Data Security

Data Security is a major issue for all businesses (small, home or corporation) and rightly so. With so many potential threats one needs to be aware not just of how your data may be compromised but more importantly what you can do as an individual to protect your computer networking functions and yet maintain the advantages of the whole network (LAN and WAN).

Networking security is something best done through a sequence of:-
1. Identify your needs in terms of data security,
2. Develop a Policy framework for your network security,
3. use this policy to help develop a set of day to day security management strategies,
4. implement, then
5. Ensure you have effective procedures to fully maintain that security.
Finally make sure you regularly program in a security audit so that you are confident with the security policy, networking security, and security systems in place.

Make sure That your IT security takes into account off site backing up and disaster recovery. One hopes that these may not be needed (just like insurance) but if you do not prepare for it you are more likely to need it. Your data security may include some form of data encryption and transfering data on line to a remote location (using a VPN link or Remote Login). It may be that you just use a basic computer networking set up and are happy to use an external hard drive as a backup (taking it off site overnight).

Network security software may be one way to simplify the management strategies. Security software comes in a wide range of configurations and that is why it is best to start by identifying what your requirements are and then locating network and website security available to you. Do not compromise your requirements by getting some basic web security tool taht does not ensure data privacy, application security and effective internet data security. Too many people say you just need a firewall and your security is covered, in reality the firewall is just one small (but important) component in your IT security plan.

If it is database security that is needed make sure your file security (data base file) is triple protected by whole of network protection, access security and that the endpoint security (use of the data) is all properly managed.

Wireless network security is something that has become much more important recently with the explosion of available wireless networks. Wireless security is much more than just creating an encrypted log on password procedure. The whole computer security issue and data storage all need to be fully planned for and include effective information security and data protection without it becoming too onerus on all users. Be careful that your security tools do not compromise your internet security or reduce you access to key areas on the internet either.