Network Security

Attacks on computer networks from the Internet have dramatically increased in sophistication and frequency over the last year. These attacks are affecting all types of networks from a handful of users up to large corporations.

Many people believe that their IT system is not a computer hacker's target. This can be an expensive mistake. Even if you believe that the data you store on your network is not sufficiently sensitive to attract a hacker attack, most of the more common attacks occurring today use automated systems, roaming the Internet looking for vulnerable networks. These attacks can occur randomly so it's only a matter of time before any poorly protected system is hit. This will cost time, money and possibly lost data.

The occurrence of hostile email attachments, such as worms and viruses, tripled during the last year. In the early months of 2001, only one out of every 1,053 had a malicious attachment. Now that frequency has jumped to one out of every 325 emails according to IT industry analysts.

On top of that, one in three companies are hacked using a variety of methods, and according to industry statistics, a growing number of individuals are becoming victims. Web sites, corporate networks and home networks can all fall prey, and the problem is increasing. The complexity of security solutions can also cause problems. Many are complicated and time-intensive to configure and need a high degree of knowledge so that they are correctly installed and maintained.

Microsoft is constantly releasing security patches to its software, many of which are critical for the safe use of the Internet. These critical patches plug holes exploited by viruses and hackers. Recent national press stories have described how seriously Microsoft is taking these issues. Microsoft has recently suspended much of its new software development in order to concentrate on improving the security of its current products. Microsoft is not alone; many other software publishers are also taking radical steps to improve the security of their products.

Virus Protection

Being hit with a computer virus is very real threat and one that can have a devastating effect on your business.

Entire networks can be brought down in a matter of minutes bringing operations to a standstill until the system is cleaned. The most notorious viruses are spread by e-mail and once activated can propagate to all the recipients in your address book - including your customers!

Virus protection software can be very effective in reducing the risk but is only effective if it is correctly configured and is regularly updated with information on the latest viruses. The risk of infection can be further reduced by educating staff on safe practices.

CEBEC can install and configure a wide range of virus software and provide guidance on how to avoid virus infection. If you have already been infected we can provide a cleansing service and restore systems to normal operation.

What is a computer virus?
A virus is typically a piece of computer program that has been written to cause some inconvenience to a computer user or even cause damage to data on the computer or damage to the way the computer operates.

Where do viruses come from?
Any time that data is received into your computer, it is susceptible to becoming infected. This includes receiving floppy disks, CD's, connecting to the Internet and viewing Web pages or receiving and running email attachments.

What can I do to prevent my computer from contracting a virus?
Using an antivirus program is the best way to keep your computer healthy and virus-free. Anytime you try downloading software, either from a CD-ROM or the Internet, the program will automatically scan the software to see if any viruses exist. Also, be wary of incoming e-mail attachments. If you receive an e-mail that seems out of the ordinary, don’t open the attachment.

I have an anti-virus program on my machine, am I safe?
Not necessarily. Your antivirus software must have updated virus definitions at all times. Even this is not a guarantee that you will be protected when new, rapidly-spreading viruses are deployed.

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