Poor computer health is bad for your business

Published 2:11 pm Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Each day, businesses are faced with new challenges. Although complex and often brushed aside, it is vital to a business to have its computers healthy and running at full speed all the time.

For any organization, awareness through education is one of the primary tools used to achieve strong security levels. It’s important to stay up-to-date on the most current security threats. According to Microsoft’s latest Security Intelligence Report, or SIR, a semi-annual report that provides customers with insights into the threat landscape and resources to prevent potential cybercrime attacks, botnets currently are the backbone of cybercrime.

The word bot, originating from the word robot, refers to automated software programs that perform tasks on a network with some degree of autonomy. Sometimes bots perform constructive, beneficial tasks, but they also can turn detrimental when used by cybercriminals to create networks of compromised computers, or botnets. Today, botnets play a pivotal role as the launch pad for many cybercrime attacks. Businesses must learn how to protect against such threats.

It comes as no surprise that botnets are bad for business, because they provide a gateway for all kinds of malicious threats that can infect your network’s integrity. Microsoft’s comprehensive intelligence helps businesses understand and navigate the threat landscape in an effort to create a safe computing environment for all PC users. Based on the latest SIR, here are three simple actions your business can take to ensure your network and data remain secure and botnet-free:

Keep software up to date: Installing the latest security updates is one of the most important steps organizations can take to defend against threats spread through nefarious exploits. If you have a limited IT budget for your business, you can still get protection by taking advantage of free security tools, like Microsoft Security Essentials, and free antivirus tools from reputable vendors.

Defend against e-mail threats: In addition to using an e-mail filtering service, organizations can take a number of steps to reduce the risks and inconvenience of unwanted e-mail. These include implementing e-mail authentication and avoidance practices with e-mail and links from unknown sources, a common gateway for network malware.

Protect against unsafe websites: Organizations can best protect their users from malicious and compromised websites by mandating the use of Web browsers with appropriate built-in protection features as well as promoting safe browsing practices.

Many businesses choose to rely on outside help to ensure they stay on top of current threats and efficiently maintain the security of their networks. If your business is looking for a resourceful technology vendor in your area, Microsoft’s PinPoint website, pinpoint.microsoft.com/en-US, can help you find technology experts, software applications and professional services companies that can help solve specific business issues including security. Whether you’re looking for an expert for a specific technology or someone local to your business, a database like Pinpoint helps you keep the technology assets that contribute to your success in working order.

Overall, security efforts by the software industry are having a positive impact, and Microsoft remains committed to continuing the education of PC users. Education is key to keeping your business safe and leveraging local technology experts will ensure that your business information stays safe, even without a dedicated IT staff on site.

Jane Dickson is a regional general manager for managed partners in Microsoft’s Small and Mid-market Solutions and Partners group. For free technology tips, visit www.microsoft.com/business/en-us.