Technique

Look What The CAT5 Dragged In

Internet broadband home security affects office security

For most people, one of the major reasons to have a home computer is to be able to work away from the office. A computer combined with broadband Internet access enables us to efficiently transmit work-related materials to and from the office network. Unfortunately, everything from an Excel spreadsheet to e-mail or a file saved on a floppy disk can be a vector for a possible office security breach.

While most office networks have some form of security in place, the majority of home broadband connections are linked straight to the Internet without any precautions. Every computer operating system is subject to compromise via software “bugs.” These holes in the system allow malicious attackers to exploit the computer. Viruses can be installed on the system and later spread to the office network. Worse still, “Trojan horse” programs may be installed that can log key presses and steal passwords.

Sound scary? It’s the IT staff’s greatest fear – no matter how hard you lock down the office, every employee connection represents an unsecured gateway into the system.

That’s enough paranoia; what steps can be taken to secure your home computer?

First, run antivirus software, and make sure that it is updated. Most computers come with a 90-day or one-year license for updates to the antivirus application. If it expires, either pay to renew or switch to a freeware antivirus program, such as AntiVir PE or AVG AntiVirus. An outdated antivirus program is almost as bad as not having one at all.

Use a firewall. At home, I use both a hardware router with firewall and the ZoneAlarm software firewall. Broadband without at least a basic firewall is like painting a target on your chest. I’ve seen systems compromised in less than 30 minutes after having the connection installed.

Keep your operating system updated. Run the latest security updates regularly to patch critical vulnerabilities that could let attackers in. Finally, if you need help securing your broadband connection – hire a technician to lock down your setup and explain the antivirus and operating-system update procedures. The cost is minimal, and the resulting peace of mind is well worth it.

Do you like what you read? Subscribe to Hawaii Business Magazine »