Online Security: Script Kiddies, Vandals And Experts, Oh My! (NAPSA)—If the most impor- tant topic for no less than Microsoft is security, it makes sense that security should be a priority for any size business. At a recent security conference, Bill Gates said that his company has focused its research on security since the people who attack the Internet are getting more sophisticated and continue to increasethesize of the challenge. From “Script Kiddies” to outright vandals who seek personal fame to silent spies and expert hackers looking to make a profit or steal identities, the threat profile is increasing. Kiddies, vandals and hobbiest hackers don’t discriminate by company size, however: large or small, they are constantly trying to find a way into your business. Experts such as Ted Yueh, small-business security solutions manager for Check Point Software Technologies, suggest that smalland mid-sized companies should start with the basics: Install a firewall. A firewall acts as a security guard at the “door” to the Internet. It examines and protects all communications (e-mail, Web pages, file downloads, etc.) attempting to pass between the Internet and your network. A fire wall should always be your first line of defense. Secure Remote Access Connections. If you or any of your employees need to connect to your business from a remote location, a VPN—or Virtual Private Network—might be right for you. VPNs ensure that communications traveling over the Internet are secure by encrypting informa- 5 Bee According to experts such as Ted Yueh, many small businesses leave the “door wide open”to hackers when connecting with the Internet. tion before it hits cyberspace, making it unreadable to hackers and others and ensuringits privacy. Protect Against Viruses. Anti- virus software screens incoming data for viruses that can infect your computer and do permanent damage—e-mail is the most common way they get in—and stops virus threats before they can infect your computer. * Don’t Forget: If you connect to the Internet via broadband, and you don’t have the right security in place, it increases the chance that your company will become the victim of hackers, worms and viruses. To cover all the security basics in one simple step, consider any number of multipurpose security devices that contain all the basics outlined above. For more information on Check Point Safe@Office security appliances, visit www.checkpoint.com/ smallbusiness.
