Protect Your Business

This page provides information on the basic systems that every business needs to run in order to protect their IT systems and their business.

If you don't have these systems in place or you're not not sure if you do, then ring Deltanet's helpdesk on 050 050 5959 and one of our staff can run you through a quick safety check usually for the cost of a 15 minute support call.

Current estimates indicate that an unprotected computer connected to the internet will be infected by something nasty (a virus) within 15 minutes of being turned on. While some people may still believe that safe sex is an optional extra, unless you protect your IT systems they are guaranteed to become infected. The consequences of becoming infected can range from a general slow down of your computer systems to money being withdrawn from your bank account.

Deltanet doesn't believe in scaring people into spending on IT, but we do believe that you need to understand the risks and protect your business appropriately. IT systems can be operated safely but basic protection must be put in place and it must be kept upto date.

Protection Check List

• Windows Update
• Anti-virus software loaded onto all computers
• Firewall
• SPAM filter
• Spyware
• Regular backups of all key files

Windows Update

Every Windows computer must run Windows Update on a regular basis. We strongly recommend that you turn on the automated download and installation process for Windows Update. If you don't know how to do this call our help desk on 050 050 59 59 and one of our friendly support staff can walk you through the process usually for the cost of a 5 minute support call.

When purchasing a new computer we strongly recommend that you use Windows XP Service Pack 2. When ordering the computer you also need to specify that it needs to be fully patched with the latest Windows Updates before it is delivered. If the company you are purchasing computer systems through can't do this, then go somewhere that will.

If you have computers that are still running Windows 95, 98 or ME then its time to upgrade. These system actually cost more to run than an equivalent Windows XP system and perhaps more importantly you will have a lot less frustration running Windows XP than with those older systems.

Anti-Virus Software

Every computer must have Anti-virus software even if its not connected to the Internet. 

You can purchase a commercial anti-virus solution or download a free Open Source solution. Deltanet recommends Sophos Anti Virus.

Freely available alternatives include Clam Win which can be downloaded free of charge from here or AVG http://free.grisoft.com/ or F-Prot http://www.f-prot.com/download/.

If you need assistance installing any Anti-Virus software or simply checking that your existing one works and is up to date then call our help desk and they can walk you through the process usually for the cost of a 5 or 10 minute support call.

Firewall

Windows XP includes a firewall which provides adequate protection for most users, you can also purchase commercial firewalls which offer some additional features but it is our general opinion that these features just create more confusion than anything. If you have any concerns about the Windows XP firewall then you can call our support line and have our staff run you through a quick check for the cost of a 5 minute support call.

If you aren't running Windows XP then you will need to purchase a commercial firewall product.

SPAM filter

With the continuing rise in the quantity of spam, despite the recent anti-spam legislation, a spam filter is a requirement for most users. Most spam is harmless however there is a more recent trend for spam to include a virus. Your anti-virus software should look after this. The problem with spam is essentially its nuisance value. You can help reduce the volume of spam by NEVER responding to it and certainly never purchasing anything.

If you require a spam blocking solution to cover your mail server we recommend XWALL, www.xwall.com.au.

Spyware

Closely related to viruses with a high nusiance factor, spyware hijacks your web browser and can make web surfing very frustrating.  If you are experiencing "pop-ups" and being directed to websites that you haven't selected you need your system scanned for these nasties.  We use freely available scanner and removal tools from Adaware, Microsoft and Spybot.

Phishing

Phishing is a particularly sinister form of SPAM in that the aim of the SPAM is to get access to personal details such as your bank account details. Phishing is a very real threat with daily reports of Australians being scammed by combined Trojan/Phishing attack.

We include the following link which we recommend that everyone should read.

How not to get hooked by a 'Phishing' Scam

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/alerts/phishingalrt.htm

Backups

You should be making regular backups of all of your business critical files. The frequency of your backup schedule is dependant on how often you critical business files change. You should be backing up your data at least weekly and we do recommend daily backups. You should also be taking a backup off site on a regular basis.

If you're not certain what you should be backing up you can call our support line and one of our technicians can visit you and perform a detailed investigation, setup your backup or provide recommendations.