Data Security and Backup
The internet has revolutionised the way we do business but it’s also left us exposed to hackers who can gain access to sensitive information and disrupt communications. However, with the correct software and procedures in place you can ensure that your network and computers are secure and protected against intrusion.
At Newman, we are experts in data security and back-up and can supply and install a range of products including antivirus, firewalls, spam protection, content filters, spyware, prevention and software updates. We will even help you to develop and introduce policies to ensure that you are as secure as is possible.
Antivirus software
If you aren’t running any sort of antivirus software or your antivirus software isn’t up to date, then the chances are your computer has a virus.
This is particularly important in a network environment as a virus can be unintentionally downloaded on one computer and spread to other computers in the network, causing major disruption to your whole business.
We supply Trend Micro and Symantec Antivirus for the networked environment with its easy centralised management and frequent signature updates ensure your systems are protected at all times.
Firewall
If you’re concerned about the leaking of sensitive documents, adding a firewall to your computer or network will act as a barrier to the internet, only allowing certain functions such as email or web browsing.
For Windows XP users, simply using Service Pack 2 will install a basic firewall to your pc. Also, many ADSL routers can act as a basic firewall but may need ‘tightening’ down. A router may be ok for some users although networked systems may require more flexibility.
Microsoft ISA 2004 (Internet Security and Accelerator) Server is an industry grade application-level firewall. This product can integrate seamlessly with existing Windows networks.
However, for more security you may require the added defences of a software or hardware firewall, particularly in a network environment. Some companies prefer to implement a two-layered approach with two different firewalls for maximum security.
Spam Protection
In 2001 8% of e-mails sent worldwide were Spam, 2006 40% of emails are Spam – as we reach the end of 2007 approaching 50% of all e-mail is unsolicited!
So the situation is only getting worse - company reputations, personal reputations, time and money wasted. Lost revenue due to people having to filter through their e-mails to weed out useless Spam messages is calculated in the millions of pounds per month!
Furthermore if your inboxes are being inundated with Spam, you may have noticed that your network is slow. We can help by installing software on your server or even filtering out the junk before it reaches your server to get you back to your optimum speed.
Although Microsoft provides a plug-in spam filter for Outlook or Exchange mail servers, there are more intuitive and effective tools, we recommend either ‘Ninja Messaging’ or our unique ‘MySpamBin’ managed service. Some antivirus vendors also incorporate anti spam tools in their software although this can increase the number of false detections.
To learn more about spam filtering and the difference our services can make to your network Click Here
Content Filters
If you’re concerned about what your employees see and do on the internet during company time, we can help.
Content filtering can prevent web pages or emails being displayed. If you find that employees spend a lot of time ‘surfing’ when they should be working, software can be installed or you can employ our unique managed service that can allow or block access to specified sites.
To learn more about content filtering Click Here
Spyware Prevention
The latest threat to computers is Spyware. Spyware is a software that infiltrates a computer, sending usage statistics and personal details to a remote system. Identified by increased pop-up activity, it’s often used for corporate espionage or the theft of financial information like credit card details. The major antivirus software companies will soon be integrating antiSpyware into their products but in the meantime, we can offer Spybot Search and Destroy and AdAware for individual computers or Counterspy for your network.
Software Update Services
Microsoft’s Software Update Services (SUS) can help maintain your workstations automatically. SUS works by sending updates to a workstation without the user having any interaction in the update process, ensuring your workstations are safe and secure. Our technicians can give you an assessment on this product.
Policies
A computer use policy is invaluable in giving your employees boundaries and reducing your liabilities. We can advise you of what you need and help you develop and implement your policy.
Your policy might include use of the internet and email and dictate what can and cannot be stored on the network. The Computer Misuse Act 1990 will give you a clearer indication of good computer use policy.
Back Up
Data Backup is one of the most important, yet also one of the most neglected areas of computing. Backing up your data should be at the top of your computer maintenance list, right next to Virus Protection.
Whether your hard drive has died or there’s a power failure or spikes, losing your data is one of the worst things that can happen to your business. At Newman, we can help you ensure your data is backed up and protected, whatever happens.
Continuous Data Protection
Today's IT administrators are not only concerned about backing up and storing data but they also want to know how to get it back - fast.
Continuous Data Protection (CDP) is a storage system in which your entire organisation’s data is backed up whenever a change is made. CDP creates an electronic log of complete storage snapshots - one storage snapshot for each incident of data modification.
CDP allows you to dial back in time and retrieve data that might otherwise have been lost. If one of your employees has lost data, they can retrieve files and recover data without having to contact IT and wait for the response. Remember, as with any storage or backup solution, you need to determine what information is vital to keep your organisation up and running should a disaster occur.
If you would like to speak to one of our IT team about any of our data security and back up products, click here.
