Online security - how to secure your small business
Whether you’re preparing to start your own small business or are already running one, online security is essential for success. Internet security is like insurance – it’s a vital part of protecting your business. You need a simple, manageable and affordable way to secure your company’s computers, email, financial information and customer data. Taking a few minutes now to find the proper solution can save you costly problems and headaches later.
Can online security be simple?
If you’re not a computer person, the details surrounding your business’s online security may seem new or confusing at first. However, today’s technology can simplify everything for you. Managed security services (also called software-as-a-service (SaaS)) are an easy, effective way to handle everything from keeping spam messages out of your company email to stopping viruses from infecting your computers. Security is managed for you by experts, so you can rest assured that you are safe from online threats like hackers, data theft, viruses, spyware and spam – while you can stay free to focus on running your business.
How security services work
Rather than purchasing software or hardware that you have to install and manage, security services enable you to simply sign up for a subscription service that delivers advanced, up-to-the minute protection to all your business computers. Whether you have one computer or dozens, this service keeps each laptop and desktop protected. This is extremely beneficial for small businesses that do not have the staff or resources to manage network security on their own.
Also known as cloud computing, the security service model has been rapidly growing in popularity over the last few years. Now a proven and robust technology, it is utilised by companies of all sizes in order to receive expert services in a specified business area, such as email security or web security.
What it does
Imagine you take your laptop home to finish logging the day’s business transactions. Once you finish, you go online to conduct a bit of research. You visit a website that looks interesting – and suddenly, your computer starts acting odd. It slows down. Pop-ups appear. Your home page inexplicably changes. Chances are, spyware has infected your computer. This online threat is not simply annoying – it can also steal valuable data like customer records, banking information and other financial details.
A Web Security Service can protect all of your business computers against viruses, spyware and other online threats – no matter where you are connecting to the Internet. You don’t need to install security software or establish a VPN connection back to the corporate network. Web filtering and malware protection is delivered “in the cloud” – or at the Internet layer – so you’re always protected when you go online.
If you have multiple employees to manage, a web filtering service is also an extremely beneficial tool for improving productivity. You can set policies to limit and control Internet usage while employees are at work, such as blocking social networking sites or online gaming.
An Email Security Service is another beneficial tool to increase productivity. Anyone who’s ever trudged through dozens or hundreds of spam messages knows how frustrating and time-consuming it can be. An Email Security Service blocks spam and email viruses before they reach your in-box. Additional capabilities like email filtering, message archiving and encryption help your business protect sensitive data and meet today’s strict compliance requirements.
On a budget? Security services save money
In addition to being more effective and easier to manage, security services are also much more affordable than purchasing, installing, updating and managing your own security software. The security service model is founded on the simple cost-sharing approach taken by utility companies. We no longer see businesses running their own localised and owned power plants – instead, they simply plug into the grid and utilise cheaper and more efficient centralised power resources. Security services work in much the same way.
Your business will not need to purchase and continually replace security software and hardware. This is not only good for your budget – it’s good for the environment. Software and hardware are two major contributors to e-waste and toxic garbage.
With improved employee productivity and simplified online security, you will reduce your operational costs. Furthermore, your business will avoid the costly ramifications of security breaches. One virus infection or stolen customer record could spell disaster.
The bottom line
The most successful organisations use modern technology to address business needs and simplify everyday tasks. If you are looking for a way to balance a tight budget and limited resources with numerous business needs, security services could be the answer. It’s a “win/win” for small businesses, providing cost-savings, efficiency and protection to help your business succeed.
About Webroot
This article was written for Bytestart readers by Mark Tickle, EMEA managing director for Internet security specialist, Webroot
Webroot provides industry-leading Internet security solutions to consumers, enterprises and SMBs worldwide. To learn more about Webroot® Web Security Service and Webroot® Email Security Service, please visit www.webroot.co.uk.
Posted November 26, 2009
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