Is your computer system safe from attack?

Computer hackers and viruses are a daily threat to business life but free help is at hand.

According to a recent Small Business Watch poll 75 per cent of Northern Ireland firms viewed Internet security as their chief concern. In a bid to counter these threats, a new free publication has been launched entitled ‘E-Security’.

The publication produced by the UK online for business partnership in association with RSA Security aims to help companies to identify potential risks to their online security. It gives practical advice on introducing the necessary controls such as installing firewalls, using passwords protected access and the use anti-virus software.

Jenny Searle, director of UK online for business said: “Online security is very important, but it should be put into perspective. Your business is probably more at risk from burglary or theft than from computer crime.

“However just as you insure yourself against break-ins or accidental damage, it’s essential to cover your self against the threat of hacking, data loss or online fraud.

“This new free guide, produced with RSA Security, one of our key partners, contains some simple and practical measures that all businesses can take to substantially reduce security risks.”

The guide also advises businesses on how to ensure their customers that they are shopping in a secure online environment and how to protect data stored on networks and Intranet systems.

E-Security is one of a new series of free guides now available from UK online for business and small companies who want to look behind the hype and jargon surrounding the Internet and see the real benefits and opportunities available to their business. (MB)