12 Steps To Better Security

By Joy D. Russell
October 19, 2001 5:51 PM ET

With the threat of cyberattacks growing, solution providers and their clients can use these 12 basic measures to improve security right away.

The steps come from Telenisus, a Rolling Meadows, Ill.-based MSP focused on security solutions.

Remove active accounts, such as phone, e-mail, Internet and voicemail, belonging to former employees.

Establish a protocol so human resources personnel can notify system administrators when employees leave.

Review Data coming through each network connection. Shut down any where you can't determine remote origin.

Examine how remote and external users are authenticated; use token-based or similar authentication when possible.

Make sure all encryption functions on existing software applications are enabled.

Back up critical systems consistently at another location.

Review Security alerts and vendors' patch announcements. Know what versions of operating systems are in use, seek out alerts affecting them and apply appropriate patches immediately.

Monitor networks, hosts and applications for abnormal activity.

Test the corporate network perimeters to find and fix any vulnerabilities.

Update business continuity plans to define what people must do in the event of a system breakdown.

Classify data based on what's most valuable and critical if compromised. Note how it's protected in storage and transmission, whether in paper or electronic form.

Educate employees to protect information and avoid using easily guessed passwords and improper posting and sharing of passwords.++++++

To continue reading this article, please download the free CRN Tech News app for your iPad or Windows 8 device.

Related: Videos | Slide Shows | Comments

SHARE THIS ARTICLE

More Security

Comments by Vanilla

Recent Articles

	Head-To-Head: Symantec Vs. McAfee In Endpoint Protection McAfee and Symantec are archrivals with a firm grip on the North American security market. CRN pits both vendors' endpoint security products against each other and names a winner.
	The 8 Steps Behind The Massive $45M Cyber Bank Heist More than $45 million was stolen from banks in the U.S. and 19 other countries in a scheme that law enforcement is calling an international conspiracy to drain millions from bank accounts using stolen debit cards and PIN numbers. Here's how they did it.
	Name Of The Game: Top 10 States For Identity Theft A Federal Trade Commission report provides statistics on identity theft and fraud complaints in 2012. Learn which state has the dubious distinction of having the most victims.
	More Slide Shows