Blog and Resources
We provide information and resources for the Marietta business community to create and maintain an effective online presence using the best practices of web development, promotion, and management. We also present special features and current projects.
Our Partners
Our online website services project; domain names, web hosting, email services. Our flagship project for hands-on managed website services and consulting.
You Can Help
If you would like to see us cover a topic or add a section or new feature, let us know. We'll be happy to investigate. Please send us your comments and suggestions and help us grow.
Contact Us...
|
|
Written by Larry Dearing
|
|
Wednesday, 26 May 2010 12:56 |
Every now and then it’s good to do a quick review of your security situation for working on-line with your computer. There are threats at home, at the coffee shop, and at other public Wi-Fi hotspots just waiting to compromise your security, your data, and even your identity. This is certainly not a comprehensive list and the ideas offered are simply surveyed to get you thinking about how you conduct business on the internet.
Don’t Use Someone Else’s Computer To Access Important Info On-Line
While this is really convenient when you are out and about, how do you know the security of this computer? Does it have key-stroke logging malware on it? Is info from your on-line business being left behind on the computer? Casual browsing is one thing, your vital account information and business is another.
Use SSL Encrypted Connections Wherever Possible
Secure Socket Layer (SSL) connections encrypt all session communication between your computer and the target secure website. On-line banking facilities and reputable ecommerce and other services providers offer this type of connection for your safety. They are identifiable by when the address begins with HTTPS:
Use Caution Conducting Business Over Public Wireless Networks
Coffee shops, parks, and deli’s are the new workplace for many. Public wireless access presents special challenges for securely working on-line. Using SSL encrypted connections are especially important here. If you have the ability to log into a VPN network either at home or at work and use it’s outbound internet connection, this is the safest practice of all. VPN connections or “tunnels” are natively encrypted. Also, you should use a local firewall on your computer to eliminate others gaining access to your computer.
Don’t Set Computer To Remember Passwords
This is the one everyone hates to read. You know it’s not safe but it’s so convenient. Yet, by auto saving your log in information, anyone that gets access to your computer, now has access to your connections and on-line accounts. In the same way, you shouldn’t keep those passwords on your computer. If you must, there are a number of free or cheap “password wallet” programs that save your passwords in a single secure and encrypted file.
Use Different Passwords and Change Them Often
Most people use the same user id and password conventions wherever possible for convenience. You know where this one is going, don’t you. If someone gets your user id and password, they have access to most of your accounts. While you should use different user id and password combinations for your important accounts, it doesn’t have to be difficult. One strategy is a standard “core” password or user id and devise a scheme of prefixes and suffixes for different accounts making remembering them more logical. Also, you should change these passwords regularly. Best practice is three – four times a year. Finally, passwords should be six to eight characters long to thwart automated password breaking efforts.
Don’t Fall Victim To “Phishing” Websites
Phishing websites use official looking links in emails urging you to go to their website and log on to confirm your user id and password, thereby obtaining your account information. There are several clues to look for in the emails or links, but the best rule of thumb is to remember banks and other institutions you deal with online already have your user id and password. If you are uncertain, do nothing with the link and call your institution about this probable fraud. Remember too to use a phone number you have on record for them, not one that appears in the suspect email.
Wireless Router Security At Home
Most wireless routers are easy to set up and use out of the box, because they use common generic administrative id’s and passwords and usually no security. This leaves your computers in the house connected through this router at risk. Always change the administrative id and password on your wireless router and use an encrypted security setting. This requires a bit more set up but well worth the time. You can consult your owner’s manual, contact the router manufacturer, or your local computer geek (with respect) for more information.
Consider A Separate Computer For Your Business Needs
One of the biggest security threats you have to working on-line, and your basic productivity and security can be your best intended loved ones. You cannot guarantee the sites they are visiting are safe, and an accidently downloaded virus or malware can compromise your data, and or render your computer completely unusable until repaired. If you absolutely depend on your computer for business and working on-line, consider a separate computer for family and recreational computing.
Security is something we often simply don’t think about. We assume we’re too small of a target, or that it just won’t happen to us. The truth is a problem can be as close as over your shoulder, or driving down your street with a wireless network sniffer. Reviewing your practices and taking a few deliberate precautions can keep you working safely and productively on-line, wherever it is you prefer to work from!
*** |
|
