November 2008                                                E-Newsletter
 
Geek-Gurui
 
Padlock Security Special

Welcome to the first ever Geek-Guru newsletter. In these newsletters we plan to bring you the latest insider IT information in a fun and informative monthly digest.

It seems like hardly a day goes by without another story in the media about a lost government laptop or confidential data found on eBay. It's easy to laugh these off as corporate foolishness but there are lessons to be learnt for anyone who uses a computer.

Witness the Geek-Guru security special!
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We want these newsletters to be useful; a source of insider IT knowledge and inspiration; not simply another e-mail to fill up your inbox. If you feel there is more we can do to make this newsletters useful to you and your business please
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IT Security & The Law

We've all heard of the data protection act, but what does it mean in relation to IT security?

The act states it is the responsibility of every business to ensure that appropriate measures are in place to prevent data loss or theft. Although larger companies may have a dedicated IT department to deal with these issues, for SMEs the responsibility ultimately lies with its directors.

In a fast changing sector such as IT the threat landscape can change rapidly from day to day. It's therefore easy for businesses to become complacent and lose track of their responsibilities in regards to data protection.

Ideally every company should have a strict policy in place which covers every aspect of security including IT. This should be reviewed on a regular basis with the aim of keeping one step ahead in the security race. By documenting your security policy in light of any recent changes you can ensure compliance with the data protection act and help mitigate the risk of downtime, expensive litigation and a PR nightmare!
Data Protection Act
Principal 7
"Appropriate technical and organisational measures shall be taken against unauthorised or unlawful processing of personal data and against accidental loss or destruction of, or damage to, personal data."

USB DIsk

Top 10 Security Tips

Securing your network doesn't need to be difficult. Follow these 10 simple rules to improve your security today.

  1. Ensure you use complex passwords of at least 7 digits with a mix of uppercase, lowercase and numeric characters.

  2. Ensure your Anti-Virus is up to date and monitored.

  3. Ensure you have a good backup policy in place with backups taken offsite each day.

  4. Ensure all your computers are patched and updated.

  5. Ensure you have an internet and e-mail usage policy in place and monitor that staff are adhering to the rules.

  6. Never send anything sensitive via e-mail unless it's encrypted.

  7. Never divulge the server admin password to anyone not directly involved in network maintenance.

  8. Do not allow employees to access personal mail at work unless they have a business need to do so.

  9. Ensure employees do not store sensitive data on USB disks or laptops unless that data is encrypted.

  10. Ensure your old computers are securely destroyed by a reputable company (not sold on eBay).


If you'd like more information about how you can improve your IT security we have produced a more comprehensive guide which is available on our website:


http://www.geek-guru.co.uk/qd.htm?001
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