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Data Security

Part 2: Hacker Protection & Firewalls

Hackers via viruses or internet intrusions threaten all businesses. From Microsoft to Amazon to Visa to CD Now. The damage can range from having files destroyed and shutting down your computer system for a day or two to the theft of customers' credit card information. A smart business will take steps to lessen the threat of an attack and encourage the hacker to seek easier targets elsewhere.

We recommend that small and medium sized publishers, connected to the internet;

1. Install Firewall Software such as Norton Internet Security or Norton Desktop Firewall 2.0 or Zone Alarm Pro on local workstations and Norton Anti-Virus Corporate Edition on the file server.

2. Install a Hardware Firewall between your internet connection and your network.

Recommended Firewalls include;

For Small Networks:

SonicaWALL Soho (about $420)

Symantec Firewall/VPN 100 (about $300)

WatchGuard Firebox SoHo 10 (about $310)

For Larger Networks:

SonicaWALL Pro (about $2600)

Symantec VelociRaptor 500 (about $2800)

Watchguard Firebox 1000 (about $2700)

3. Use your Server Security Settings to limit access to domains on your network.

4. Install Norton Anti-Virus Corporate Edition V7.6 software on your server. This software ensures that all workstations are running the latest edition of  Norton's Anti-Virus software before they are allowed to access the network.

5. Enforce a Password Policy.  Passwords should be at least 10 characters long (as a longer password takes more time to crack), changed at least semiannually, include upper and lower case letters and numbers, and not be the name of an employee, relative, spouse, or friend. When an employee leaves their user account should be deleted, immediately and all employees in that department should change their passwords (because employees share passwords).

Inside Section 1

Backups
Data Security
Interview
Alerts
 

What does a firewall do?

Simply put, a firewall is a central gate that controls access to your network.

  • Untrusted parties are denied access.
  • Provides a central point where security policies may be implemented.
  • Provides a single point for logging and monitoring of incoming and outgoing network traffic.
  • Limits your exposure to hacker attackers.

Note: Firewalls will not eliminate your exposure to hackers, but they greatly reduce it.

Furthermore, firewalls must be properly set up. Many firewalls ship with security features deactivated.

Did you know?

In 1999 hackers broke into the computer system of Visa; the credit card clearing house, despite the protection offered by numerous firewalls.

One firewall or two?

For larger clients we may recommend that all accounting department (and/or new product development) PC's be isolated from the rest of the network by their own firewall.

Why? This prevents unauthorized employees from accessing critical parts of the network. If hackers have accessed your main network a second firewall can stop them from accessing your confidential files.

 
 

Sponsored by Kensai International, Ltd., 75 Nottingham Road, Malverne, New York 11565 USA
Phone: 516-593-0480            Email: info @ kensai.net