. It is important to try and maintain the integrity of your system by not disclosing personal or vital information that can then be used to obtain passwords when the computer is unattended.

The Internet is vital to the success of many home business owners. Yet, using the Internet can leave the business owner very vulnerable to security problems. What is the solution? Let’s leave this an open question for the moment.

Suppose that you choose to not use the Internet at all for your security purposes. You should be protected from those nasty virus programs that can invade your system. The problem arises when you use your CD-ROMS, flash drives or flopppy disks. You create a beautiful layout for your company stationary. You store it on the flash drive. Not wanting to use the Internet, you take the flash drive to the local print shop. They then insert the flash drive into their computer to retrieve your layout and do your printing job. Once the job is complete, you then take home your company stationary packs and flash drive. You insert the flash drive back into your computer. Voila! A hidden virus from the printing shop has found its way to your flash drive and now into your computer system.

Another potential problem is your business associates, suppliers and consumers. With each person you interact with on the Internet, a chain is created. You feel confident that your contacts are all protected with proper security. However, if even one of them is compromised then you and your business are at great risk.

Some people scoff at the idea of paying for Internet security subscriptions or programs. They do not feel that there is any need because they know how to protect themselves and a virus will not invade their system. The cost of virus detection programs can be a little pricy and unfortunately some business owners skip purchasing this office supply. Yet, the cost of losing a client’s vital information such as credit card numbers is even more costly then purchasing appropriate security system equipment and subscriptions. In fact, it could cause the home based company to go completely out of business.

How do you minimize the home office risk?

One of the key factors to minimize home office security risks is to have a strong firewall with security filters. Also, it is important to have the ability to encrypt data. Purchase software that is set to detect virus and Spyware software. Any employees hired should be made aware of security problems and be pro-active in following security procedures your company has in place. Be responsible when making Internet transactions and conversing with people in general. Following these guidelines should minimize the home office security risk.