How Secure Is Your Network?

Attacks on computer networks from the Internet have dramatically increased in sophistication and frequency over the last year. These attacks are affecting all types of networks from a handful of users up to large corporations including the SME sector.

The occurrence of hostile email attachments, carrying viruses such as worms and Trojans and now more recently Spyware, have created a whole new approach to Internet and network security. The frequency of emails carrying either malicious code or content has reached record levels. But there is something you can do to fight back.

BITES-UK can provide a security overview of your network infrastructure to help prevent against hackers, malicious viruses, and secure your data from both unnecessary internal and external exposure.

Many people believe that their IT system is not a computer hacker's target. This can be an expensive mistake. Even if you believe that the data you store on your network is not sufficiently sensitive to attract a hacker attack, most of the more common attacks occurring today use automated systems, roaming the Internet looking for vulnerable networks. These attacks can occur randomly so it's only a matter of time before any poorly protected system is hit. This will cost time, money and possibly lost data.

On top of that, one in three companies are hacked using a variety of methods, and according to industry statistics, a growing number of individuals are becoming victims. Web sites, corporate networks and home networks can all fall prey, and the problem is increasing. The complexity of security solutions can also cause problems. Many are complicated and time-intensive to configure and need a high degree of knowledge so that they are correctly installed and maintained.

Taking ten minutes now to check your IT system could save you a lot of time, money and inconvenience in the future. By following the easy steps below, you can find out how vulnerable your network is.

1. Check that your anti-virus solution is up to date. You should be updating virus definitions at least weekly if not daily, preferably using an automated update system.
   
   
2. Use a free web based security testing tool to test how vulnerable your computer is. Try the Symantec Security checking tool from their web site.
   
   
3. If you want to find out which vulnerabilities exist on your servers then please download and run the following Microsoft Security Checker tool.

If these tests have shown any weakness in your system, or you want further open and honest advice then please contact BITES-UK and we will be pleased to provide a FREE on-site network evaluation.