Email has changed the world of communication for businesses, but it’s also proven to be highly vulnerable to outside influences. Hackers, scammers and identity thieves are always out there putting your business at risk. All it takes is for one employee to open an email attachment for a virus to infect your whole network – or worse, give unauthorized access to your business’ confidential information. So how can you keep your business safe?

Tips for getting the best computer network security

Hire a computer security consultant

When it comes IT security services, professional protection can’t be overrated. With enterprise data issues, you can’t afford to wait for your computer network security to be compromised before taking action. A computer security consultant can customize professional computer security solutions to help you minimize enterprise data risks, avoid data breaches and personal information leaks, and address security risks and malware before you end up being a victim.

Build safe IT systems

A computer security consultant can help protect you from hackers by designing computer network security that’s built around limited access to your technology infrastructure. Don’t let the notion of convenience give you a false sense of security when it comes to who should have access. The number of people with access to all of your systems, equipment and software should be limited to you and your most trusted employees. And the best computer security solutions minimize risks with a unique set of email addresses, logins and servers for each user or department.

Protect yourself with passwords

A password is the first line of defense against unauthorized access to your computers and networks. But use a weak password, and you make it that much easier for an attacker to gain access. All sensitive data, equipment and wireless networks should be protected with unique usernames and passwords for specific individuals. Strong passwords are harder to crack, even with the latest password-cracking software. Your password should contain letters, numbers and symbols, and it shouldn’t be easy to guess. And if you happen to create a document listing all company passwords, it’s important to encrypt that with its own password as well.

Inoculate your systems with anti-virus software

Every computer is vulnerable to a variety of viruses, worms and trojans that lurk on the Internet. These malicious software programs can wreak havoc on your computer network security, damaging your computer and files, or even stealing passwords and stored data. Purchase a good anti-virus software program and make sure that it is always up to date. Some network providers even offer this for free. Also, check to see that your anti-virus software checks for spyware, adware and any other malware that could be hiding on your computer.

Keep confidential data on your own network

While Cloud computing helps businesses improve efficiency and cut costs, there are risks involved. The third parties who house your data on remote servers often have their own security issues. When it comes to IT security services, have your computer security consultant keep your confidential data on your own network. Keep it off the Cloud.

Thoroughly screen, monitor & train employees

You can’t predict when or if an employee will betray your trust, but you can put safeguards in place for computer network security to help minimize the damage should this be the case. First, thoroughly screen your employees before hiring them, especially if they’ll have access to financial or confidential business information. Limit the number of employees that can access this information, and password-protect those files. Change the passwords often to help prevent former employees from accessing your business networks. It’s amazing how many networks are hacked or crashed simply because employees don’t follow documented procedures. Solid training should be provided upfront and as needed to help this become second nature.

Ignore unknown email attachments

The easiest way to get a virus, trojans or worms is to download an infected file. Never click on unsolicited email attachments. If you want to download the file, confirm the attachment’s contents with the sender. If you don’t know the sender, it’s best to just delete the message. This goes a long way when it comes to computer security solutions.

Trying to scrimp when it comes to your small business computer network security can be a costly mistake. It’s important to know what your business is up against and take steps toward prevention. Hire a computer security consultant with customized computer security solutions to help you through the process. The investment will give your company the IT security services necessary to keep your information secure and your business successful.