Guide to Internet Security

Be proactive in protecting your business and your customers from Internet security threats

By Marianne Cotter, Freelance writer

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Internet security begins with installing a firewall

A firewall is your first line of defense against incoming threats to your Internet security. A firewall can be a hardware device, such as a router, or a software program on a network, server or individual computer. Firewall software often includes anti-virus and other protections. Make sure laptops and remote devices have firewall protection as well.

I recommend: CDW has a wide selection of firewall software and hardware firewalls to help you establish a complete Internet security system.

Establish employee security policies and practices as part of your Internet security system

Employee buy-in is a necessary part of your Internet security system. Teach employees safe practices, such as taking care in opening email attachments and not downloading unauthorized software. Establish policies about peer-to-peer computing and instant messaging. Establish password protections throughout your hierarchy.

I recommend: Lancope’s SealthWatch monitors your internal network for intrusions that can arise from within via peer-to-peer connections, unauthorized data access, instant messages and infections from unauthorized file downloads. View a demo to help decide which StealthWatch product is right for your business. The Geek Squad will come to your office to assist you with Internet security systems.

Install comprehensive Internet security software

Find an Internet security software suite that covers the all the basics - viruses, firewall, spyware, spam - and allows you to control the settings.

I recommend: Compare the top Internet security software suites at Internet Security Reviews. One of the lowest priced Internet security packages is BitDefender Total Security 2008. Two reliable and comprehensive packages are McAfee Internet Security Suite and Norton Internet Security, which is available from PublishersPipeline.com with special pricing.

Choose Internet security systems that guard against phishing

Phishing is a form of identity theft wherein a company's logo is used on a phony email to lure customers to a fake site to reveal personal data. Any company that engages in ecommerce, communicates with its customers via email or uses its logo online is vulnerable to a phishing attack. Since it requires participation on the part of the customer, phishing is difficult to guard against. As part of your Internet security system, monitor your online operations for unusual activity and set up an email address for your customers to report fraudulent communications.

I recommend: Consider Cyberoam for your Internet security. It has an identity-based (rather than IP address-based) hardware firewall that provides protection against phishing. Microsoft has just introduced anti-phishing technologies into Internet Explorer 7 for Windows XP and in Window Vista.

Stay current on Internet security software upgrades and subscriptions

Software publishers are constantly adding security updates and fixes to their products. Take advantage of automated notifications and downloads of Internet security updates, particularly on Internet browsers, operating systems and email.

I recommend: Microsoft Security Central and Microsoft Security Products and Services will help protect Microsoft operating systems and software and will provide Internet security for Internet Explorer. A host of computer security software vendors can also be found at Business.com.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Internet security is an ongoing process that requires constant monitoring and updating.
• •  Communicate your Internet security policy to your employees as well as your customers.
• •  Protect all functional parts of your business from Internet security threats from back office operations to email and ecommerce.
• •  To ease Internet security threats make sure all your computers are running the same versions of operating systems and software programs.
• •  Include all web-based applications in your Internet security system.