If you have any questions regarding security issues within your companies - please email: Ian Smith, Senior Business Adviser
Question: I have a feeling that some of my employees may be accessing sites they shouldn’t be on the net, how can I check on this and would I be held responsible for them?
Answer: You can check what sites have been accessed on the internet history tab on the explorer page. To make sure the history isn’t deleted the PC can be set is so it can’t, one of our advisors would be able to assist you with this. As the employer it is your responsibility to ensure your employees are acting accordingly; a thorough security policy will outline your stance on this and ensure your employees have been warned.
Question: My PC keeps acting erratically, sometimes the fan inside seems to go really fast unexpectedly and sometimes the screen freezes without warning, is it time to get a new PC? Answer: It sounds like your PC may have a virus, how up to date is your virus protection and when was the last time a scan or update was ran? Don’t throw out the PC just yet, it can still be salvaged! Give one of our advisors a call and they will be able to advise you on what’s best.
Question: I’ve heard there is a product on the market that may help me deal with groups of antisocial youths congregating close to my business. They are a nuisance and are damaging my business, is there something available?Answer: Yes, there is a product on the market called the Mosquito. It emits pulse’s audible only to young ears and is quite humane. It is fully endorsed and has a British Kite Mark. Call one of our advisers and they will be able to give you more advice on this subject.
Question: I have noticed my staff all seem to have USB memory sticks, do they present any sort of threat to my organisation?
Answer: Yes. Surveys have shown 80% of data stolen is by the companies own staff, and the USB memory stick is the weapon of choice, there is software available that will control who and what devices are used on the companies computers and networks.
Question: Should I allow my staff to use MSN Messenger?
Answer: No. These pier to pier networks i.e. MSN Messenger, Yahoo Messenger, ICQ and many more, are a way of bypassing your security systems and firewalls, they offer an easy way to transfer files out of the company. You should get your IT person to block the ports on your firewall that these networks use.
Question: I get loads of spam emails every day, how can I prevent this?
Answer: You should install a spam filter that will verify emails coming into your organisation. Many spam filters will put valid emails in the spam folder. A mail filter that verifies the email address will ask the sender to input a code, once the code is received it allows the email to pass through. Spam most often comes from dummy email addresses so if no verification code is received the email is deleted, this will stop you having to constantly review your spam folder for valid emails.
Question: I have several representatives that use laptops with their clients. We make sure that when not in use the laptops are secured in their cars boot out of sight, that's the best way isn't it?
Answer: That used to be the advice given by the police but now thieves can detect a laptop even when switched off and certainly in a car boot. The advice now is for your staff to keep the laptop with them at all times. In a hotel the laptop is safer in the room than it would be in the locked car boot.
Question: I’ve just set up a new business and I have been told I should have an ICT Security Policy in place but I don’t know where to start, can you help?
Answer: Yes, use the ‘Security Planning’ link on the left hand side of this website and you will find guidelines to help you write an effective ICT Security Policy.