Internet Security Learning Center

Tangled in the Web

Since virtually every small business will sooner or later encounter some form of cyber threat, it is imperative that they take preemptive security measures to protect their networks, experts said at a recent panel on cybersecurity. "It's inevitable if you're wired that the bad guys are going to try to get you, and it's important to plan in advance," said John Grossman, chief of corruption, fraud, and computer crime for the Massachusetts State attorney general. "What that means for business is that you have to be aware of it, invest resources, and have a plan in place." A January FBI survey calculated the net cost to U.S. business from cyber threats at $67.2 billion a year. Some of the common dangers are phishing, an email scam that directs users to fake Web sites where they are prompted for their personal information, and spyware, software unknowingly downloaded that watches and controls a computer. The first line of defense against online crooks is often a firewall, an electronic barrier designed to safeguard a computer or server. Businesses are also advised to ensure that employees use sound passwords consisting of an elongated string of letters and numbers. Passwords should be changed roughly every two months. Companies must also be sure to keep their firewall turned on and their antivirus software updated. The FTC, the central clearinghouse for identity theft data, should be the first point of contact for a user whose information has been stolen. Victims should also notify one of the three major credit bureaus if credit card information has been compromised, and then file an incident report with local police.

© Copyright 2006 INFORMATION, INC.