Keeping your IT system operating safely and efficiently takes thoughtful planning and due diligence. Here’s a short list of some important safety and maintenance details to remember. As always, if you have an IT question or concern, give us a call at (804) 918-7815 or send us an email. We’re standing by, ready to help.
#1 UNKNOWN EMAIL + ATTACHMENT = DANGER
If you receive an email with an attachment from an unknown source, don’t open the attachment. It is likely some type of malware or virus. In fact, a popular malware email circulating today appears to come from FedEx or UPS with a .ZIP attachment. UPS and FedEx will never send you an attachment – especially a .ZIP file that needs to be extracted! Immediately delete the message.
#2 KEEP YOUR ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE CURRENT
Renew your subscription every year. If your PC uses Microsoft Windows but you don’t have a anti-virus subscription, use Microsoft Security Essentials, which are free.
#3 PASSWORD-PROTECT YOUR MOBILE DEVICE(S)
Your laptop, phone, or tablet should require a password before it can be used, and the device should be setup to auto lock after a set amount of time.
#4 SET UP A SEPARATE NETWORK FOR VISITORS
Many organizations provide free wireless Internet access for customers or visitors. Make sure to set up a separate network for this purpose – one that doesn’t provide access to your corporate information.
#5 IMPLEMENT INTERNET CONTROLS
Most organizations should implement some type of content and application controls for their Internet connections. This service will prohibit users from inadvertently going to web sites with malware and viruses as well as prohibit access to non-work-related content.
#6 IF YOU USE GMAIL OR OFFICE 365, THINK MULTI-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION
When multi-factor is enabled, users have access to the email account only after a correct password is entered and a phone call, text message, or an app notification on their smartphone is acknowledged. (Read more.)
#7 REGULARLY PATCH SERVERS AND WORK STATIONS
Make sure all of your servers and work stations are patched on a monthly basis. This task can easily be automated for your convenience.