Every C-level manager must now contemplate the quality of IT support in Alpharetta as vital to business continuity. As multi-layer security becomes more important than ever, managers must evaluate their providers to ensure that their businesses are prepared for any possible attacks. Here are key items to check to make sure your business is well-protected from cybercriminals.
Filtering and Encryption to Block Malware
Your IT support provider in Alpharetta must be conscious of solutions that prevent malware from entering your network. Both email spam filtering and web filtering are strong methods to deny access to hackers. Whether they try to spoof popular brands in emails or try penetrating your system in other ways using a malicious code, software that identifies and blocks unwanted visitors is one of the most important security measures you can implement.
By using complex encryption, you can discourage hackers from wasting time trying to infiltrate your network. Both email and all your files should be encrypted with a code that prevents nefarious sources from gaining access to your private digital assets. Web filtering tools block access to websites that may comprise malicious code or links to malware.
Anti-Virus Software and Firewalls
While many businesses understand that they need to at least run antivirus software as a bare minimal protective security layer, many still aren’t aware that this software needs to constantly be updated. Hackers are always learning new ways to compromise code either manually or with sophisticated software that does it for them. Perimeter security firewalls provide an additional security layer around your network to block unauthorized users. Both antivirus software and a firewall help provide protection against malware.
Preparing for Worst Case Scenarios
The best way to prepare for a breach is to establish a backup and disaster recovery (BDR) plan. This set of procedures defines how your IT team and your staff will respond to threats and disasters. Depending on the type of plan you choose, it will give you a ballpark idea of how much downtime you can expect from a natural or man-made disaster.
The strongest plans that ensure the least amount of downtime involve backing up data on a daily basis on multiple servers. Offsite servers and colocation with data centers are reliable solutions for restoring access to data that’s needed for immediate use. Your plan needs to be tested periodically to make sure that data recovery is smooth. If you choose traditional recovery methods such as backup tapes, it can slow down business activity.
Another way to guard against breaches is to use a strong password policy that involves two authentication factors. The hardest passwords to crack are those that are difficult to read, such as 8 alphanumeric characters with unusual symbols mixed in. Further preparation can be in the form of security awareness training. The more your staff can identify and avoid threats, the less likely your company will be taken down by surprise. Your IT team should also be skilled in patch management to give your infrastructure maximum protection.
Conclusion
Every IT support provider in Alpharetta needs to be well-versed in network security. Contact us at MIS Solutions to learn more about how we can help protect your business from cybercriminals and power outages.