Optimised IT
Network and data security are two ongoing challenges businesses are faced with, and in the workplace company data has never been more valuable. There are new threats emerging all of the time and the need for businesses to be in control of their security has never been greater.
Our security solutions
- Email & Internet Content Filtering and Scanning
- Firewall Setup & Maintenance
- Patch/Update Management
- Intrusion Detection
- Policies and Procedure Development
A firewall is a hardware or software device that acts like a barrier around your system or network with access to and from strictly controlled, and limited to applications and locations that you trust. Unfortunately in today’s computer world, there are a lot of devious hackers working diligently to access our information. Where previously the targets were large institutions, today hackers seek out all sorts of personal information including information from everyday home computer users.
A firewall can be software, hardware, or a combination of both. A good firewall will prevent hackers from accessing a computer or network, and it will also keep information from being sent out from your computer without your knowledge, keeping personal information safe. Firewalls don’t prevent virus attacks but in some circumstances they can stop viruses from sending information from an infected computer.
Software firewalls are commonly used in the home environment. A lot of antivirus programs now include firewalls as standard, these do a good job of providing a basic rules based protection system by running an application on your PC.
Hardware firewalls are more common in the business environment where dedicated units have the outside world plugged in one side and the trusted network on the other, although the easiest way to get a hardware firewall for your computer is to purchase a router with a built in firewall. A router is a small device that allows you to network several computers together. Because of the way a router works, it also acts as a hardware firewall.
Periodically scanning for vulnerabilities and proper firewall maintenance enables you to safeguard your IT network and eliminate most of the potential security risks. With a well-planned and implanted policy, malicious attacks on your network can be prevented. As virus threats and worms continue to penetrate the Web, a strong protection policy is needed to keep the network from being infected.
Content Filtering
A content filter is a piece of hardware or software that acts a shield between the Internet and a user’s computer, blocking access from potentially objectionable or offensive material. Most content filter manufacturers compile a list of sites they deem objectionable and classify them under different profiles, for example gambling sites, or social networking sites. These lists can usually be edited, with more sites ‘blacklisted’ to stop access, or ’whitelisted’ if you know the material is safe. Access can be managed by giving groups of users different levels of access.
In a business environment for example, you may want to lock out internet access for a certain group of users, only allow it at certain times of the day, or block any sites which aren’t business related. You can also filter out unwanted emails, helping to stop your inbox filling with SPAM email messages.
For home users, Parental Controls can help manage how your children use the computer. For example, you can set limits on the hours that your children can use the computer, the types of games they can play, and the programs they can run.
