broadband for business

Security

Check which security services you are offered by your ISP before you sign up. Being constantly connected to the internet does open up your business to new security threats, such as viruses and hackers. Both of these risks could potentially gain access to, and destroy data on, your network.

There are a number of precautions that all internet users can take to ensure protection of their data:

Anti-virus protection
The most common forms of attack are viruses, which are often spread by e-mail. The two main forms of anti-virus protection are: -

• External anti-virus filters
  All incoming e-mail is redirected via a third party company who will check e-mail and attachments for viruses and remove them before they are sent on to your network. Typically, this service costs a few pounds per user on the network.
• Server-based anti-virus filters
  You can alternatively install anti-virus software on the server on your network that acts as the incoming e-mail server, as well as on the other individual computers on the network. If a virus is detected, it is removed or quarantined so that it cannot infect the rest of the network. Be sure to protect yourself against new viruses by getting software that updates itself automatically over the internet.

Firewall
Firewalls protect the vulnerability of your network by screening incoming data. The firewall is usually installed in a computer separate from the rest of the network, so your network resources remain safe. Firewalls vary in cost and security, but need not be expensive. In fact, small companies can create a firewall by configuring an old PC with free software. You will need some basic knowledge in order to do this.

It is also worth remembering that the security risks you face depend somewhat on which broadband service you use. Business broadband services may offer a more robust security set-up than SOHO (Small Office, Home Office) services; cable broadband users access the internet via a more vulnerable LAN (Local Area Network); and wireless and satellite systems have their own complex security policies and risks. This is a good reason to get security advice from your ISP (Internet Service Provider). Check which security services are offered before you sign up.

Remember that network security is just one aspect of securing your data, and that security is only as good as the weakest link. It is worth developing a security policy for employees to adhere to, and you will need to ensure they are kept informed of it.

Virtual Private Network
If you want to give off-site workers or remote offices access to your network, you can use your broadband connection to set up a virtual private network (VPN). This is an extremely secure system of transferring data because it uses the most powerful encryption technology available. It is also a comparatively cheap way of securing data, because you don’t need to hire a system of private leased lines; instead data is sent over the internet.