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Protecting Your Business Communication From Viruses And Malware

Posted by Jay Hands on 24/09/2009 under Other. Currently 25 comments.

Protecting Your Business Communication From Viruses And Malware

Most businesses communicate online. Today, companies increasingly depend on e-mails to do their business transactions. In fact, it has become such a part of the business world that no one thinks twice before sending one out. It was once considered a very safe way of communication. It still is if you use text-only messages. However, businesses cannot run this way. Businesses use email programs that support file attachments and HTML messages. People who write viruses and other malware use these programs and embedded scripts to spread mayhem.

Malware, or malicious software, have been developed purely for financial reasons. These include a variety of viruses, adware, Trojans and worms that inveigle themselves into your system, slowing it down, occupy the precious space on your hard disk, and stop and start applications on their own. Infection of malware in your system can make you lose business data that could be important for you. For this reason, it is imperative that you secure your system against malware that can cause immense damage to your business.

Types Of Malware

Spyware - infiltrates your system without your consent and knowledge. It can enter your system through various means, including your personal or business email messages. Other than collecting your personal information, such as login information and passwords, spyware can use such information to log into your bank accounts and transfer funds and perform other unauthorised transactions. Trojan - is a program that can delete files from your system and destroy your business information. Virus - interferes with your computer's operations. It can corrupt and delete data, erase all information from your hard disk, and can spread itself further through your email messages. In the same way you may receive viruses through the business emails that come in. Spam - is well known to all email users. You receive a huge amount of unsolicited messages through your email, blocking your email servers.

These are in no way exhaustive and there are many more malware.

Protecting Your System

Once you are online, your system is constantly under threat from such malicious programs. To protect your system and your business from such malware you need to ensure you have adequate protection.

To save your business from email viruses, ensure that your security systems are always updated. Ensure that your Internet Explorer is also updated. Ensure that your Security Settings are configured - set 'Download unsigned ActiveX controls,' 'Initialize and script ActiveX controls not marked as safe,' 'Active scripting,' and 'Scripting of Java applets,' to either 'prompt' or 'disable.'

Security Settings can be reached through Tools - Internet Options - Security - and then clicking on Custom Level.

It does not matter whether yours is a small business venture or a large company. You need a solution that is comprehensive and provides maximum protection. Use an anti-virus program that offers the best solution in blocking all malware, and provides regular and continuous updates

Any business that uses online means of communication, such as email, is vulnerable to attacks from malware. You can only protect yourself through adequate security measures.

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