INTERNET FRAUD

Protecting your business against the online threat

Businesses today are becoming increasingly reliant on the Internet to remain competitive, perform daily operations and provide service to a broader market. Therefore it is vital that in an age of internet fraud, organisations take the necessary precautions to counteract these threats to continue to operate free of viruses, spam and spyware.

A recent survey conducted of Australian Small to Medium (SMB) business owners by an online security software company, Symantec found that 46% of businesses have been stung by an internet security threat such as a virus or phishing scam. Consequently, security and reliability of internet usage should be of high importance for business. No longer can a staff member simply log their details into a website without understanding the vulnerabilities of the internet and how to ensure effective security measures have been taken to protect their information.

If the importance of internet security is not acknowledged, valuable information may be obtained by a competitor or unknown perpetrator, malicious data could corrupt networks, time wasting emails may constantly distract staff, or worse still the website may be defaced to produce incorrect or destructive information that can affect corporate brand image. Another area of concern is Internet Connected Mobile Devices. This is a key area of alarm for business information. Hackers are using mobile devices as a key entry point to access information whereby once access is obtained to a mobile device it is only a matter of time before networks are jeopardised.

This all seems a little bit frightening, but it is a very real occurrence all over the world. No matter the size or function of your business, no one is exempt from internet fraud. Ensure that you take the necessary precautions to protect your business.

SOS TIPS TO LOOK AFTER YOUR INTERNET SECURITY

Have your Business Firewall protected: A firewall separates the internet from your network. Firewalls will help protect your business from viruses, DOS (Denial of Service) attacks, hacking and worms. This means that traffic reaching your network is from a trustworthy source. A network firewall is crucial for a business as threats are always around on the internet and if you don't have one your business could be at risk.

Install anti-spam software: This helps ensure that email threats and spam are caught and legitimate business email is delivered.

Encrypt and Secure Mobile Devices: Any device that is connected to the internet should have some form of security software. These devices are not exempt to the perils of internet fraud.

Develop a system for secure passwords: Ensure that important information is kept secure and constantly changed. This includes changing passwords after a staff member has resigned; contract workers or consultants etc have been working on the network.