In today's tech-centered business world, computer security issues have come front-and-center for small businesses of all types. And for good reason. Your company's computers contain valuable, irreplaceable data that make them a target for hackers, data thieves and others up to no good.

Keeping your computers and their contents safe and secure is crucial to continued business growth, as well as your personal sanity. A breach in security could be disastrous for you and your company.

Security slips can:

1. Lose precious data
2. Leak company or trade secrets
3. Disclose sensitive customer information
4. Unleash viruses on your computers
5. Lead to unproductive downtime
6. Require time and money to correct

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Take computer security seriously

Every business, no matter how small, has computer security needs. If you're operating a network, using email, conducting business through a Web site, using wireless equipment or planning to grow, your security needs can be wide ranging and complex, even for a one-person operation.

I recommend: Download Microsoft's free, yet comprehensive Security Guide for Small Business and visit computer security specialist Symantec where you can request a free Small Business Security Guide on CD. Small Business Computing has a valuable collection of articles under the Security Blanket heading.

Connect with security product vendors online

A wide range of vendors supply computer security products and services designed specifically for small business.

I recommend: The computer security buyer's guide at BuyerZone has helpful information and is a good place to find products and vendors.

Get a firewall

A firewall is a program or hardware device that filters information coming through the Internet to your computer or network. If the firewall detects information that could be destructive to your computers or network, it blocks it. Most small business owners can get by with a software firewall or a firewall that's included in a router (a router is what connects several computers to one modem).

I recommend: Windows XP with Service Pack 2 offers a software firewall. Compare products from Cisco Systems, D-Link, Netgear, and WatchGuard.

Prevent viruses

Viruses can clutter your email inbox with virus emails, make your computer run slower than usual and in worst-case scenarios, erase your hard drive.

I recommend: Protect yourself from viruses with software, such as Norton Anti-Virus or Norton Internet Security for more comprehensive protection. Web-based program, such as Trend Micro and Panda Software, can also do the job.

Block spyware and adware

Spyware is software that shoots your personal information to third parties without your knowledge or permission. Adware is software that displays ads – those annoying pop-ups – on your computer even when you aren't browsing the Internet. These invaders result in network slowdowns, employee frustration and compromised privacy.

I recommend: Microsoft offers a free program that blocks spyware for Windows XP users. Spybot Search & Destroy is also free and worth having on every computer. Lavasoft's Ad-Aware Enterprise and Webroot's Spy Sweeper are highly rated by security experts.

Use passwords

Secure your system, e-mail and network with passwords. Using passwords gives you greater control to limit the number of individuals who have access to your systems and your data.

I recommend: Microsoft and the National Institutes of Health offer password selection advice.

Get free security updates

If you use Microsoft Windows or Microsoft Office, take advantage of the software behemoth's free security auto-updates.

I recommend: Check the latest updates at Microsoft.com.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Back-up your computers daily.
• •  Keep a record (but not on a business computer) of all hardware serial numbers.
• •  Do not send confidential e-mail from a remote location.
• •  Make sure you have a dedicated back-up operating system CD for every computer.
• •  Do not use download managers.
• •  Do not open forwarded e-mail attachments unless you know they're safe.