How Safe Is Your Company’s Data Network? learning that, just like time, infor- mation can be moneytoo. That’s one reason a growing number of businesses guard their data network in much the same way a bank would protect its vault. A modern bank will install a wide variety of motion detectors, heat sensors, video cameras and laser beams designed to alert security when someone has entered the bank after hours or has penetrated a sensitive area— such as the vault—without authorization. In the same way, many companies install devices that alert them when someonehastried to penetrate their data network without authorization. Unfortunately, while bank security usually has minutes or more to respond to an intruder, a network administrator usually has far less time to respond to a networkintruder. For many businesses, the first step toward security is to install an automated security system designed with their unique needs in mindprior to any threat. According to network security expert Andy Reese of AimNet Solutions, “You can buy the best security products in the world. But if they are improperly config- ured—they’re worthless.” Among the components that might be included in a state-ofthe-art system are: A company’s data network may now be among its most valu- able assets. An intrusion detection system that would reinforce or reset the computer system’s firewall after an attempted break-in, Security logs that can sift through data and track attempts to break into a bank, even if the attempts occur gradually over a matter of months, and Technology that can analyze the content of material that is brought into the data network. A bank would investigate a suspicious looking package left near its tellers. Wouldn’t it make sense for a corporation to screen incoming e-mail that could threaten the integrity of its data networks? It’s possible your company’s data network is its most valuable asset. Howwellis it protected? To learn more about protecting your company’s data, call 800-3210938 or send a message info@aimnetsolutions.com. to
