Online Security and Backups

Being the Sys Admin for Companion, naturally my first blog entry would have to involve computers.There are a few factors when considering computer security and I’ll do my best to describe those that apply most to people at home.

Firstly backup, it is important. Your hard drive in your computer (where your files are stored) spins so fast that the slightest difference in pressure could destroy it completely… at ANY time and your pc’s hardware warranty won’t help to bring back your lost photos, music or email.

A backup solution can be as simple as buying an external hard drive and copying your critical files to it. Most of them actually come with backup software too; the Maxtor One Touch series comes to mind. With that, if something happens to your computer at least you have your critical files.

Secondly, Antivirus / Internet protection suites, they’re not all made equal. A well known vendor that covers not just viruses but other malware and updates their virus definitions at least daily is the safest way to go. Vendors are offering protection suites which include not only antivirus and antimalware but also a firewall (helps to stop bad guys getting in) among other useful tools that seems the way to go.

Thirdly, updates, when an operating system, or for that matter any program is released, it is imperfect. For this reason, the vendors release updates and patches whenever they discover and fix a potential issue. These issues could allow something malicious to effectively take over your PC or be something as simple as fixing a broken menu item.

Lastly, education and exposure, the more you are aware of any given threat, the more cautious you are and the less likely you are to have an issue. If you avoid dubious websites including those purporting to offer free copies of expensive software and avoid downloading pirated software (especially via peer to peer software like limewire) you will further reduce your chances of falling victim.

While this list is by no means complete there are so many aspects and IT security is a constantly moving target. I do hope that it may be of use to some of you though, please feel free to comment if you’d like to add to the discussion.

Thanks,
Adam Currie
Systems Administrator
Companion Credit Union

March 2nd, 2009 | Leave a Comment »