March  2006
In this issue...

>Evaluate Security
>Backup Solutions
>Network Management
>Benefits of VoIP

Evaluate Your Small Business' Security

Small businesses are emerging as a popular target among online criminals. According to the most recent Symantec Internet Security Threat Report, small businesses were the second most targeted industry between January 1 and June 30, 2005 (Education was the most targeted industry). The report surmises that because small businesses are less likely to have a well established security infrastructure, they are more vulnerable to attacks. 2005 was a banner year for cyber attacks, and 2006 promises to be no different, as attackers continue to become more innovative, and their modes of attack more complex. As another new year begins and everyone is back from the holidays, now is a great time to assess your small business information assets and current state of security and address it with a security plan that is supported by the right solutions.

Assess your current situation

Before you can work on a security plan, you need to consider what you need to secure, and who has access to the network. Here are some things you should think about:

Your network -- What kind of protection do you currently have in place? What kinds of connections are being made into the network? Are any employees connecting remotely?

Read on....

A recent study conducted by Insight Express showed that 30% of IT managers estimated that their companies lose at least $10,000 in revenue and productivity after a server failure. For 85% of the respondents, recovering from a server failure takes two or more hours.

The same survey, however, found that many businesses lack backup plans or recovery measures. Thirty-five percent of those surveyed don't back up on a regular basis. Insight Express also found that 54% don't see the need to back up their entire systems more than once a month.

And here's something else to consider: Gartner Research has stated that two out of five enterprises that experienced a disaster went out of business in five years.

For today's small businesses, it is no exaggeration to say that information is the engine of their business. Think about it. Everything about your company - product development, sales, finances, human resources, everything - exists in and is managed through your information system. Information technology isn't just an administrative marvel, either; it's the repository and means of delivery for the information that drives your business. In a very real sense, your information is your company. How you protect it, manage it, and put it to work is the key to business success.

Read on....