Page 30 - PinnacleCustomerMagazineWinter2017
P. 30

Head of our IT Services Team,
        Gavin Brown
        outlines what an effective
        network security plan
        should include:








        1.  Education                                        7.  Network Security Software
            Security companies stress that educating             A Network Security solution will make your life
            staff is key in protection from Ransomware.          a whole lot easier. Web Security companies
            Staff should know how to avoid and prevent           regularly release new products to battle criminal
            attacks and how to react if an attack should         developments in Malware. Pinnacle’s IT experts
            break through.                                       currently recommend the Sophos product
                                                                 ‘Intercept X.’
        2.  Whitelisting
            This is the process by which you program         8.  Patch Management
            your computer to allow certain applications          It’s vital to keep your IT environment updated.
            and not to allow others. Malicious software is       Important patches need to be added
            blocked when it attempts to operate.                 continuously. Turn your computer off periodically
                                                                 to allow patches the chance to update
        3.  Safely browsing the Web
            Restrict access to websites that are likely to   9.  A Disaster Plan
            contain threats.                                     Even with a watertight security system, it is highly
                                                                 likely your business will come under attack. If
        4.  An operational Backup system                         a computer is compromised, cut its internet
                                                                 connection, disable shared drives and shut
            Backup systems can save you in the event of          off power. Seek expert advice on what your
            a security breach. In an ideal scenario, you         plan should be if this happens – it will depend
            can restore data and start afresh.                   on your backup system and the nature of the
                                                                 ransomware.
        5.  Access Control
            Limit access to business critical data. This will   10.  Root Cause Analysis
            limit the spread of Ransomware around your           Learn from the mistakes of yourself and others.
            network if you are attacked.                         IT experts soon learn where attacks originate
                                                                 and the common mistakes that people make
        6.  An IT Partner                                        in allowing attacks in. Contact your IT Partner or
            Even if you choose to manage your security           attend a webinar.
            system In-house, it is important to have a
            relationship with an IT Partner should you
            ever need an expert’s attention quickly.
            You’ll also benefit from an IT company’s
            continuous research.




















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